One quality which both the film and the filmmakers possess is patience. Made in 1994, I’ve heard more about this movie in the recent past than I ever have before. The reason for this could be because two other movies released the same year; “Forrest Gump” and “Pulp fiction”, the former of which bagged five Oscars! It took half his character's prison time before Frank Darabont before he got what he deserved. Never have I seen a movie which took me to such great depths, and never have I felt so rewarded after watching a movie.

The presentation is such that the viewer feels he’s doing a life sentence along with the characters, and that’s the biggest compliment I can give to its makers. A moving story of hope, the reason why it’s so different from other movies of its kind is because it does not just talk about the restoration of hope but also shows that you truly need to believe in it. One concept it dealt with which I have not come across in too many other movies, is salvation, summed up beautifully as “salvation lies within”.

As the uptight banker, Robbins’ acting is extremely subtle, while his hardened friend, Freeman has a role which shows dignity (which he possesses naturally), and an extremely witty sense of humour. One more aspect which really appealed to me was that Robbins is the protagonist, while Freeman is the narrator. A format I haven’t seen earlier. Through Freeman, we are taken on a journey involving a startling discovery which leads to redemption, unlike most other movies which have a linear story which leads to a happy ending.

I’m betting Nasser’s role in Anbe Sivam was inspired after watching this movie, although the two movies have no connection in terms of story whatsoever, I digress because the concept of a villain who is extremely religious, god-fearing, downright corrupt and a total tyrant seemed like too much of a coincidence.

Freeman, who serves as the story’s timeline as we see the progression of his term through hearings at 20, 30 and 40 years, does not believe in hope. When Robbins tells him that hope is something you have to believe in and is something intangible. He replies, “Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.” And as he observes the amount of Robbins has to endure, I thought the story was downright pessimistic and cynical. This is highlighted even further when he is unjustly punished by the warden who is not willing to let go of the financial consultation that Andy has offered at dirt cheap rates.

But our man goes on because of his faith in himself and in god, and just when you think he’s at his lowest low, hope is rescued.

I won’t try to describe the story, as it will only make it seem like a depressing experience. But that’s the reason why the movie was so good, because of the methodical manner with which it showed us that hope is not to be lost. Agreed, we have all seen our share of inspiring movies, but Shawshank takes credit for its ability to speak more than all of them put together, and I’m not exaggerating. But let me not reveal anything, for you should watch the movie yourself to understand what I mean.

Hope is something beautiful, and one must never lose it. Andy showed Red, and Shawshank showed us all.