There's not a whole lot I can say about this classic that hasn't already been said. But I just can't help but talk about it. It is undeniably one of the best movies ever made.
First of all, let me just say that this movie has probably the best soundtrack ever made. The prison theme at the beginning is so powerful and moving that it's almost exhausting. Just epic, epic stuff. And then of course, the theme at the end of the movie, which is one that even if you haven't seen this movie, you probably have heard. A good soundtrack helps to bring out the emotions of the story, and these songs just perfectly aid the film's tone and atmosphere.
This is also maybe one of the greatest screenplays ever. The plot is so well-structured and the characters so convincingly drawn out that this should be required reading for any screenwriting class. There are tons of characters here that pop in and out of the film at various times, but Shawshank perfectly balances them and gives everyone depth. Even the minor characters.
The goal of (good) movies is to, in the end, say something about human nature or expose something about our daily lives. As you probably know, this is referred to as the theme. Shawshank features themes so powerful and relevant that I'm not sure a film will ever again be able to capture. This movie encapsulates the chaos and disorder that is most of our lives. The bottom line is that nothing that happens in Shawshank prison is fair or even has a reason. But at the end of the day, the dominating message is how powerful hope and friendship are in this world, and how we can escape the sometimes random and unfair happenings of our lives when we are strong-willed and filled with spirit.
To close, let me just say this: if you watch the "Brooks was here" scene and don't feel any moisture welling up behind your eyes, you have no soul my friend. You are an android.
