Andy Dufresne, a banker from Maine, is sent to Shawshank Prison in 1947. At the plant, he makes friends with Red, who helps him get a hammer and posters hiding a mysterious tunnel. Andy starts working in a laundry, where he becomes a victim of the “Sisters” gang. The situation changes when, thanks to his financial knowledge, he gains the favor of the guards and chiefs, which ensures him relative safety.
Over time, the hero develops the prison library and helps other prisoners with education, although his loyalty to Warden Norton leads him to moral dilemmas. The key moment is Tommy’s discovery that Andy is innocent. The warden ignores the evidence and has Tommy killed and Andy put in solitary confinement. After being released, Andy escapes through the tunnel, taking evidence of the warden’s corruption. A year later, his friend Red also regains his freedom and finds Andy in Mexico.
“The Shawshank Redemption” is based on Stephen King’s short story “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” from The Four Seasons. Although King is famous for his horror literature, it was this inspiring story that won the hearts of viewers.
The author himself initially doubted the success of the adaptation. “The script is great, but there is too much talking,” he admitted in one of the interviews. Nevertheless, Frank Darabont, the film’s director, convinced him to sell the rights for a symbolic check for a thousand dollars. After the premiere, King sent back this check framed with a note: “It was a good investment.”
Initially, the film was not a box office success, which was the result of strong competition, including: “Pulp Fiction” and “Forrest Gump”. Over time, however, it gained the status of a classic, and King described it as one of the best adaptations of his work.
One interesting detail that sparked discussion between King and Darabont was the appearance of the tunnel through which Andy escaped from Shawshank. King thought it was too perfect – even unnatural – for the prisoner’s manual labor. However, Darabont reassured: “The audience won’t notice because they will be too busy crying.” And he was right – the emotional power of this scene overshadowed any minor imperfections.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the premiere, King also shared an anecdote from his first joint screening with Darabont. During the final scene, the director was concerned about the appearance of Tim Robbins’ makeup, which seemed “too fluid” to him. King smiled and replied, “Don’t worry, people will cry.” This only shows how well the creators understood the emotional dimension of the film.
“The Shawshank Redemption” offers a wealth of symbolism, which makes it a work open to interpretation. Many people see Andy as an allegory of the messiah whose suffering leads to the redemption of his fellow prisoners. Even the place of escape – Zihuatanejo – resembles a paradise where you can find peace and freedom.
Critic Mark Kermode argues against the religious interpretation, seeing Andy as an Enlightenment figure. According to him, the hero does not seek redemption, but offers his fellow prisoners tools of education and hope for a new life.
The film can also be read as a metaphor for every person’s life. The walls of Shawshank symbolize the routine that limits us, and Andy’s escape is the courage to step outside the comfort zone. The character of Brooks, who cannot find his way in freedom, shows how difficult it is to give up the habits that have defined our lives.
Despite seven Oscar nominations, the film did not win any awards. However, the lack of awards did not affect his popularity. Darabont’s work has become a symbol of the power of friendship, hope and determination, reaching subsequent generations of viewers. “The Shawshank Redemption” not only delights, but also inspires, reminding us that there is strength in each of us to overcome the most difficult obstacles.
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It was a financial flop. Today this film is loved by millions