A Throwback to Intelligent Cinema of the Past (The Shawshank Redemption (DVD))

Member Name: huggy2009

Product:	The Shawshank Redemption (DVD)
Date:	21/06/09 (31 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great story, scripting and characterisation

Disadvantages: none

This is one of the most popular films of the last twenty years starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. Based on a short story by Stephen King, Andy Dufresne (Robbins) is sentenced to Life in prison for the murder of his wife and her lover, he find prison life hard and struggles to adapt, but he retains hope and this allied to his imagination mean that he eventually learns to adapt to Prison life and with the help of Prison fixer 'Red' (Freeman) however he also has to deal with threats from inmates, the main warder who forces him to cook accounts, Andy sinks into depression and his friends fear he may kill himself, but something far more elaborate is in store.

Tim Robbins - Andy Dufresne
Morgan Freeman - Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding
Bob Gunton - Warden Norton
William Sadler - Heywood
Clancy Brown - Captain Hadley
Gil Bellows - Tommy
Mark Rolston - Bogs Diamond
James Whitmore - Brooks Hatlen
Jeffrey DeMunn - 1946 D.A.
Larry Brandenburg - Skeet
Neil Giuntoli - Jigger
Brian Libby - Floyd
David Proval - Snooze
Joseph Ragno - Ernie
Jude Ciccolella - Guard Mert

This film is absolutely brilliant, you grow with Robbins character as he deals with the street toughs and villains and becomes a respected member of the prison, the ending to the film is exceptionally well thought out and makes you realise that sometimes you have to do whatever you can to survive, but also that anything is possible with hope.

The character development is excellent, Freeman is brilliant as Red mixing a feeling of hopelessness with the enjoyment of being needed by his fellow inmates, the prison atmosphere is well created and the acting is top notch.

I enjoyed the film cinematography which reminded me of old classic films from the 1950's, I actually had to watch the film twice as the first time the ending was too complicated for me, but I would advise you to bear with it, concentrate and it will all make sense, it's a thoughtful film with heart and a real understanding that audiences want to be challenged and not spoon fed. It won a number of awards and thoroughly deserved them, its an intelligent adult film for adults.

Wordy and well thought out, it felt like this was a throwback to intelligent cinema and it was well received by audiences around the world.

Summary: A Throwback to Intelligent Cinema of the Past