Happy 25th to an all-timer. For more awesome content, check out: whatculture.com/ Follow us on Facebook at: / whatculture Catch us on Twitter: / whatculture
Tim Robbins is Andy and Andy is Tim. I can't imagine anyone else in the role. Clancy Brown, Morgan Freeman and really the whole cast were so good. It's one of my go to films. Loved it from first view!!
Portraying the reunion between Andy and Red was absolutely mandatory as, in the context of the film, each man becomes the most important and impactful person in each others' life. Justified.
I like that scene to, but the short story ended with Red on the bus headed for the border. In the book you never know for sure if he meets Andy again. Which is probably why the director wanted it that way.
I saw in an interview where Morgan said he was asked by the director who he would like to act with and he said Tim. It makes a difference sometimes when you like and respect the person you are playing off!
Personally, I would say that both Shawshank and Green Mile are 2 films that is as close to perfection that a movie can get. I never tire of watching either.
Absolutely agree with you... and the reason ...Frank Darabont's screenplays (and direction). His screenplays captured the essence of King's stories like no one else could, and these are the best Stephen King stories in my opinion...and I love most everything he wrote!!
@@angelangelushev1651 but we did that throughout the movie. By juxtaposing the sweet ending with the rest of the movie is an absolute reward for the journey. I believe it's what keeps us coming back.
@@angelangelushev1651 Eh. Certain films work better with an ambiguous ending, certainly. But in the case of Shawshank, I feel like we spent enough time dealing with Andy's suffering, and Red's redemption that the payoff ending is more appropriate. And it leaves the viewer with a more positive feeling about the film overall. I just don't think there's anything wrong with giving the audience what they want, sometimes.
Barracuda V. Exactly ...my wife always walks away when she see me watching it over and over ....... the longest day is another film that I always watch again .....
My ex refused to watch it with me! He said " is this some bullshit prison movie?" And nothing I said would get him past around the one time he watched the first 10 minutes or so... :(
Theodore Rex. Movies are movies some are enjoyed. Some aren't. Citizen Kane bombed. Now it's considered a classic. There is no golden age of anything everyone just forgets about the stuff they didn't like or was less popular.
The problem is that the public no longer praises original ideas. Of course, not for everyone, but Ruby Sparks was an original movie idea and it got no recognition. If there is no demand for intelligent original ideas, the supply will dwindle as we've seen for far too long.
@Joe Sudz yh the reason it bomb was because forrest gump came out the same year and after a year the video tape came out and everyone bought it a year After its release
And yet, he left a huge almost perfectly cube rock in the way near the start of it. Best way to injure yourself while digging/checking other side/leaving..
Totally agree. It wasn't dirt, it was a wall, he had to fit through it, and he was meticulous and had years. He would have made it as close to a perfect circle as he could.
A bigger glaring issue is when Andy breaks into the sewage pipe to finish his escape. How can the sewage fountain up, under pressure, when he breaks through, when the far end of the pipe is open to dump into the stream, in a straight line?
I feel the best part of this whole movie is the ending when red is walking on the beach towards Andy. I don't know what it is, it just makes me feel really good inside that he finally made it
I consider this film one of my top 5 films of all time! Story line, characters, setting, and the amazing ending is epoch. I was surprised when my sister-in-law told me it was originally a Stephen King short story. Some movies are so good I never tire of rewatching them, this is definitely one of them.
Winning an Oscar would only detract on how great this movie is , what would be more correct is the Oscars don't deserve this movie , the love people have for this film trumps any little statue
Greatest. Movie. Ever. If I'm just out of the shower on a Saturday afternoon and Shawshank happens to be on I will sit on the edge of my bed in a towel until it's over no matter how much is left.
For the longest time I thought that, but Forest Gump deserved its Oscar. I love both films very dearly, and I love Shawshank more, but Forest Gump has the better story, rewatchability, and it's Hanks' best role to date.
motodog242 Forrest Gump was an overhyped, manipulative, arrogant movie full of flaws and stereotypes. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie still! But there is no comparison to Pulp Fiction, a truly unique, original, inventive movie at its time that influenced the way movies are made even today. People debate that, but Tarantino and Pulp Fiction forced filmmakers to regroup and strive for more clever ways to tell their stories.
Along with the fact that three actors that were in the Shawshank Redemption were also in The Green Mile. The prosecuting attorney was a guard on the mile and two prisoners played the father of the twins and the sheriff, respectively.
@Brian Pollard I have SO loved each of these movies (and they, bc of similarity, even reside tangentially together somewhere within me --- yeah, I know that sounded weird --- sorry best I could do!). Therefore, I really appreciated learning this interesting connection. Thanks for taking the time to share this bit of info. Cheers...
