The Shawshank Redemption

Year: 1994
Running time: 142 minutes
Certificate: 15
Language: English
Screenplay: Frank Darabont
Director: Frank Darabont
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, Clancy Brown

Dave.

A rare moment of peace at Shawshank prison.

My, oh my. One of a limited number of Stephen King adaptations that isn't complete pants, The Shawshank Redemption is a miracle and it's easy to see why it tops so many 'greatest films ever' lists, even though, like the similarly revered Fight Club, it was a flop at cinemas and found its audience on video. There's something magic about it that is impossible to recreate, even for director Frank Darabont, who tried with the massively over-rated The Green Mile. Andy Dufrense (Tim Robbins) is an innocent man sent to Shawshank prison for murder. Found guilty of killing his wife, Dufrense not only has to cope with the grief of a murdered wife, but has to find some way to survive a dreadful, hopeless hell on earth. Almost immediately, you are forced to the brink of tears as during Andy's first night one of the other new prisoners is beaten to death by the guards for simply being afraid.

We follow Andy as he tries to adjust to his new life of regular rape and constant abuse without the possibility of escape. Instead of being dragged down into the ugly existence many of the inmates lead, Andy's calm and unbreakable demeanor begin to partly uplift the lives of some of his fellow prisoners. When Dufrense risks his neck to secure a few beers for his new friends in the sunshine, his success is giddily euphoric. An accountant in his previous life, Andy uses his expertise to help the corrupt warden Norton (Bob Gunton) and guard captain Hadley (Clancy Brown) amass fraudulent fortunes, and in return, some of the more unbearable parts of prison life - the rapes, for example, - are stopped.

On and on the film pulls you, from horror to sorrow to happiness, increasing in intensity. The lowest point, when Andy's chance for freedom is ruined by murderous and corrupt officials is almost more than you can take, and when it appears as though he is considering ending his own life, you can truly understand why. The repeated phrase "Get busy living, or get busy dying" leads you to think Andy has chosen the latter.

And then, it happens. Everything turns around as you learn of Andy's escape and how he ruins the people who have kept him prisoner and murdered to serve their own greed. The moment warden Norton throws the stone at the poster and it flies right on through gives you such a sense of satisfaction, the effect is heady. Only when you have followed Andy to the brink of despair can you truly appreciate the joy of seeing him free.

Obviously, Tim Robbins is wonderful, putting in the performance of a lifetime, but it is Morgan Freeman as Red, the story's narrator and Andy's closest friend who stands out for me. The scene with the interview in which he is finally granted his release is without doubt one of the finest examples of acting I have ever seen. Unlike, say, Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man, there is no showboating, no grandstanding, only believability. In a single glance, or a slightly lifted eyebrow, Freeman somehow manages to convey to the viewer a lifetime of regret for one stupid act as a young man.

For some, the overly happy ending may be a little too much to swallow. For me, it was entirely necessary after what these two characters have gone through; after what they have made you feel.

This is one of the greatest prison dramas of all time, with only Papillon offering any potential competition.

Score: 9/10

Rachel.

Andy enjoys a short break in the sun.

What can I say? This is one of my all time favourite films. Superb acting and a gripping story of hope and unbreakable friendship; The Shawshank Redemption has it all. Along with some disturbing scenes of prison life, there is light-hearted humour and for the viewer a roller-coaster of emotions. The story is told in such a way that you forgive Red and the others for their crimes and feel overwhelming compassion for all that they go through. As Dave mentioned, I can understand why the ending could have been regarded as a bit over the top. However, I feel it gives a sense of much needed closure and if you're anything like me, a bit of a blubbery moment; oh for the blue of the Pacific Ocean!

Score: 9/10

The Shawshank Redemption is Bill's favourite film of all time (Bill is one of many), but Robbie at The Telegraph is slightly less fervent in his praise than either me, Rachel or Bill, suggesting it falls just short of greatness.