THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

Frank Darabont's "The Shawshank Redemption" may very well be Hollywood's quintessential prison film. It includes many of the essential elements in a story of confinement; the high-walled, barren setting, a complicated community of inmates, and a villainous and corrupt overseer. However, while Shawshank Prison is the setting of the film, and ultimately the cause of the characters' difficulties, what this film brings, far more essentially than a prison story, is one of movie history's best friendship stories.

Adapted from a short story by author Stephen King, the film chronicles nearly twenty years in the prison lives of Andy Dufresne and Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding. Both men are seen serving life sentences for murder, although Dufresne is truly innocent of the crime which he was sentenced for. As he becomes acclimated to his new life of incarceration, Dufresne befriends Red, a veteran of Shawshank, and quickly becomes a popular figure amongst the captives and the prison guards. While many of the jailbirds grow to appreciate and depend on the penitentiary, Andy Dufresne subtly proves to be less compliant than those around him.

Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman each deliver iconic characters with their leading roles. As Dufresne, Robbins brings an air of intelligence, curiosity and innocence (both legal and moral). His delivery is understated, yet complex, which is essential to outlining his character as a unique presence compared to his fellows within Shawshank. Morgan Freeman narrates the story, telling of Andy's intelligent defiance through the point of view of his friend Red. With Red, as he does in many of his best roles, Freeman creates a sense of experience and wisdom. His character, while developing a strong liking for Andy, appears in many ways as a foil for Robbins', and must bring about changes within himself to truly achieve his elusive "redemption".

As I stated earlier, the friendship between Andy and Red is the true catalyst for the deeper subjects which become central in this film. The characters introduce the themes of hope, camaraderie, and, of course, redemption. Being so comfortable with his prison existence after years of captivity, Red is initially unable to grasp and understand Andy's enduring sense of hope. While many of the prisoners engage in senseless conflict and monotony, Andy builds his library and brings knowledge and learning back to Shawshank. His presence as the intellectual leader amongst them gives the inmates optimism. The development of Red in particular spurs the question of whether or not society's most violent criminals are able to be rehabilitated and redeemed. Knowing early on that Andy Dufresne is innocent of his crime, we as the audience easily sympathize with him. Freeman's character lends himself to far more complicated interpretations. Red has a legitimately violent past, but in his years of punishment has become a peaceful man who understands the nature of the people around him and is increasingly comfortable with himself and his situation. Although viewers are conscious of Red's history, offenses, and flaws, he becomes a character who we hope to see find peace upon the story's payoff.   

While escape is often at the center of movies about prison, "The Shawshank Redemption" brings about its climactic breakout artfully and triumphantly. The humble Andy Dufresne is deservedly allowed the chance to finally be in control of his own life, and while his return to the outside world is less daring and dramatic, so is Red. It seems ironic that this film creates such an uplifting bond between its characters, as much of it is set in a place which would normally be filled with despair, but these deep characters are exactly what makes the film so significant. Direction, acting, writing, and even music combine to make "The Shawshank Redemption" an air-tight production, but ultimately its characters make it an unforgettable film.

RATING: 9/10