@laing jay I couldn't agree more regarding fav choice. I find it interesting that both villians (Warden - TSR; Percy - TGM) presented with psychopathic behavior but were both exposed as truly "spineless chicken-shits,".......arguably. But when you mentioned inability to choose fav, you really stopped me in my tracks! I impulsively first thought, "TSR," for sure! But then I started thinking of "TGM" and how John Coffey touched the hearts of Paul, Brutus, Harry, and Dean and each of those character arcs. [OMG, when Dean can't stop crying at the end, I freaking lose it!!! (Shit, I'm tearing up now!!) ...just keep that between you and me, ok? 😉 ] Anyway, I thought "TSR" was King of the #1 spot for me, until you really made me really think of why I also love "TGM." (...kind of a small epiphany.. shit, eyes are still wet!! Damn that Dean!!!!)
The actors they mentioned that either wanted it or were offered it would not have done the same job as Tim And Morgan et al. Could you imagine Charlie Sheen in it? Omg hell no!
Both movies look like the same argument, I agree on that. But the difference is the acting on them. They are both unique. Thanks for pointing that out.
I’ve watched Forest Gump once, maybe twice in pieces. But Shawshank??? I’ve watched it at least a half dozen times, always anticipating that transcendent ending “I hope...”
Absolutely. I've passed by watching Forest Gump many times while channel surfing, but I have never, ever passed by Shawshank Redemption. Whenever I see it on TV, I watch it - and I have the DVD, so it says a lot.
I wouldn't trust someone who actually hated this movie to be around my family. I would forever glare at them like Gran Torino Clint Eastwood... "You are WRONG, Eggroll !!"
All time favourite, but I wish they’d left it out. I loved the narration over Reds bus journey, and the ambiguity of whether he would see his friend Andy. It was perfect for the story told.
I was a budding film critic for our local paper when this film was released. As I was walking out, I made the decision right then and there to find a different career. I was so moved by the movie and all I could think about is how unqualified I was to critique this masterpiece. I'm glad I made that decision.
I`m glad that they choose these exact actors, without them, the movie would be way different! Also i`m glad that the ending was how it was, that gave the movie that cherry on top! Overall 10/10. One of my favourite movies !
I was an extra as this was filmed in my hometown the summer (1993) after I graduated high school. A couple more things you didn't know...The cell blocks were actually built for the movie in a warehouse in downtown Mansfield, OH, the cafeteria scenes (that was real food!) were filmed in what was previously used as the visitation room in the former Ohio State Reformatory, wood shop scenes (my leg makes its silver screen debut!) filmed in Upper Sandusky, OH, laundry scenes in Akron, OH, and the end beach scene was Florida Keys, not Mexico.
I would forever be thankful to Liz Glotzer for fighting for that last scene. That was when I found myself smile as wide as I can be, with my eyes misty and heart warm with happiness, and decided that this is my most favorite movie EVER!!! It was in 2001 when I was 20 years old. No other movies surpass how I felt about this movie yet...even after 20 years. So thank you, Ma'am...
I think the round circle that Andy was able to make for his getaway tunnel is very indicative of Andy being the fact he was such a perfectionist in life and a perfectionist in prison
Fun fact : how could Andy hang the poster back on the wall... when the tunnel is too small for him to turn around 🤔😅? Impossible. But it's ok still an iconic movie🤗!
@@SylD0611 It's shown earlier in the movie that the poster is hung only by the two top corners as he's digging it. There's no indication in the final reveal that it's any different.
This will always be a favorite film! The ending was so satisfying because you got to see two friends finally get some relief from the hell they had both endured.
"Sometimes it makes me sad, though... Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend. " - Red
Shawshank Redemption is on a par with It's A Wonderful Life. Both only did modestly well upon release, and yet the sheer power of the stories they tell have cemented them into our collective consciousness. And both are blessed with the most satisfying endings movies can deliver. 🥰
What makes me love this movie so much is that at it's heart, it is about how two men can have such a strong bond of friendship. Many of us go through life and don't find love, but do have a very good friend. I think it speaks to us in a way that other movies about friendship do not. Then ending tears me up with joy.
For a movie that bombed at the box office , The Shawshank Redemption is an absolute classic. Great script , great cast , great soundtrack . It's in my top 10 movies of all time
This is one the best monologues in film history, by one of the finest actors, in one of the greatest movies, and by one of the greatest writers. Stephen King. Morgan Freeman’s role as Red Herring has remained with me years after watching this film. I’m currently studying acting; when our tutor asked us to perform a monologue, Freeman’s was the first one that came to mind. It’s an influential, understated performance that almost seeps through the ‘magic’ screen and into reality. Over 6 million views just shows how memorable his emotional performance was.
The scene in which Red is in Buxton and is observed walking adjacent to the stone wall up to the tree to which Andy directed him is truly one of the best visuals in all of film. While its duration is less than ten seconds, it is so memorable. Sheer genius!
