THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994)

What is the power of HOPE?
Well it’s an abstract question to answer. But here is a wonderful attempt with best possible artistic means to answer it in cinematic experience & I think that it’s this ultimate experience in all its subtlety which made this film maintains Number 1 position in IMDB from many years. But at the same time I strongly believe that there are so many other stronger & powerful films which deserve this position.

The film portrays a story of Andy who spent twenty precious years of his life in hell like prison for the crime which he had not committed at all. How he befriended with Red-a fellow prisoner who spent more than forty years of his life time in the prison for the crime he has committed in his stupid youth. Slowly & gradually reticent Andy becomes a miracle prisoner not only for other inmates but also for the warden too. With his staunch faith he transformed the prison library into one of the best prison library. With cruel Warden’s cold blooded murder of the fellow prisoner who revealed a proof of Andy’s innocence, there’s left a total vacuum for Andy. But ‘Hope’ plays its significant role in the last twenty minutes of the film which changed the life course of Andy & his sole friend Red. The last scene of the film is really heart touching.

Tim Robbins has given a performance of life time as Andy Dufresne. It was really academy worthy act but that was the year when Tom Hanks comes with one of his best- ‘Forrest Gump.’ Morgan Freeman played Red with such aplomb that it was surely irreplaceable character for any other actor. And how can I forget that old librarian fellow Mr. Brooks played by great character actor James Whitmore who made his present felt in such a small but memorable role. Its surely creditworthy direction of Frank Darabont which made this film impeccable on many corners- visuals, screenplay, editing, acting & background score.

I know most of you have watched the film years ago if you are movie buffs but than for all others who still postpone watching this- It’s a great film & an experience not to miss.

Ratings-9/10