|
Now, Ten Years Later, everyone that
should’ve shelved out their $15 bucks to see the film on release, has,
thanks to Video and DVD. Not only that, it’s ranked as one of the most
loved films of all time. Yep, quite a few notches before that aforesaid
Van Damme release.
Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, Shawshank
– could really spare the synopsis in this case, couldn’t I? – centres
on Andy (Robbins), a man whose sent to prison for apparently killing
his wife and her lover. Of course, he didn’t do it – which makes him an
all-the-more nice guy.
In Prison, he meets Ellis "Red" Redding, a
lifer. Also a nice guy. Together they spend 19 years together in that
seemingly inescapable prison – hint, hint – sharing everything to each
other and slapping a set of eyes on the back of each others head so
they can keep an eye on one another. It's quite touching just
mentioning the bond.
Based on a short novel by Stephen King,
"Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption," this is as far-removed
from anything King’s done in his career. It shares similarities with
the horror-expunged Stand by Me, but it really does
fit into a box of its own.
It’s epic drama, no more, no less. Pity you
cinemagoers or the Academy – it was nominated for a heap in 1994, but
won none – didn’t recognise that first time around.
At the end of civilization, it’ll be nice to
see where Shawshank sits on that greatest films of
all time list.
DVD Extras
The wholly deserving 10th Anniversary
Special Edition is nothing short of good, good, stuff. There’s a new,
very informative audio commentary by director Frank Darabont,
galleries, trailers, some very lengthy, and captivating, documentaries,
and a spoof called “The Sharktank Redemption”.
Conclusion: Movie 90% Extras 85%
|
