248. The Shawshank Redemption; movie review

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
Cert 15
137 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong violence, sexual threat, language, suicide

I have watched many re-releases during the coronavirus lockdown but none has passed the test of time as well as The Shawshank Redemption.
Its advantage may be that, as a period drama, it could have hit the screens at any time and been successful.
Or it is just fantastic storytelling combined with brilliant acting.
I am opting for the latter although, ironically, it wasn't a box office hit first time around. In fact, it only became a worth-of-mouth sensation after its video release.
Its allure is founded on director Frank Darabont's brilliant adaptation of Stephen King's novella (he also went on to write the screenplay for the Green Mile).
Morgan Freeman's narration layers perfectly over the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), the naive new inmate at Shawshank prison.
This is arguably Freeman's best role - as the cynical lifer gradually building a bond with the quiet but deliberate former banker who is jailed for murdering his wife and her lover.
We end up rooting for both men but, as Freeman's character, Red, describes, Andy initially faces a tough time in a merciless environment.
Indeed, the movie is as memorable for its villains as it is for its heroes.
These include Bob Gunton as the warden - a ruthless disciplinarian who exploits Andy's head for figures to his own ends.
Then there is Clancey Brown as the vicious Captain Hadley who appears to get kicks from the violence he metes out.
Mark Rolston is also worth a mention as Bogs who takes his sexual kicks from beating before exploitation.
The Shawshank Redemption is the classic encounter of brains over brawn - a thoughtful battle against adversity.
Freeman has rightfully received many plaudits but Robbins' performance should never be understated. I can't recall any heroes being less showy but so effective.
It is a magnificent movie and is as fresh in 2020 as it was on release 25 years ago.

Reasons to watch: A true classic
Reasons to avoid: Tough scenes

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 10/10

Did you know? The movie was filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. The prison was shut down three years earlier in 1990 following a prisoners’ class-action lawsuit for overcrowding and inhumane living conditions.

The final word. Tim Robbins: "I think the testament of a great film is that it still resonates with people years and years after it was made. And so to be part of a film like that is such an honour." EW.com

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