Absolutely my favorite scene. You can feel the hope and sense of freedom coming on. I usually pause it and make sure I’m ready to give it my full attention. Like when he looks over his shoulder to make sure no one was around, I kinda like to be alone when he’s reading his letter.
Their new identity check boxes is all thats wrong about the industry and distracts from the focus of getting good scripts acted out by the best actors possible.
yep same here, watched it in 07 or 08 simply cuz it was the only dvd/movie in my home that i hadnt watched yet and was supremely surprised how i had never heard of the movie before considering that it truly is a masterpiece
This video actually made me watch 'The Shawshank Redemption' for the first time. It's such a great movie. I don't know how to handle all these feelings!!!!
I haven’t even seen Pulp Fiction and I only just a few years ago saw Forrest Gump. People also say I’m weird cuz I haven’t seen Braveheart. But Shawshank Redemption I’ve seen maybe a dozen times.
Agreed! I don't know why directors feel the need to be all mysterious, after we, as viewers, have just spent like two hours investing ourselves in the minute details they were so adamant about including. It's not Arty to give no real ending, it's just ripping off someone who admires your vision.
Don’t forget the brilliant score by Thomas Newman. My favorite film composer of all time for one of my favorite films of all time. This score, and his other work, seems to capture the mood of the action perfectly. A true genius.
I love how Frank Darabont captures King's psychological thrillers. Everybody bags on how bad King's horror movies are but then they're in love with The Green Mile, The Mist and Shawshank Redemption, having no idea they came from the same mind. It's harder to bring cgi monsters to visual but these actors bring his characters to life. amazing work.
The funny thing about King movies is that they somehow take good actors and turn them into terrible actors. Shawshank, Green Mile, Stand by Me are a few that somehow didn't get caught in that trap. I've always felt that King's novels just don't translate well to the screen simply because much of what goes on is internal and somehow it just doesn't play well.
Definitely one of Freeman's best performances. It's one of those movies I like to watch when I'm feeling down trodden and it gives you a sense of hope that one can overcome the worst of things that life throws at you.
I watch this movie at least once a year, sometimes more. I like the feeling of freedom I feel as Andy and Red meet on the beach, knowing their days of confinement are over. This is the feeling I can't wait to have when I die.
I was so happy when Andy and Red reunited. Kudos to everyone who lobbied for the inclusion of that scene. The Shawshank Redemption is in my top 5 best movies of all time. Forest Gump is not even in the top 50.
@@GeneralBoboDK At the moment (obviously the list changes over time) these are my top movies (in no particular order): - The Shawshank Redemption (1994) (as mentioned) - Dangerous Liasons (1988) - Silence of the Lambs (1991) - The Matrix (1999) - Titanic (1997) - The Color Purple (1985) Best Hidden Gem romance movie: About Time (2013) I would also put Joker (2019) in my top movies, but it feels too soon to assess it's long term personal impactfulness. It is a well-crafted, powerful film though and in a year or two, when the hype is gone, I can better determine how I feel about it up against every film I have ever seen. :)
I respectfully disagree. The proper ending for a movie whose theme is hope is with Red on the bus hoping he makes it to Andy. Once our hopes become reality they cease to be hope anymore. The movie shows that one should never lose hope even in the darkest situations. The movie needed to end with us HOPING they meet, not actually SEEING them meet.
This and the Green mile were the best Stephen King based movies that seemed to get the story right. I read both novels before seeing the movies and I was very happy that they were able to include so much into the movie and stay so true to the original story.
@@christophermerlot3366 I never heard of that one. I read alot of Stephen King in my early 20s all the way to Geralds Game. I even made sure to read Richard Bachman stuff but never came across this one. Interesting. I got bored of Kings style and went on to other Authors. The thing that turned me off eventually, that it took King a whole page to describe 1 aspect of something and I caught myself skipping ahead to the end of the description to get back into the story.
Aaron Meloccaro it’s actually a novella in the same collection that Shawshank and Stand By Me are from. It’s called Different Seasons. The story for Stand By Me was called The Body. Apt Pupil was called something else, I forget what. It’s about a kid who figures out his old man neighbor is a Nazi in hiding and blackmails him into retelling gruesome stories of concentration camps.
The movie Stand By Me. Based on..... The Body, which is the third novella in Different Seasons, directly after Apt Pupil, which followed Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption.
I saw this movie solely based on the movie poster as I walked by the theater one day. Great cast, the tagine was inviting great storytelling. I went for it. I walked out of the theater in a cinephile haze. Then later found out it was based on a Stephen King short story...stil being a huge King fan at the time, I was shocked I hadn't heard about the film or read the story. This film came out of nowhere. It was a wonderful surprise of a film. I miss having those experiences.
