I'm all for an inspirational story. A tale of exceeding the limits one has been confined too. Overcoming great odds. Is that not the dream everyone has? To be better? To be more? In this regard, people are suckers for a good inspirational story. The reality, as most people find out, is that life offers very little of these dynamics. I've always preferred the films that provide inspiration and realism in the same. Where even the slightest triumph can provide meaning to the characters in the film. Such titles as One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, On The Waterfront, and Cool Hand Luke. The main character may not have to even survive to provide the inspiration.
The Shawshank Redemption is considered by many to arguably be the most inspiring film made. It tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a man who is sent to prison for killing his wife and her liver although he is innocent. While inside he befriends a man named Red. Red has become content with life inside the prison, while Andy keeps up hope.
My greatest criticism of this movie is how it tries to make life inside the prison seem horrible. I'm not saying prison is a cakewalk, but I mean, come on. Are they seriously trying to make the Warden appear so evil when he has lines like this, "The woman can't cook worth shit anyways." Ooooo, I'm so scared! Then he *SPOILER ALERT* kills Tommy. Ohhhh nooooo! It tries to be hard, but in the end the story just does not offer any conflict worth a darn.
The only part of that film that truly moved me was *SPOILER ALERT* when Brooks is set free and decides that rather than live a life where he is serves no purpose, he takes his own life. That is a real character dilemma culminating in a meaningful, significant end. It reminds me of another Stephan King/Frank Darabont film called the Green Mile. It pulls no punches in it's portrayal of inspiration.
I love debating about this movie. It's one that unanimously is loved. Sometimes I wonder if it's just a mistake on my part. Too bad it ain't.
You mustn't forget the Sisters, the terrible terrible group of bullies that give Andy such a hard time during his early years in prison.
ReplyDeleteRemember, "Sometimes he won the fights, most times he lost"?
Horrific. Worst Prison Ever. I'd rather share a cell with Chopper.