Hi all!,
I saw this movie for the third time today. It is an exceptional movie. I thought of writing a review immediately. I see that this movie has been rated with 5 stars by 10 different reviewers and concur with them without a doubt. It is a little bit lengthy by hollywood standards(150 mins). Every minute is worth it and not a single scene is a waste.
This movie is about <b><i>LIFE & Hope</i></b> at the times of despair. Based on a <b><i>Stephen King</i></b> Novella and screenplay by <b><i>Frank Darabont</i></b> who also directed the <b><i>Green Mile</i></b> by King. Although nominated for seven Oscars, this deserving movie didn’t get one. This is sheer extraordinary piece of cinema.
Now coming to the technicalities of the movie. Some wonderful tagliners of the same
<b><i>’’Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.’’
’’It takes a strong man to save himself, and a great man to save another.’’</i></b>
<b><i>Story Line</i></b>
Andy Dufresne(Beautifully portrayed by <b><i>Tim Robbins</i></b>), is a successful investment bank VP in Portland, Maine. He is wrongfully accused of murdering his cheating wife and her lover, who is a Golfer. He is sentenced to double life imprisonment and sent to Shawshank Prison.
Ellis ’Red’ Reddings (Oscar nominated <b><i>Morgan Freeman</i></b>), who is the actual narrator of the movie, is an inmate of Shawshank and claims to be the only guilty man inside. He is denied parole many times and he becomes ’’institutionalized’’ in Shawshank. Being an eternally gregarious optimist, Andy develops friends inside the prison with inmates as well as the warden/guards. There are many sub-stories and plots inside this movie, all beautifully explained. These plots beautifully explain the meaning of life and hope. I thought of refraining from explaining the full plot for the same reason. You gotta live the movie to understand.
Andy’s mentoring, efforts, intellect and unexpected act that leads to the masterful climax are beautifully picturized by Darabont.
Red is an awesome character, beautifully portrayed by the wonderful actor, Morgan Freeman.
<b><i>Technicalities</i></b>
Actors
Tim Robbins ====> Andy Dufresne
Morgan Freeman ====> Ellis Boyd ’Red’ Redding
Bob Gunton ====> Warden Samuel Norton
William Sadler ====> Heywood
Clancy Brown ====> Captain Byron Hadley
Gil Bellows ====> Tommy Williams (Originally offered to <b>Brad Pitt</b>)
Director
Frank Darabont, Also wrote the screenplay. Univ. Of South. Cal awarded Frank Darabont & Stephen King for the script & story
Cinematographer
Roger Deakins
Editor
Richard Francis-Bruce
Music by
Thomas Newman
Other Praise
The music, cinematography, art decor and costumes make this a wonderful one, visually as well as for the ears.
This movie has some sub-plots that are awesome. Stephen King deals with excellent human emotions and this movie makes you think, long after you are done watching the same.
<b><i>Bottom-line</i></b>
This all-time great movie is one of my personal favorites now. If you have seen Darabont/King’s green mile, it doesn’t come any where near this movie, not even close. This is a must watch. You gotta see this many times.
This movie is a moral-booster and tells you telling tales to keep your hopes alive during troubled-times. How to take things easier even when you are victimized. How to take things in an ever-positive manner.
Watch this great movie, without fail.
Hope that helps. Looking forward to your comments.
Let there be peace on this earth, always
Inquizitor