I don't know how to describe a movie that is very, very well made. And when this movie dates back 30 years, when I am aware that there are hundreds of articles and thousands of sentences written about it, my job becomes even more difficult. I even gave up writing for a while, but since I'm still here, let's start.
If I tell you 40 years of the story of a man who had to ask permission to urinate, I am only presenting you one of the pieces. Or if I tell you the drama of a man who was released from prison when he was old, it would be as simple as adding salad to the main course. If I talk about the existence of a character who suffers the worst possible pain for a crime he did not commit, words would be inadequate. Moreover, as someone who believes in the power of words, I can easily make this analogy.
When you are locked up for decades and then suddenly get out, what do you find most difficult to do? My answer to that question would be everything. When all you see for decades is stone walls and people who tell you when to eat, bathe, go to the toilet, and use psychological-physical violence, you forget how to live, even how to breathe. Not to mention the process of adapting to the technology and people that have changed over the years.
When freedom is lost, the value of some things is better understood. Even the definition of freedom can change after years of captivity. For some of us, freedom is being able to do anything at any time, while for others it is being kept under lock and key. Because in a changing life, not being able to adapt to anything and being a stranger to normal life is more difficult than being locked up.
Even though I said it was going to be difficult at the beginning, I admit that I didn't have any difficulty up to this point. Look, I haven't even gotten to the name of the movie yet. Anyway, let's get the mystery out of the way. I'm talking about the 1994 movie The Shawshank Redemption, which I think everyone has seen. Some even watched it over and over again like me. I don't even remember how many times I watched it anymore, but I enjoy it as much as the first time.
Throughout the story, where the perfect definition of captivity is given through a few characters, detailed descriptions are presented about what instantaneous decisions can cost. Each presentation turns into a sermon to be taken as a lesson. And every dialog sets the stage for the most valuable words. In short, every scene throughout the movie has a different value, and it has already taken its place in history as one of the masterpieces that should be watched without blinking an eye.
Each character has done his/her part and given the movie the greatest value he/she could, but I would like to talk about 3 characters that stand out for me. I already started the article by talking about these three characters implicitly without naming them. Now let's elaborate a little more.
Brooks Hatlen (played by James Whitmore), who has spent almost his entire life in captivity and has no clue about the outside world, adds the highest level of drama to the film. Not knowing how to live can be scaled up to deserving to die.
Ellis Boyd Redding (played by Morgan Freeman) had the strongest personality as a character who adapted to the bad conditions of his environment and made a role for himself. His strong personality, memorable in the most difficult circumstances, was worthy of inspiration. Morgan Freeman's acting was mesmerizing in every scene he was in with his mastery.
And Andy Dufrense (played by Tim Robbins), the unifying element of the whole story, of the characters. His perfect poise, acting and genius is evident in every scene of the movie. It was a pleasure to watch him shaping, directing and foreknowing everything that happens. It gives the same pleasure every time.
I don't think there is anyone left who hasn't seen The Shawshank Redemption, but if there is, I think you should stop what you are doing and watch it immediately. Even watch it again after a short time and then again and again and again...
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