The Shawshank Redemption is one of the greatest films made.
Image: Donald Tetto, reused under CC license
What makes it special is that we’re not looking at the story of Dufresne. That story, itself, is incidental – what matters is the way the lives of those around him are affected, culminating with Red’s change of attitude towards the parole board.
Here’s what Dufresne is:
1. Relentless and determined, even when everything goes against him
2. Caring and selfless
3. Constant – no matter what hardships come his way, he’s not getting angry or changing identities.
That’s what allows him to effect such a profound change in those he meets. And it’s those changes that are important.
The question is:
Whose life are you changing? And how?
