Released nationwide in October of 1994, this $25-million dollar drama film directed by
Frank Darabont unfortunately failed to earn much of a profit, and was initially considered
a flop.
Thanks to especially strong word of mouth, it became the most rented home video of 1995
though, and its frequent broadcasts on basic cable have since made the 142-minute picture
an American classic - and IMDb's number one top-rated film of all time.
The R-rated story, based on the novella, "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption", by acclaimed
writer Stephen King - follows Tim Robbins , an innocent banker from Maine serving consecutive
life sentences in the titular prison.
During his decades on the inside, he bonds with the wise Morgan Freeman (in an Oscar
nominated role)... whose booming narration ties together the lengthy narrative.
William Sadler, Gil Bellows, and elderly character actor James Whitmore round out the unique
group of fellow ex-cons.
Robbins also faces off against a host of devilish adversaries; a violent gang of prison rapists
led by Mark Rolston, Clancy Brown as uncompromising and sadistic guard, and Bob Gunton in perhaps
his most iconic role; as the positively despicable and corrupt warden of the penitentiary, who
has no issue leveraging Robbins' banking talents for financial gain, only to turn around and
toss him in a dark cell for months at a time.
The portrayal of these inspirational and frightening characters is accomplished with the highest
caliber of skill from all involved, including a particularly poignant scene when Robbins
realizes his mantra for survival, "Get busy living... or get busy dying."
Set during the mid 20th-century, the allegorical tale of hope and freedom organically meanders
from one interesting vignette to the next.
It could be argued that many smaller arcs could be excised for a leaner plot, but it's
these personal moments that build such a rich and moving tapestry; especially a sequence
focusing on Whitmore's release from prison as an old man... struggling to deal with the
psychological consequences of being institutionalized his entire adult life.
Or Robbins' small act of defiance when he plays a portion of Mozart's " Marriage of
Figaro" opera over the prison's PA system - facing certain punishment in
the process.
The period-authentic vernacular is laced with inventive phrases and colorful insults, allowing
for more than a few lighter moments in an otherwise somber picture.
Not to be understated is Oscar-nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins's work behind the lens... masterfully
filling the 16:9 frame with sweeping shots of the beautiful stone prison, shot on-location
in Mansfield, Ohio.
Every shot is so meticulously crafted, showcasing the lights, shadows, and emotion of every
scene so perfectly, it's a wonder production actually finished ahead of schedule.
The strings-heavy soundtrack from Thomas Newman is an atmospheric and moody one, swelling
to full volume during the film's spectacularly glorious final act - one of the best in cinema
history.
A marvelous technical accomplishment in every facet, it's a true shame that this near-flawless
piece of storytelling did not win any of its seven Oscar nominations... losing several
of them, including a "Best Picture" nomination to "Forrest Gump", which as incredible as
it is, was perhaps the less deserving film that year.
An effortlessly immersive and satisfying experience, that is enjoyable on every viewing, "The Shawshank
Redemption" is "A triumphant masterpiece of filmmaking."
Now let's hear some of your reviews from the YouTube comments.
Our scores now for "The Shawshank Redemption"... two TENs.
No real surprise here, the film has remained fixed atop IMDd's top-250 list for good reason,
this is a remarkable, and supremely enjoyable movie - praise was unanimous for all points.
So rarely does a fictional story inspire as much as this one, it gets an almost-perfect
score from me, an easy AMAZING - one of my favorite movies.