Stars: * * * * (4/4)
"Get busy living, or get busy dying" - this immortal quote can be attributed to Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) as he sits within the confines of Shawshank Prison in Maine, contemplating the life he could've had. He has been sentenced to two life terms for murdering his wife and her lover in 1947. As Andy arrives at the prison for the first time, the long panning shot of the prison gives us a sense of coldness and isolation, and serve as a perfect introduction. The grey, dark colours of the wall serve as a launching point for the story to take effect.
We meet Red (Morgan Freeman), who forms the second half of the protagonist contingent of this film. He is the "go-to-man" in the prison. If any inmate wants something, as he said: "I'm the guy who can get it for you". Andy spends his first few months in isolation and solitude, whilst at the same time being taunted by Bogs Diamond and his crew of rapists. It is only when he meets Red that the viewer starts to get a sense of hope for Andy, that his life might change for the better. The two strike up a friendship and grow closer as time goes on. As Red says: "Prison time is slow time".
As the film progresses, Andy's educational skills are exploited to good effect by the corrupt warden Norton (William Gunton). Warden proclaims himself a Christian with Christian ideals, yet we learn this is just a mask as he exploits Andy and others to satisfy his greed, and his character becomes more gruesome and loathsome as the film goes on. Andy and Red learn to put their trust in each other, and together find hope in the most incomprehensible enivoronment. They play Chess, a game where strategy and patience is rewarded. It is a game that takes its time. Much like prison and much like life, patience is a virtue. Everything takes time. The viewer is drawn into their world, and once we're drawn in, we join them on their journey.
Every aspect of the film is perfection. From the sharp editing to Darabont's valient yet subtle script (forms the backbone of the narrative). He never once does he try and force any of his ideas on the viewer. His direction is flawless, whilst he and cinematographer Roger Deakins paint the setting of the grim environment of the characters we love so much. Thomas Newman also deserves special mention for his hauntingly beautiful score.
The Shawshank Redemption has stood the test of time. Instead of fading into obscurity like so many other films, it has grown with each passing year. It is the film that other films should aspire to achieve in terms of it's message. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are excellent in their respective roles (Freeman being nominated for the Best Actor Oscar, but Tim Robbins has an equal or even bigger claim to that position), and the supporting cast put in mesmerizing performances, in particular James Whitmore as Brooks. A small but pivotal role, his performance is that of subtle brilliance as the audience joins him in his struggle to come to grips with his ailing life. A Best Supporting Actor nomination surely would've been just rewards for his performance. The Shawshank Redemption was nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and walked away with none. One will not find too many injustices in the history of cinema more then this one.
The Shawshank Redemption is a remarkable film about hope, friendship and the courage to never give up. It is a modern cinematic Masterpiece, and deserved every accolade it was so viciously denied. It gives the universal message for all those who are trapped prisoners in their own lives, a message of utmost importance:
"Fear can hold you prisoner, Hope can set you free".
"Get busy living, or get busy dying" - this immortal quote can be attributed to Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) as he sits within the confines of Shawshank Prison in Maine, contemplating the life he could've had. He has been sentenced to two life terms for murdering his wife and her lover in 1947. As Andy arrives at the prison for the first time, the long panning shot of the prison gives us a sense of coldness and isolation, and serve as a perfect introduction. The grey, dark colours of the wall serve as a launching point for the story to take effect.
We meet Red (Morgan Freeman), who forms the second half of the protagonist contingent of this film. He is the "go-to-man" in the prison. If any inmate wants something, as he said: "I'm the guy who can get it for you". Andy spends his first few months in isolation and solitude, whilst at the same time being taunted by Bogs Diamond and his crew of rapists. It is only when he meets Red that the viewer starts to get a sense of hope for Andy, that his life might change for the better. The two strike up a friendship and grow closer as time goes on. As Red says: "Prison time is slow time".
As the film progresses, Andy's educational skills are exploited to good effect by the corrupt warden Norton (William Gunton). Warden proclaims himself a Christian with Christian ideals, yet we learn this is just a mask as he exploits Andy and others to satisfy his greed, and his character becomes more gruesome and loathsome as the film goes on. Andy and Red learn to put their trust in each other, and together find hope in the most incomprehensible enivoronment. They play Chess, a game where strategy and patience is rewarded. It is a game that takes its time. Much like prison and much like life, patience is a virtue. Everything takes time. The viewer is drawn into their world, and once we're drawn in, we join them on their journey.
Every aspect of the film is perfection. From the sharp editing to Darabont's valient yet subtle script (forms the backbone of the narrative). He never once does he try and force any of his ideas on the viewer. His direction is flawless, whilst he and cinematographer Roger Deakins paint the setting of the grim environment of the characters we love so much. Thomas Newman also deserves special mention for his hauntingly beautiful score.
The Shawshank Redemption has stood the test of time. Instead of fading into obscurity like so many other films, it has grown with each passing year. It is the film that other films should aspire to achieve in terms of it's message. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are excellent in their respective roles (Freeman being nominated for the Best Actor Oscar, but Tim Robbins has an equal or even bigger claim to that position), and the supporting cast put in mesmerizing performances, in particular James Whitmore as Brooks. A small but pivotal role, his performance is that of subtle brilliance as the audience joins him in his struggle to come to grips with his ailing life. A Best Supporting Actor nomination surely would've been just rewards for his performance. The Shawshank Redemption was nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and walked away with none. One will not find too many injustices in the history of cinema more then this one.
The Shawshank Redemption is a remarkable film about hope, friendship and the courage to never give up. It is a modern cinematic Masterpiece, and deserved every accolade it was so viciously denied. It gives the universal message for all those who are trapped prisoners in their own lives, a message of utmost importance:
"Fear can hold you prisoner, Hope can set you free".
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