Truly a Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (9 January 2001)

The Shawshank Redemption affords us the opportunity to experience the unique magic of hope, ironically, found in a setting not conducive of such hope: a prison.
Simply put, this transcendent film explores the human condition ranging from blinding rage and sinister avarice to hopeful realism and utter disenchantment.
Played by a selection of actors supplying a wealth of talent to the film, the supporting characters, though differing on the surface, share the one trait of disillusionment, either through glib, passive resignation or fiery, active disgust.
But the principal character, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), does not share this disenchantment, at least not totally. He clings to hope and basic transcendental principles while facing adversity after adversity. Though even Andy becomes shaken from time to time as he is pummeled by the events of life, either induced by the nefarious calculation or hopeless despair of others, he continues with the battle.
Andy is the consummate individual, disallowing what others say to him, invalidating what others do to him, and ultimately defying what would appear to be reality itself in what seems to be a simple effort, primarily, to better his life and, secondarily, to shine the light of hope into the lives of those around him. Indeed, though it would seem that the fates occasionally step in and lend Andy a hand, the awe-inspiring potential for hope must have been intrinsic and innate. And the fact remains that those same fates damned him in the first place. But perhaps, it was all part of the journey...
Well, enough of my thoughts! See for yourself--I easily rate this film as a ten. :-)