A while back, in 1994, director Frank Darabont delighted us with an interesting film titled The Shawshank Redemption. It had all the makings of a worldwide success, but surprisingly, it went unnoticed in theaters, hidden in the shadow of other releases, at least in some countries. Much was said at the time; critics attacked the director, claiming it was an unoriginal film that replicated a series of clichés portrayed in other productions.
Perhaps they were right, but Frank Darabont’s creation was undervalued, a situation that was remedied when the film reached the home market. Its VHS release was greeted with joy; it didn’t take long for it to become one of those video store hits, which is only natural. Those who hadn’t enjoyed the story in the theaters did so at home. Over time, The Shawshank Redemption has become a classic, beloved by some (placing it in the top 10), repudiated by others, but at least well-known.
What is it about?
The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), an ordinary banker with serious personal problems because his beloved wife is cheating on him. One day, our protagonist decides to murder his wife and her lover. He prepares his gun, ammunition, and so on, but at the last moment, he stops. Or so it seems, because the next day the bodies of both lovers lie lifeless, and Andy instantly becomes the main witness, as he leaves some clues about his planned plan. At trial, there is no hope; Dufresne, a respected banker, ends up sentenced to two life sentences, a punishment maybe undeserved, but in theory, one that must be resolved.
Upon entering Shawshank Redemption, the protagonist will find an environment very different from anything he has seen until then. In any case, it won’t be too difficult for him to acclimatize; he will make friends with a prisoner (played by Morgan Freeman) and will try to help the rest of his colleagues with whom he lives. Through various scenes and situations, we learn more about Andy Dufresne, and finally, we’re treated to a surprising ending. The film undoubtedly incorporates a number of prison stereotypes (sexual assaults, guard abuse, punishments, and material exchanges), but it still makes for an interesting production.
Cast
Frank Darabont had the great opportunity to direct two greats of cinema, Californian Tim Robbins (Nothing to Lose, Mission to Mars) and the legendary Morgan Freeman (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Hard Rain). Alongside them, there’s a group of supporting actors led by people like Bob Gunton (Patch Adams, Demolition Man) and Clancy Brown (Earth 2, Johnny Ryan). In any case, the story revolves primarily around the relationship between the two protagonists, occasionally focusing solely on the experiences of lawyer Andy Dufresne. Aside from the actors, there’s another group of noteworthy characters: the composers. In The Shawshank Redemption, we hear a song by the duo Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts (“Put the Blame on Mame”) and melodies by Thomas Newman (with experience in films similar to Road to Perdition).
The movie
To understand the origins of the film, we must delve into the resume of master Stephen King, who wrote the story The Shawshank Redemption (Rita Hayworth & The Shawshank Redemption). As has happened with other short stories, Stephen King’s brief idea interested several producers, and soon after, the project to make it into a film was launched. Director Frank Darabont, previously responsible for scripts for television series such as Young Indiana Jones and Tales from the Crypt, was hired. Although he had little directing experience, he had a feature film (The Woman in the Room) and a television film (Buried Alive) under his belt. Without a doubt, the opportunity to direct The Shawshank Redemption was a boon to Darabont’s career, and he has since gone on to create wonders like The Green Mile and The Majestic.
The Shawshank Redemption is an excellent story about prisoners, one of those films that has enough spark and heart to make you feel immersed in a plot about self-improvement and the human condition, where its characters are believable from the first to the last sequence. It’s a film that touches the viewer and shows the concept of friendship from a new perspective, created in a place where beautiful things seem impossible to grow, but with characters who refuse to accept their fate and fight to move forward even against a thousand and one difficulties that try to block their path.
It’s an inspiring and fulfilling film, and if that weren’t enough, it’s impeccably directed, masterfully utilizing the resources the director has at his disposal—both in terms of setting, characterization, and even sound—to create a film that is undoubtedly worth enjoying.
Is The Shawshank Redemption good?
The Shawshank Redemption has gained the fame it deserves over the years and has become one of those highly recognizable references. This is aided by its characters, the setting, and some of the film’s excellent dialogue, which transcends the transcendent to break barriers and endure beyond time.
