If I'm picking out a movie to watch, it's either a comedy or a Disney movie; I usually don't like dramas or horror, and I like sticking to my comfort films. I decided to try something different for once, and I watched 1994's The Shawshank Redemption.
Directed by Frank Darabont and based on the Stephen King's "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption", the movie is set in Shawshank State Penitentiary. You had your usual fights, sexual assaults, and, of course, attempts at prison breaks. While I wasn't really expecting to like it all that much because I knew that the prison would be violent, it turned out to be a great movie.
Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is wrongfully serving two consecutive life sentences for two murders that he didn't commit. You would think that the movie would go along and show how Andy was able to finally prove his innocence, but in reality we were able to see what redemption looks like: the challenges, growth, possible outcomes, success and failures, and seeing the concept of freedom through the eyes of different prisoners.
This movie allowed me to understand how these prisoners felt, being trapped in a set routine and not knowing how they would ever be able to function in the real world again. Andy showed a different kind of outlook, demonstrating that true freedom is fueled by pursuing what's meaningful and to enjoy the things that bring us happiness. In a way, everyone becomes prisoners in their own lives, getting stuck into the same mundane routine every day and slowly losing purpose and forgetting the meaning of life and freedom. People let work and school overtake them until they are left with nothing.
Andy connects with the audience to help show that even in the worst possible situation (like wrongfully serving two consecutive life sentences in the harshest prison) you should still focus on the things that are meaningful to you and bring you true happiness.
I love the story Shawshank Tells, it is a household favorite in my family so we watch it all the time. I agree with your point about engagement! The way the medium is pushed from film to audience is one of the best i have ever seen. Tim Robbins does such a good job in the entire film getting you to feel how he feels. Especially when he escapes and he gets free, you could feel the relief for him. Morgan Freemans character Red also elevates this film too with his narration and kindness to Andy.
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