Mentor and the Shawshank Redemption The Shawshank Redemption showcases a memorable and heartwarming mentor and mentee relationship. Red, as a seasoned old-timer, is a credible mentor to Andy, a young man sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. Morgan Freeman (Red) and Tim Robbins (Andy) give memorable performances that add to the credibility of their onscreen mentor and mentee relationship. Red's steadfastness and insight provide Andy with an emotional rock through years of imprisonment. He also provides advice that helps keep Andy safe from physical harm. At the same time, Andy is a believable and like able mentee, whose personal strength lets him keep onto the hope that ultimately gets him out of prison.

As the mentor, Red, is Red is an old timer in the prison. He says he is the 'Sears and Roebuck' of the yard, meaning that he can get almost anything for a price. He is true to his word, and ultimately provides Andy with the tool (a rock hammer) that gets Andy out of prison. Red is a kind man who admits that he has done a bad deed, and ended up in prison. He realizes his guilt, and has accepted that he must pay for his crime.

Andy Dufresne, as the mentee, is a believable foil to Red. Andy is not guilty of his crimes, and is justifiably aching to get out of prison. Red acts as a stabilizing influence on Andy, and helps guide him through the perils of prison life.

Morgan Freeman, as Red, is believable as Tim Robbin's (Andy's) mentor. In his performance as the narrator of the film, Freeman quickly establishes his credibility...

His deep and soothing voice gives an aura of paternal comfort and trustworthiness. Freeman almost exudes father-like concern and wisdom simply through his speech, making the viewer believe his role as mentor and sage. Further, Freeman's acting is exactly right on for the role - he is calm and understated, making Red's character believable and likeable. He is also clearly relishes the role, and an observant viewer can see Freeman enjoying his performance. In large part, the believability of the mentor and mentee relationship in the movie lies squarely on Freeman's shoulders.
Tim Robbins is also believable and likeable as Andy, a soft-spoken innocent who does not belong in jail. Robbins masterfully plays Andy as a naive innocent man who learns the harsh rules of prison. He never lets Andy's character simper into an unsympathetic weakness despite its naivete, and never lets Andy seem harsh and jaded by prison. In this way, his performance makes Andy the perfect mentee: he is in need of help, but he is also resourceful, intelligent and deserving of Red's advice.

Red is a sterling mentor to Andy. He is solid and dependable, and provides Andy with solid support and advice in prison, a world made up of deceits and brutality. Red has a solidity and strength of character that is lacking in the other inmates, and it is this very quality that makes him a great mentor. He is certainly capable of human weaknesses, but he is logical and steadfast, qualities that steady his way.

Red's steadfastness is one of his best…