Rewind Wednesday: The Shawshank Redemption

Now this movie right here is what you call a "certified classic" movie. This 1994 American drama is based on the Stephen King novella, "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption". It would star Tim Robbins as Andrew "Andy" Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding.

The film portrays Andy (Tim Robbins) spending nearly two decades in Shawshank State Prison, a fictional penitentiary in Maine, and his friendship with Red, a fellow inmate. This movie demonstrates the potential gap between initial box office success and ultimate popularity. Despite a lukewarm box office reception that was barely enough to cover its budget, The Shawshank Redemption received favorable reviews from critics and has since enjoyed a remarkable life on cable television, home videotape, DVD and Blu-ray. Yet it still continues to be hailed by critics and audiences alike, even after 15 years from its initial release, it is ranked among the greatest films of all time.



Many critics and viewers have interpreted the film as a Christian parable due to its handling of hope, original sin, redemption, salvation, and faith in the afterlife. However, in the director's commentary track on the tenth anniversary DVD, director Darabont denies any intent to create such a parable, and calls such interpretations of the film "fantastic." Others have also pointed out that the film's tidy dispatching of its principal antagonists - Hadley's tearful arrest, the Warden's suicide, and Bogs' paralysis - would seem to have more to do with Old Testament retribution than New Testament redemption. In addition, Andy's destruction of a Bible to enable his escape points toward a more pragmatic outlook. Some may even suggest that suggests that the film provides a great illustration of how characters can be free, even in prison, or unfree, even in freedom, based on one's outlook in life.

This is one of those films that really makes you think about life and how you should live it to the fullest everyday regardless of your circumstances. As Andy would state, "get busy living or get busy dying", now I know which one I would choose. Do you?




Its amazing how in 1994 it would be nominated for for seven awards (Best Picture, Best Actor – Morgan Freeman, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Sound), but would not win one single award due to the shadow of Forrest Gump.

With themes of faith and hope, there is a definite religious subtext to be found here. Regardless of your faith and beliefs this is an unforgettable and timeless piece of film history.