Why Shawshank Redemption is Great

Our teacher, Mr. Bennett has belittled many our favorite movies. In response to this, I have devised a study on why one of these movies is indeed great. One of the most highly acclaimed pieces of cinematography, The Shawshank Redemption directed by Frank Darabont, is probably my favorite movie. Though it may lack moral ambiguity, it is great not only because this innocent man ultimately survives the corrupt system of the prison, but also because he learns that he must rise up and rebel against the warden and others by out-corrupting them. He learns to both maintain his principles, as seen by the scene where he plays that Italian opera music despite the fact he realizes it will result in severe punishment, and be opportunistic, never forgetting that his only real goal is to escape the prison, taking advantage of the power he is given by the warden. Our hero, Andy Dufresne, is an independent man but still a "team player," as seen when he builds the library and helps others gain their GED. Although this movie lacks moral ambiguity, I feel it doesn't need it. Rather, it is substituted by the fact that the main character is a just man but is denied justice, and instead of waiting for someone to save him, he saves himself. While others in the prison are products of the system, Andy creates his own system and despite being in jail, he continually expresses himself and accomplishes more than most people who are free.