I have always been an enthusiast for the movie The Shawshank Redemption. It is definitely, without a doubt, one of my favorite movies of all time. With an extraordinary and thrilling plot that grasps my attention and never releases it, no matter how many times I watch this movie, I feel like it is my first time. The Shawshank Redemption is overflowing with a meaningful message that goes beyond your average plain Jane film. The renown actors portrayed in this movie add to the awesome plot and message. Last but not least, the setting of The Shawshank Redemption gives it a mysterious twist. After all, I do love movies about prison. However, The Shawshank Redemption is not only about a clever and brilliantly planned prison break, it is about a man finally redeeming the freedom that was unjustly stripped from him.
The link below is the movie trailer for The Shawshank Redemption.
http://www.videosurf.com/vembed/1229444967?width=520&height_vs=450&isAutoPlay=false
The above movie trailer is not near enough evidence to show how brilliant this movie truly is, in fact, it only scratches the surface of what really lies within this gripping film.
In order for a movie to be considered amazing by my standards, the plot must be one of a kind. It has to steal my attention and hold it hostage for the duration of the film. Therefore, the plot for The Shawshank Redemption absolutely meets those standards, if not exceeding them. From the very beginning to the end, I never lose interest. This movie begins with Andy in court being charged for two murders he did not commit and sentenced to two life sentences back to back. He goes to prison and meets Red, a fellow inmate, and they become good friends. Over the years, he dabbles in a few hobbies here and there. He also goes through hard times when he is sexual harassed by other inmates, but that does not last for long because he is ironically helped out by Captain Hadley, one of the prison guards. All the while, for twenty years he is planning his great escape, but he does not let anyone in on the secret. Then, one night, he feels like it is time for him to leave, he disappears from his cell by escaping through five hundred yards of sewer pipeline. The following link, is a very important clip of Andy's escape. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neO5fnwQjqg Within time, his escape is figured out by the corrupt warden, but Andy is far gone by that time. To conclude the plot, when Red is finally let out for parole after being denied several previous times, he meets up with Andy on a beach by the Pacific Ocean.
To the left is a still from the film of Red and Andy reuniting by the Pacific Ocean.When a good movie portrays a message, that message is one of triumph, endurance, success, justice, or happiness. It must make me think about life in a different view than I normally would. The Shawshank Redemption depicts this message like no other film of its time. This movie sends a message of hope to the viewer. It shows them that even though they may be in a bad situation, freedom in some form, whether it is physically, mentally, or emotionally, is always an option. Even though when hope is first mentioned to Red by Andy and he rejects it, towards the end he realizes Andy was right. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K30e9O3Nng The previous link is to a clip of when Red finally gets out on parole and is reading a letter from Andy telling him where to meet him, and that, "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.." This clip better helps to portray the meaningful message of The Shawshank Redemption.
Acting in a good movie must be flawless and seasoned in their skills. The actors must embody their characters and portray them to the fullest. The actors in this inspiring film are fairly known, especially Morgan Freeman, who plays Red. Beside Red in the list of main characters, there is Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, Warden Norton, played by Bob Gunton, and Captain Hadley, played by Clancy Brown. Protagonists include Red and Andy,and the antagonists are the warden and Captain Hadley, a violent prison guard.
To the left is a photo of Andy and Red in the prison courtyard. The actors in The Shawshank Redemption have an impact on my impression of the movie because Morgan Freeman is one of my favorite actors, and Tim Robbins is not far behind. Morgan Freeman also narrates in this movie from time to time, and I find that very helpful and interesting which makes the movie more unique.The setting of a brilliant movie must be somewhere I find intriguing,and prison is one of those places. For some reason, I enjoy watching movies and shows about prison, and I find them quite entertaining. Therefore, The Shawshank Redemption wins the grand prize for having all the qualities of a brilliant film. The time is modern so I can relate to the events occurring with ease. Set in a fictional prison, The Shawshank State Prison, this movie exemplifies the perfect setting.
Overall, The Shawshank Redemption is a movie that I will always come back to for years to come because the plot, message, acting, and setting can be compared to no other. It is truly one of a kind.
