That Shawshank movie

The Shawshank Redemption. To be honest I wasn't compelled to watch this movie based on its title alone. A friend recommended the film after I asked about the movies she collected. But that was 10 years ago and I being 11, had been quick to give this movie a miss. Maybe it was because '101 Dalmatians' sounded more interesting to me at that time. Although I had no clue what it was about, The Shawshank Redemption sounded too much like a post-World War 2 movie, riddled with complicated history and messy politics.

But no. This turned out to be one heck of a movie and I'm glad to be able to appreciate it fully now, thanks to my housemate who lent it to me. The film was inspiring and ridiculously captivating all through the end. I don't think a good gist of it from me would settle it. Maybe keywords like "integrity", "perseverance", "improvisation" and "hope" should do it. It's a must watch.

Red, played by Morgan Freeman, narrated some parts of the film and also appears as Andy, the main character's friend. His narration adds to the sense of wonder you get from watching these people live out their lives in prison. Each character with his own way of dealing with routine carried out within prison walls. Here, Red reminisces and hopes of meeting Andy again outside of Shawshank prison :

"Sometimes it makes me sad, though, Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged, that's all. Their feathers are just too bright... and when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice... but still, the place you live is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend."

"I find I am so excited I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it is the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain... I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."

5 stars from me.