I have this movie on DVD and I watch it at least once a month. I consider this the most human story Stephen King ever wrote. It never fails to move me every time I watch it. I always felt it was a crime it did not get any love at the Oscars. I truly feel it is just as good as Forrest Gump.
This movie is so iconic the script is so honest and the actors did an amazing job. Andy and Red characters make you appreciate life I have seen the movie many many time ❤
I saw it when it came out. I recommended to everyone I worked with. Can't remember how many people came up to me and said how much they loved it. I felt like I was apart of its making👍🏽. I still have it in my top 3. The best
@Michael O Callaghan Definitely a fulfilling moment, and one of my favs... Slightly less wholesome when ya remember that Red was in jail for cutting his wifes brake lines, causing the deaths of a few folks, and he's now going to live happily on a beach XD Funny how we can feel for anyone given the right circumstance
Seen it so many times. Everytime I'm like, "I've seen this so many time there's no way I'm gonna cry." Bawl like a hungry, angry baby every stinkin' time!!
I am so glad that all of the actors that were in Shawshank were not anyone else.. All of the actors, were good and made that movie.. I still pull it out to watch it and I watch it when it comes on tv.. That is one fantastic movie..
I need to add that Thomas Newman's musical Score was the best. He should have won the Oscar for the beautiful narration of the score. It really set the mood for the piece. Speaking of Narration, I love the way Morgan Freeman guided me through the story. I did not want to see a prison film, but his narration was like a wise sage telling me the truth.
Just thought of Andy getting his 1st "meal", if you can call it that, & Brooks asking if Andy was 'going to eat that'. He hands over the maggot to Brooks who feeds it to the little bird in his pocket. YUK, but really touching. It broke Brooks' heart to set it free when he was being released. Probably the only friend he had!
This is in the top 3 films of my very long and I may say, active life. No addition, change, nor, interpretaion, of the cast, script or direction, could have made this film more unique, enjoyable, and re watchable, (if thats a word), tremendous, entertainment, full of pathos, humour, violence, and reality, rolled into one, ending in a pink, candy floss, finale, Hollywood at its VERY best
I remember watching it for the first time in 94 with my Dad. I have continuously watched it time and time again since then, it’s an epic of a movie and feel I see some new foreshadowing every single time I watch it.
26th thing you didn't know, despite all the things that might have gone wrong, this is by far the best, the most masterful, the most tearful, the most gut wrenching, with a happy ending only celluloid can deliver.
Morgan Freeman's portrayal of Red slowly warmy up to Andy Dufresne is brilliantly played. Subtle isn't easy and Freeman does it so magnificently.
The ending was the beginning of another story. Such a beautifully written film. Absolutely seamless.
Lord Brain it would ruin it
@Lord Brain a sequel I would watch but they dont go back to prison. They have a great adventure in Mexico..
@@MikeMaduxx still ruin it. Forrest Gump and Shawshank redemption should both never have anything added to them.
@@availanila I agree, but if it did happen, that's how I'd want to see.
It is a beautifully written novella taken almost word for word from King.
Tim Robbins is Andy and Andy is Tim. I can't imagine anyone else in the role. Clancy Brown, Morgan Freeman and really the whole cast were so good. It's one of my go to films. Loved it from first view!!
I'm so glad Frank Darabont didn't sell it to Rob Reiner. He's a great filmmaker, but his cast choices would have ruined it.
Clancy brown was so good!
Oh, yes! Soooo good!
Me neither! And Charlie Sheen would never work. At all!
If it was anyone else you’d be saying that about them 🤣
Portraying the reunion between Andy and Red was absolutely mandatory as, in the context of the film, each man becomes the most important and impactful person in each others' life. Justified.
I like that scene to, but the short story ended with Red on the bus headed for the border. In the book you never know for sure if he meets Andy again. Which is probably why the director wanted it that way.
I saw in an interview where Morgan said he was asked by the director who he would
like to act with and he said Tim. It makes a difference sometimes when you like
and respect the person you are playing off!
Personally, I would say that both Shawshank and Green Mile are 2 films that is as close to perfection that a movie can get. I never tire of watching either.
Absolutely agree with you... and the reason ...Frank Darabont's screenplays (and direction). His screenplays captured the essence of King's stories like no one else could, and these are the best Stephen King stories in my opinion...and I love most everything he wrote!!
Agreed!
Oh yeah 👍
Absolutely. Green Mile is a great one also! Good pick!
...Green Mile was good until the "magic mouth glow/expelling ash(?)" bit. That was kinda cheesy.
I'm so glad they included the ending. One of the best in cinema history.
Ending in to the bus, just sayng "I hope..." is much better! An open end would make the viewer to think and dream.
@@angelangelushev1651 but we did that throughout the movie. By juxtaposing the sweet ending with the rest of the movie is an absolute reward for the journey. I believe it's what keeps us coming back.
Makes me cry every time.
