Essay On The Shawshank Redemption

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The Shawshank Redemption, based on the novel Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Steven King, highlights the harsh reality of prison life. Frank Darabont sucks you in with every shot, swirls you around . . . and doesn’t spit you out until the last scene. The film follows Andy Dufresne, played by Tom Robbins, from the time he arrives at Shawshank Prison in 1947. Wrongfully convicted of killing his wife and her lover in cold blood, Andy stays one step ahead of everyone using Red—confidant and convicted murder—as a lifeline. Entangled in hope, among other unmentionable things, Andy escapes through a sewage pipe in 1966 bringing the feel-good movie full circle. Accompanied by a powerful soundtrack, eighteen awards and thirty-seven nominations …show more content…

Weaved throughout the storyline, Andy seems to struggle with the daily aspects of prison. On a more analytical level, the well-written story encompasses how Andy; affects Reds, whose eyes the story is told through, ability to survive outside the prison. Everyone faces their own Shawshank—an experience that forever shapes an individual—Red explains how over time men are institutionalized by the bleak gray walls. Over time the walls that are meant for confinement, become support. Andy becomes the definition of redemption. And his redemption is twofold. Andy brings justice to the prison system when he escapes and withdrawals all the dirty money he had been filtering for the warden at the prison. Andy also saves Reds life when he confides in him about the box buried underneath the oak tree. This profound exchange provokes true emotions, touching the hearts of its viewer denoting the film as one of the best ever made. Tim Robbins (Andy) and Morgan Freeman (Red) are both outstanding in their roles making this movie number one on IMDp’s list. Although lengthy at one hundred and forty minutes, The Shawshank Redemption is a must see movie for the upcoming holidays. It’s themes and memorable characters leave the audience in high spirits. If you don’t fall in love with this notorious movie, you’re far past

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