The Shawshank Redemption.

Essay by qwertygalHigh School, 10th gradeA+, May 2003

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The Shawshank Redemption

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A cleverly created movie exploring the emotional side of prison life, Shawshank Redemption is like no other movie. It on one side shows the brutality and neglect prisoners face, but on the other hand the shows the friendship, courage and hope that they share that one day they will be on the other side of the prison walls.

Frank Darabont challenges the movie mould and explores several different themes throughout the film. Its actors superbly recreate a time not so long ago where the gap between the rich and the poor was huge, Racism was rife, harsh crime bills existed and where all a man had to fall back on were his friends, and the hope that he will make it through the day.

Set in the early to mid 20th Century, the movie's protagonist Andy Dufrense (played by Tim Robbins) is accused of murdering his wife and her lover.

Dufrense is sent to the Shawshank New England Prison where he makes a strong bond with Red (played by Morgan Freeman), his gang and the wise Brooks (played by James Whitmore), who shares his knowledge and wisdom with Andy. The story is told in flashback by Red, with a few action scenes thrown in to create a feast for the eyes.

The action scenes are based around Andy's and the other prisoner's conflicts with the prison warden, prison guards and a few of the prison rapists. Top class actors brilliantly perform these scenes and they create an authentic feel to the movie. The theme of friendship that runs throughout the movie is brought to life with the characters of Brooks and Red who show the lighter and darker sides to being institutionalised. The film steers away from stereotyping and gives us a glimpse of...