@@angelangelushev1651 Eh. Certain films work better with an ambiguous ending, certainly. But in the case of Shawshank, I feel like we spent enough time dealing with Andy's suffering, and Red's redemption that the payoff ending is more appropriate. And it leaves the viewer with a more positive feeling about the film overall. I just don't think there's anything wrong with giving the audience what they want, sometimes.
I’ve seen this film so many times and I never tire of it. It’s a classic that will go down through time.
Agreed completely!!! I can NEVER tire of watching this one!!!
One of my all time faves and always a go to. 😍
My buddy and me have argued over Andy's innocence. I'm curious what you guys think.
I love Forest Gump and I love Pulp Fiction too but Shawshank Redemption holds a very special place in my heart that no other movie can ever take.
I remember the first time I saw Shawshank and was 'blown away' - same with The Green Mile and Bladerunner
ME TOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@simonkevnorris yessss the green mile had me on the feels train hunnyyyy
Unlike the other two I can watch Shawshank over and over
I realize competition that year was tough, but the flick should have won something.
to this day there is no other movie that makes me stop channel surfing. regardless of where the movie is I stop and watch it through.
Totally agree, but Goodfellas and Steel Magnolias receive that same action from me. It can be the last fifteen and the channel surfing still stops.
Same for me!
Barracuda V. Exactly ...my wife always walks away when she see me watching it over and over ....... the longest day is another film that I always watch again .....
If I could give you 1000 likes for this comment I would because you're absolutely spot on.
Many a time I have thought, 'going to be soon, got work in the morning.' To then find myself awake at 1am watching red meet Andy on the beach
Watching it with someone who has never seen it before is almost as good as seeing it for the first time 😀👍
It's like a commodity to me. If i find out somone hasn't see it. I immediately make plans to witness their first viewing!! lol
Except when the one you are watching it with like movies like Transformers and Fast & Furious and ends up saying "It was alright"
@@nicolajvangsgaard6144 lol yeah i lose my shit. And their stock goes way down
My ex refused to watch it with me! He said " is this some bullshit prison movie?" And nothing I said would get him past around the one time he watched the first 10 minutes or so... :(
@@natalie8212 I understand why he's your ex lol
They don't quite make movies like this anymore. Perhaps today's movie makers should take notes. This in my opinion is the greatest movie of all time.
Fight The Words making movies has become an industry and is no longer a passion.
Theodore Rex. Movies are movies some are enjoyed. Some aren't. Citizen Kane bombed. Now it's considered a classic.
There is no golden age of anything everyone just forgets about the stuff they didn't like or was less popular.
I AGREEEEEEEEEEEEE ! The bond between Andy and Red was amazing!!!!!!
Check out The Last Castle w/ Robert Redford
The problem is that the public no longer praises original ideas. Of course, not for everyone, but Ruby Sparks was an original movie idea and it got no recognition. If there is no demand for intelligent original ideas, the supply will dwindle as we've seen for far too long.
The Red role seems to fit Morgan Freeman like a glove.
@no name Morgan Freeman is just so cool. I think any movie that he is in is going to good. I feel the same about Denzel Washington.
@no name Fallen (1998)
I think his character was supposed to be a white Irish redhead. I think in the book at least
I agree. Morgan Freeman is my favorite actor.
Maybe it's because he's irish.
How this never won an Oscar is totally beyond me tbh.
Because it was up against Pulp fiction, which could have won in most years and Forrest Gump.
@@craigmiller8577 oh yeh I forgot those two x
It went against Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump….I remember watching the Oscars and I knew then it had no shot.
No movie captured the human spirit more than this one. We see the best and worst in people. Love this flick so much.
You can re-rlease this today and it would still sell out cinemas..
@Joe Sudz yh the reason it bomb was because forrest gump came out the same year and after a year the video tape came out and everyone bought it a year After its release
No you are stupid this movie was a flop
@@pauledwards9416 They did re-release it here in Houston. Did extremely well.
And pulp fiction came out the very same day as it
especially in these times
The hole was perfectly round because Andy had meticulous nature. He loved his rocks.
And yet, he left a huge almost perfectly cube rock in the way near the start of it. Best way to injure yourself while digging/checking other side/leaving..
Geology, the science of time and pressure....exactly what Andy needed.
Totally agree. It wasn't dirt, it was a wall, he had to fit through it, and he was meticulous and had years. He would have made it as close to a perfect circle as he could.
A bigger glaring issue is when Andy breaks into the sewage pipe to finish his escape. How can the sewage fountain up, under pressure, when he breaks through, when the far end of the pipe is open to dump into the stream, in a straight line?
@@ericchambers9023 Exactly. Not to mention the methane gas and smell...
I feel the best part of this whole movie is the ending when red is walking on the beach towards Andy. I don't know what it is, it just makes me feel really good inside that he finally made it
Ditto if anyone is a normal person~!
