You are warmly invited to attend our next film evening, for a viewing and discussion of ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (run time 2 hrs 23 mins). A 1994 movie based on the short story by Stephen King, “The Shawshank Redemption” tells the story of an upper-class white banker in post-World War II America who is wrongfully convicted of murder. Tim Robbins plays the banker, Andy Dufresne, and Morgan Freeman is “Red” Redding, the black murderer he befriends in Shawshank Prison.
Andy uses his past experience to secure a job in the prison library. This position gives him some freedom of movement, access to resources, and a chance to assist some inmates. Andy also balances the prison books, including the laundering of bribes taken by the warden. For some time, Andy balances his precarious position in the prison hierarchy while inspiring fellow inmates to improve their lives in various ways. This balance is toppled when the warden sends Andy to solitary confinement on a pretext. Soon after he is returned to his cell, Andy disappears. The circumstances of his disappearance form the satisfying and redemptive resolution of this film.
Exploring themes of hope, friendship, freedom, perseverance, and of course, redemption, this is considered by many critics as one of the best movies of all time. We hope you will join us for the experience of this excellent film and an in-depth discussion of its many themes.
