Introduction
A journey is often more important than the destination you reach; a popular message that is represented in both the films Cool Hand Luke and Shawshank Redemption. Both of these movies focus on the themes of determination and self worth, even while being set in the bleak lives of prisoners in intense prisons with seemingly no hope. Still, these films create a sense of motivational drive in individuals and have even changed the lives of the people who view them. Furthermore, it is these themes that caused both of the films to gain popularity in average film goers and critics alike, reaching the status of critical acclaim and cementing themselves in the archives of human history. However, both the films each have their own views …show more content…
Throughout his stay he endures rape, abuse by prisoners and guards alike, and becomes involved in a corrupt scheme with the prison warden. To endure the prison and remain sane, he takes up hobbies such as rock carving, and even strives to help his fellow prisoners. For example, Andy builds a library and teaches prisoners so they can survive outside of prison. Secondly, he manages taxes for the prison staff for free. However, with patience, and making the right friends, he escapes and is able to enjoy a dream life with the illegal money he earned through the warden. On the contrary, Cool Hand Luke, follows the story of Luke, a former veteran caught drunk and vandalizing public property. During his sentence, Luke defies both the head prisoners and guards, gaining respect among the prisoners. Sadly, the guards do not feel the same, any time Luke is caught they torture and beat Luke near to the point of insanity. Finally, Luke reaches a breaking point and escapes one last time, however when he is caught by the police, he does not go back, he instead gets killed by the warden to end his cycle of freedom and …show more content…
Throughout the film, Andy strives to always maintain a calm attitude and resolve situations peacefully and reasonably. For example, when Andy is confronted by both guards and prisoners alike on several occasions, he never fights them or tries to escape, and instead works and tries to turn the situation into one beneficial for both sides. Furthermore, he accepts his punishments for disobeying guards or the warden, even if he disagrees. By falling in line like the rest of the prisoners, Dufresne is able to blend in and deceive his enemies by appearing harmless. Actions like these are easily recognizable, gaining the attention of the critic Roger Ebert. Ebert suggests that, “[Andy Dufresne] accepts the good and the bad as all part of some larger pattern than only he can fully see.” (The Shawshank Redemption Movie review, 1994). One could even say that Andy Dufresne works with the system in order to achieve his goals, playing with both the prisoners and guards to achieve his freedom. This is recognizable in the scenes where Dufresne utilizes his skills as a banker to assist the guards with their taxes. Consequently, Dufresne is securing his safety by becoming not only a prisoner, but now an asset. To illustrate, later in the film after nearly being beaten to death by another prisoner, the guards
A journey is often more important than the destination you reach; a popular message that is represented in both the films Cool Hand Luke and Shawshank Redemption. Both of these movies focus on the themes of determination and self worth, even while being set in the bleak lives of prisoners in intense prisons with seemingly no hope. Still, these films create a sense of motivational drive in individuals and have even changed the lives of the people who view them. Furthermore, it is these themes that caused both of the films to gain popularity in average film goers and critics alike, reaching the status of critical acclaim and cementing themselves in the archives of human history. However, both the films each have their own views …show more content…
Throughout his stay he endures rape, abuse by prisoners and guards alike, and becomes involved in a corrupt scheme with the prison warden. To endure the prison and remain sane, he takes up hobbies such as rock carving, and even strives to help his fellow prisoners. For example, Andy builds a library and teaches prisoners so they can survive outside of prison. Secondly, he manages taxes for the prison staff for free. However, with patience, and making the right friends, he escapes and is able to enjoy a dream life with the illegal money he earned through the warden. On the contrary, Cool Hand Luke, follows the story of Luke, a former veteran caught drunk and vandalizing public property. During his sentence, Luke defies both the head prisoners and guards, gaining respect among the prisoners. Sadly, the guards do not feel the same, any time Luke is caught they torture and beat Luke near to the point of insanity. Finally, Luke reaches a breaking point and escapes one last time, however when he is caught by the police, he does not go back, he instead gets killed by the warden to end his cycle of freedom and …show more content…
Throughout the film, Andy strives to always maintain a calm attitude and resolve situations peacefully and reasonably. For example, when Andy is confronted by both guards and prisoners alike on several occasions, he never fights them or tries to escape, and instead works and tries to turn the situation into one beneficial for both sides. Furthermore, he accepts his punishments for disobeying guards or the warden, even if he disagrees. By falling in line like the rest of the prisoners, Dufresne is able to blend in and deceive his enemies by appearing harmless. Actions like these are easily recognizable, gaining the attention of the critic Roger Ebert. Ebert suggests that, “[Andy Dufresne] accepts the good and the bad as all part of some larger pattern than only he can fully see.” (The Shawshank Redemption Movie review, 1994). One could even say that Andy Dufresne works with the system in order to achieve his goals, playing with both the prisoners and guards to achieve his freedom. This is recognizable in the scenes where Dufresne utilizes his skills as a banker to assist the guards with their taxes. Consequently, Dufresne is securing his safety by becoming not only a prisoner, but now an asset. To illustrate, later in the film after nearly being beaten to death by another prisoner, the guards