I consider this film one of my top 5 films of all time! Story line, characters, setting, and the amazing ending is epoch.
I was surprised when my sister-in-law told me it was originally a Stephen King short story. Some movies are so good I never tire of rewatching them, this is definitely one of them.
An amazing film. I can't believe it never won an oscar.
Winning an Oscar would only detract on how great this movie is , what would be more correct is the Oscars don't deserve this movie , the love people have for this film trumps any little statue
Kalven Jamieson well said
Yes, but it just reflects on the whole Oscar 'thing'......
Didn't they say it was up against Forrest Gump and it was not seen by a lot of people?
Neither will Joker.
My favorite line in the movie is " I had to come to prison to become a criminal"
And the Morgan Freeman's laugh right after is perfect!! Lol
serena Norris “on the outside, I was as straight as an arrow...”
The line was, I had to come to prison to be a (crook)
xlxcrossxlx ;
I say that line all the time. One of the best lines ever in a movie and so true
Greatest. Movie. Ever. If I'm just out of the shower on a Saturday afternoon and Shawshank happens to be on I will sit on the edge of my bed in a towel until it's over no matter how much is left.
I do that too. No matter what I intended to watch when I turn on the TV, if SR is on, I won't stop watching.
I know forest gump is good but I’ve always said Shawshank deserved the Oscar.
Frodo Shaggins Agreed.
And PULP FICTION deserved to win above both of those!
Agreed
For the longest time I thought that, but Forest Gump deserved its Oscar. I love both films very dearly, and I love Shawshank more, but Forest Gump has the better story, rewatchability, and it's Hanks' best role to date.
Frodo Shaggins , yeah, Id say FG was number 3.
motodog242 Forrest Gump was an overhyped, manipulative, arrogant movie full of flaws and stereotypes. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie still! But there is no comparison to Pulp Fiction, a truly unique, original, inventive movie at its time that influenced the way movies are made even today.
People debate that, but Tarantino and Pulp Fiction forced filmmakers to regroup and strive for more clever ways to tell their stories.
Interestingly enough, Tom Hanks did finally star in another prison movie written by Stephen King, and directed by Frank Darabont: The Green Mile.
Brian Pollard the green mile is so sad. I always cry when they turn the switch on Coffee. 😭
Along with the fact that three actors that were in the Shawshank Redemption were also in The Green Mile. The prosecuting attorney was a guard on the mile and two prisoners played the father of the twins and the sheriff, respectively.
I suspect that the real reason Tom Hanks passed on _Shawshank_ was because there isn't a scene of Andy peeing.
@Brian Pollard I have SO loved each of these movies (and they, bc of similarity, even reside tangentially together somewhere within me --- yeah, I know that sounded weird --- sorry best I could do!).
Therefore, I really appreciated learning this interesting connection. Thanks for taking the time to share this bit of info. Cheers...
@laing jay I couldn't agree more regarding fav choice. I find it interesting that both villians (Warden - TSR; Percy - TGM) presented with psychopathic behavior but were both exposed as truly "spineless chicken-shits,".......arguably.
But when you mentioned inability to choose fav, you really stopped me in my tracks! I impulsively first thought, "TSR," for sure! But then I started thinking of "TGM" and how John Coffey touched the hearts of Paul, Brutus, Harry, and Dean and each of those character arcs. [OMG, when Dean can't stop crying at the end, I freaking lose it!!! (Shit, I'm tearing up now!!) ...just keep that between you and me, ok? 😉 ]
Anyway, I thought "TSR" was King of the #1 spot for me, until you really made me really think of why I also love "TGM." (...kind of a small epiphany.. shit, eyes are still wet!! Damn that Dean!!!!)
No one could play Andy and Red better than Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.
Amen, Sister! Perfection!
Absolutely not
Period
Charlie Sheen would’ve ruined it
The actors they mentioned that either wanted it or were offered it would not have done the same job as Tim And Morgan et al. Could you imagine Charlie Sheen in it? Omg hell no!
I remember thinking it would take a man 600 years to tunnel out of here with that rock hammer...... old Andy did it in less than 20
Clint Eastwood got out in a less time in Escape from Alcatraz in 1979. Shawshank is virtually a carbon copy of that film!
One of my favorite lines
Both movies look like the same argument, I agree on that. But the difference is the acting on them. They are both unique. Thanks for pointing that out.
@@digeme69 - Similar story but definitely not a copy, much better story and acting.
@@digeme69 PAPILLON with Steve McQueen & Dustin Hoffman playing the friends is also a similar-- but not the same-- movie.
A great movie is not known by the number of awards but by the number of lovers❤️
So true!!
I’ve watched Forest Gump once, maybe twice in pieces. But Shawshank??? I’ve watched it at least a half dozen times, always anticipating that transcendent ending “I hope...”
