Joy. Pain. Fear. Hope. Love. Good times. Bad times. Tears. Hugs. Peace. Kindness. All words or actions that describe the most important thing a person will ever have — a friend. “The Shawshank Redemption” (based on the short story by Stephen King, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption”) is the one time Hollywood made a film about “true” friendship. The two characters were not friends so they could party or find women. Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and Ellis Redding (Morgan Freeman) form a bond that pulls us into the screen and then sends us back into the world with a better understanding of the word “friend.”
Announced guilty for the murder of his wife, Dufresne (in a role Robbins said “was the best script I’ve ever read”) is sent to Shawshank prison to serve a life term. Becoming friends with Red (Freeman said “it was the one time I told my agent, I can only do this movie if Tim Robbins does”), Andy tries to adapt to prison life, and goes on an unforgettable journey with Red inside the prison walls. The 135-page screenplay was adapted from a an approximately 50-page story. The director Frank Darabount was a first-time director when he did “Shawshank Redemption.” However, he had been writing movies for nearly 20 years and selling his scripts for more then a decade. Darabount broke into the business when he wrote the ‘80s horror classic “The Nightmare on Elm Street 3.”
The most beautiful thing about this movie (aside from the “perfect” writing) is the cinematography. It is a gorgeous movie! It gives us a few of the best shots ever put to film. This is the only movie I would not change a frame, a word or anything about it. It’s a beautiful painting that brings out every emotion you have. I watched this film 4 times on the big screen. At the time I was only 15. I’m now 32 and this film fills my heart with love and gratitude for the friends I have.
With the top 10 this week, I wanted to switch it up and give you movies that are totally opposite of “The Shawshank Redemption.” In my reviews this month I will be exploring movies that were made by first-time directors. So remember to check in every Sunday. I only present films worth seeing. No criticism here, just sharing the journey of cinema with you.
Animation Movie Month at Lihu‘e Public Library means the free screening of “Spirited Away” on Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Call the Lihu‘e Public Library for future film dates and titles. Two free movies a month will screen at Lihu‘e Public Library every month into 2011.
Year: 1994
Studio: Warner Brothers
Director: Frank Darabount
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman
Oscar Nominations: writing, score, sound, editing, cinematography,best actor (Freeman), best picture
1. 48 Hours (1982)
2. Lethal Weapon (1987)
3. Twins (1988)
4. Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
5. Thelma and Louise (1991)
6. Grumpy Old Men (1993)
7. Grumpier Old Men (1995)
8. Swingers (1996)
9. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
10. Harold and Kumar: Escape from Guantanamo Bay (2008)
