Hope is something that every human being should have. However, having only hope is not enough. We must try, dare to try to find or even create opportunities for ourselves.
But there are many people who are entering the state of “hopelessness”, perhaps because they have too much expectation, or perhaps because they are not trying hard enough, or perhaps they are trying too hard for something that is not right, etc.
But no matter how hopeless we are, we can always create new hope, as in the example of a movie called The Shawshank Redemption , or in Thai, Shawshank: Friendship, Hope, Violence, an old movie from the past that has become popular again on Netflix.
This movie was first released in 1994, but it was a flop on the day it was released. However, it has been popular ever since, becoming an immortal movie that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world to this day. This movie is considered another very good movie that provides lessons, ideas, and encouragement to people of all ages and eras. It is also suitable for the current situation in our country, because we all need “hope.”
Synopsis The Shawshank Redemption – Shawshank, friendship, hope, violence
The main character of the story, Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, is a young banker who was arrested for the murder of his wife and her lover due to the influence of alcohol. But Andy did not commit the murder, but with all the evidence at the scene pointing to him, he was sentenced to life in prison at Shawshank Prison in 1947.
“Friendship can happen anywhere, anytime, and on any occasion.”
In Shawshank Prison, Andy’s first friend and best friend is Red, played by Morgan Freeman. In the story, Red is sentenced to life imprisonment and has been in Shawshank for 20 years. Red is a person with quite a lot of connections. He can find products from outside to sell to people in prison. He can find what Andy wants, which is a 6-7 inch stone carving hammer to carve stones, which is Andy’s favorite hobby. (Who would have thought that because of this stone carving hammer, Andy was able to escape from Shawshank Prison?)
“Knowledgeable people are always in demand, no matter where they are.”
Andy has knowledge of finance and taxes. He helps prisoners avoid exorbitant taxes levied by the government. With Andy’s ability and reputation in this matter, Warden Norton is interested and has Andy help him with accounting work. Andy helps Warden Norton launder money that he got from corruption. He turns that dirty money into clean and legal money by creating a fictitious person named “Rendall Stevens” to use in money laundering. (Who would have thought that Randall Stevens did not actually exist? He had a social security number, multiple bank accounts, and paid taxes.)
“It’s a terrible thing to have to accept responsibility for something you didn’t do.”
One day, Andy learned the truth from a prisoner’s mouth that someone had murdered the banker’s wife and his lover, but the husband had to suffer the consequences and was arrested and imprisoned instead. When Andy learned about this, he went to Warden Norton and told Wang the whole story, hoping to have the case reopened for reconsideration. However, his request was denied. (The truth was revealed, but why did Andy still have to continue to be punished for a crime he did not commit? Why didn’t the Warden help him?)
“A world of injustice can force good people to find other ways to survive.”
When your best isn’t working, you have to choose another path, for a different outcome. One morning, Andy disappeared from Shawshank Prison. Yes, he escaped from prison after serving a total of 19 years. Andy used his little sledgehammer to dig a hole, which became a tunnel, and he was able to escape.
Then after Andy got out of prison, he withdrew all the money from Warden Norton’s account under the name “Rendall Stevens”. In addition, Andy also sent all the evidence of Warden Norton’s corruption and bribery to the police. As a result, Warden Norton had to decide to take his own life to escape the charges.
After that, Andy’s story also inspired Red. After Red tried to get parole to get out of prison many times, Red finally got a chance to get out of prison and met Andy again.
What we learned from this story
In fact, there are many interesting aspects, but for this article, the admin would like to present the following perspectives on work and life.
“Hope is a good thing, because hope is what keeps us going.” – (1)
If we still have hope, no matter how many obstacles or problems we encounter, we will be able to think of a way to solve the problems or get through those obstacles. For example, in many parts and episodes in this story, such as Andy’s story, he has shown that after being unfairly judged and having to go to prison,
If he had chosen to live as a hopeless person, life would have been worse than before. But Andy chose to have hope as his foundation. During the 19 long years in prison, if he had no hope at all, Andy would have stayed in prison until the day he died. But in the end, he got out and made many bad people pay for their sins.
“Determination, determination and effort are the path to success.” – (2)
Who would have thought that a small carving hammer could drill a hole or tunnel, allowing Andy to use it as a way to escape from prison? In the story, Red even joked that if Andy used the carving hammer to dig a hole or tunnel to escape, it would definitely be impossible, or if it was possible, he would be old and dying.
But with Andy’s determination, perseverance and effort (he didn’t care what others thought), after being in Shawshank Prison for a while, he started digging tunnels ever since. It took him about 19 years in total until he was able to escape.
Interestingly, how did he manage to remove the pieces of rock from the hole in the wall? And how did he dig it up? Why doesn’t anyone know? You’ll have to watch and find out.
“Make full use of the opportunities and resources you have. Don’t waste time waiting for opportunities.” – (3)
Andy, before he went to prison, was a banker. When he found out that the prisoners and wardens had problems with taxes (not wanting to pay and, more importantly, money laundering), Andy offered to help the prisoners and wardens, which led to him receiving many privileges.
In other cases, those who are already in prison, such as Red’s case, have been in prison for over 20 years, living in despair. When they lose hope, they don’t try to use the opportunities or resources they have, letting their lives go as they please. Fortunately, Andy showed his determination, perseverance, and didn’t wait for opportunities, but instead created them himself. This made Red fight again by requesting parole, even though he had to request it many times. In the end, Red was released from prison as well. If he hadn’t done this, he would definitely have stayed in prison forever.
“Sometimes we have to dare to think and dare to do things that we or others have thought were impossible.” – (4)
The possibility is a matter of individual attitude and perspective towards any matter or situation. For example, in Andy’s case, because he saw and thought outside the box, if he had believed like other people who had been in prison before, he would not have seen the possibility or possibility of getting out of prison.
Because he had hope and believed that it was possible, he chose to take action and did it continuously, regardless of what others thought or criticized him. In fact, we should be like this too. Life would definitely be better than before.
What’s interesting is why he thinks like that and why he dares to do what others say is impossible. You’ll have to follow along and find out.
“No matter how bad the situation is, we must believe in ourselves and rely on ourselves as much as possible.” – (5)
A person who relies on himself can overcome problems and obstacles more easily than a person who relies on others. Andy’s example clearly shows that he chose to rely on his abilities and knowledge because the system he lived in was unreliable. Everyone, whether it was the guards or the wardens, used him for their own benefits without thinking of helping Andy receive justice and get out of prison.
Because both the guards and the wardens have their own secrets. If Andy helps them, they will be much more comfortable. Then why would Andy be released from prison? For this reason, Andy has to rely on himself and find his own way to get out of prison instead.
Conclusion
This movie should be an example and a lesson for many people who are discouraged or have to face problems, obstacles or injustice.
Many parts of this story give us many good ideas and ways of thinking. The admin would like those who have never seen it to try to find it and watch it. When you finish watching it, you will know that the problems we face are very small.
You can watch this at https://www.netflix.com/title/70005379.