Absolutely. I've passed by watching Forest Gump many times while channel surfing, but I have never, ever passed by Shawshank Redemption. Whenever I see it on TV, I watch it - and I have the DVD, so it says a lot.
You are very astute! I love your comment! I would like to add that a GREAT movie is known by..........
Deborah Florence My Pleasure😇 Sure I can change it
I totally, loved the film, especially Andy’s struggle against the brutal system, and the way he ultimately prevails.
So the redemption part lmao
Every single actor in this movie was, shall I say, perfect??? Yes I shall.
there is nobody who hates the shawshank redemption. that can only be said about very few films
I hated it because I’m edgy.
I don't hate it... I just think it's overrated
I wouldn't trust someone who actually hated this movie to be around my family. I would forever glare at them like Gran Torino Clint Eastwood...
"You are WRONG, Eggroll !!"
Shawshank is definitely one of my all time favs.
To each their own.
33,546 Godfather fan boys prove you wrong.
Shawshank and The Green Mile - never miss them when they come on.
Olso for silenceof the lambs
@Edd 1 i have seen that movie 1 time on the tv, and i watch a lot of television
I love the Green Mile, but I have to be in a mood for it, or it will make me sad. Although I like when Percy gets 'transferred'.
The scene with Brooks where he hangs himself makes me tear up every time. 😢
On my re-watches of the movie, I (somewhat guiltily) fast-forward through Brook’s time on the outside.
I'm with you there. Thats a hard part to watch.
2019: still timeless movie.
@Ork Trukk Drivah never noticed, but true :D
@YES
If you mean the physically meaning: it is not redundant, but even nonsense.
If you mean the social semantics: not redundant at all.
I'm so glad the ending of the two reuniting was kept in the script, it makes the whole movie make sense. One of my all time favorites ❤
All time favourite, but I wish they’d left it out. I loved the narration over Reds bus journey, and the ambiguity of whether he would see his friend Andy. It was perfect for the story told.
I was a budding film critic for our local paper when this film was released. As I was walking out, I made the decision right then and there to find a different career. I was so moved by the movie and all I could think about is how unqualified I was to critique this masterpiece. I'm glad I made that decision.
I`m glad that they choose these exact actors, without them, the movie would be way different! Also i`m glad that the ending was how it was, that gave the movie that cherry on top! Overall 10/10. One of my favourite movies !
I was an extra as this was filmed in my hometown the summer (1993) after I graduated high school. A couple more things you didn't know...The cell blocks were actually built for the movie in a warehouse in downtown Mansfield, OH, the cafeteria scenes (that was real food!) were filmed in what was previously used as the visitation room in the former Ohio State Reformatory, wood shop scenes (my leg makes its silver screen debut!) filmed in Upper Sandusky, OH, laundry scenes in Akron, OH, and the end beach scene was Florida Keys, not Mexico.
it is an honor to meet your leg.. does it sign autographs?
@@bethkeady7025 only footnotes.
@@davidsmith5523 I see what you did there...;)
No you weren't.
@@CadillacDriver prove that you know he wasn't.
I would forever be thankful to Liz Glotzer for fighting for that last scene. That was when I found myself smile as wide as I can be, with my eyes misty and heart warm with happiness, and decided that this is my most favorite movie EVER!!! It was in 2001 when I was 20 years old. No other movies surpass how I felt about this movie yet...even after 20 years.
So thank you, Ma'am...
I think the round circle that Andy was able to make for his getaway tunnel is very indicative of Andy being the fact he was such a perfectionist in life and a perfectionist in prison
Fun fact : how could Andy hang the poster back on the wall... when the tunnel is too small for him to turn around 🤔😅? Impossible. But it's ok still an iconic movie🤗!
@@SylD0611 It's shown earlier in the movie that the poster is hung only by the two top corners as he's digging it. There's no indication in the final reveal that it's any different.
This will always be a favorite film! The ending was so satisfying because you got to see two friends finally get some relief from the hell they had both endured.
"Sometimes it makes me sad, though... Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend.
" - Red
That is my favorite thought!!!! I have this written in many places
I think people forget he's a murder.
Shawshank Redemption is on a par with It's A Wonderful Life. Both only did modestly well upon release, and yet the sheer power of the stories they tell have cemented them into our collective consciousness. And both are blessed with the most satisfying endings movies can deliver. 🥰
This movie had a awesome script!
@Joe Sudz what do you mean what? Haven't you seen the movie?
What makes me love this movie so much is that at it's heart, it is about how two men can have such a strong bond of friendship. Many of us go through life and don't find love, but do have a very good friend. I think it speaks to us in a way that other movies about friendship do not. Then ending tears me up with joy.
For a movie that bombed at the box office , The Shawshank Redemption is an absolute classic. Great script , great cast , great soundtrack . It's in my top 10 movies of all time
Saw this movie when I was younger, made me realize you can trust only people as genuine as you. Changed my life.
Yeah..and ALWAYS trust yourself more. :)
Hands down! One of the best films ever! 🎬
An immaculately shot and paced film, that tells a beautiful story. Hard to see a better film being made in my lifetime.
This is one the best monologues in film history, by one of the finest actors, in one of the greatest movies, and by one of the greatest writers. Stephen King. Morgan Freeman’s role as Red Herring has remained with me years after watching this film. I’m currently studying acting; when our tutor asked us to perform a monologue, Freeman’s was the first one that came to mind. It’s an influential, understated performance that almost seeps through the ‘magic’ screen and into reality. Over 6 million views just shows how memorable his emotional performance was.
Hands down, one of the greatest movies ever made.
I’m glad they kept the final scene, it gets me everytime 😢
I don't like it. It seems to be made in swiftly. An open end would make the viewer to think and dream.
@@angelangelushev1651 should’ve ended with red traveling to Mexico.
The scene in which Red is in Buxton and is observed walking adjacent to the stone wall up to the tree to which Andy directed him is truly one of the best visuals in all of film. While its duration is less than ten seconds, it is so memorable. Sheer genius!
Agree! The quiet, the birds, it was almost scary
Even after all these years and times I've watched it. "Oh, wow! This is it! He's going to find the volcanic glass!"
Agreed. The music at the time the tree is shown is spot-on.
Absolutely my favorite scene. You can feel the hope and sense of freedom coming on. I usually pause it and make sure I’m ready to give it my full attention. Like when he looks over his shoulder to make sure no one was around, I kinda like to be alone when he’s reading his letter.
The oscars are a joke. I haven’t paid attention to them for many years.
Their new identity check boxes is all thats wrong about
the industry and distracts from the focus of getting
good scripts acted out by the best actors possible.
Identity politics is ruining everything.
I am so glad they did include the last scene in the movie.
Everytime I see it it brings tears to my eyes.
When I finally saw this in the early 2000's I thought, how have I never seen or even heard of this movie before?
Lord of Winterhell I finally watched this movie a few years back and idk how I never watched it sooner. I love this movie
I'm sure EVERYONE had the same reaction !!! 🤯✌
yep same here, watched it in 07 or 08 simply cuz it was the only dvd/movie in my home that i hadnt watched yet and was supremely surprised how i had never heard of the movie before considering that it truly is a masterpiece
I recorded the film when it was on TV, and I really only recorded it because the movie review in the TV guide gave it 5/5 stars. Such a great movie.
@@wayneurquhart1967 And it deserved every STAR !!!!!!!!!!!
The soundtrack was absolutely beautiful! I still watch the movie regularly and sometimes just listen.
The soundtrack to The Green Mile, another Frank Darabont directed movie of a Stephen King novel, sounds very similar
This video actually made me watch 'The Shawshank Redemption' for the first time. It's such a great movie. I don't know how to handle all these feelings!!!!
To be honest it's better than forest gump and pulp fiction
Better by 500 yards of stinking, filth I can't even imagine. Or maybe I don't want to.....
That voiceover from Morgan Freeman was Superb! 👌
I haven’t even seen Pulp Fiction and I only just a few years ago saw Forrest Gump.
People also say I’m weird cuz I haven’t seen Braveheart.
But Shawshank Redemption I’ve seen maybe a dozen times.
I love all 3 films, for different reasons. But shawshank is my personal number 1.
Pulp Fiction is pretty close but I believe you are correct
I’m so glad they had an Ending. Ambiguous endings are overrated and just annoying.
Agreed! I don't know why directors feel the need to be all mysterious, after we, as viewers, have just spent like two hours investing ourselves in the minute details they were so adamant about including. It's not Arty to give no real ending, it's just ripping off someone who admires your vision.
Most sci-fi movies did that no ending crap and everybody thinks they are artistically clever because they do. NOT IF EVERYBODY DOES IT!
16:15 "THE END LOL"
Some times. The nuns story was the only movie that was great for them to do that in in my opinion
@Matthew Familia: "...[C]ould have went bad..."--now that is an overgeneralization and an assumption.
Don’t forget the brilliant score by Thomas Newman. My favorite film composer of all time for one of my favorite films of all time. This score, and his other work, seems to capture the mood of the action perfectly. A true genius.
I love how Frank Darabont captures King's psychological thrillers. Everybody bags on how bad King's horror movies are but then they're in love with The Green Mile, The Mist and Shawshank Redemption, having no idea they came from the same mind. It's harder to bring cgi monsters to visual but these actors bring his characters to life. amazing work.
My son is a Steven KIng fan because of this movie
The funny thing about King movies is that they somehow take good actors and turn them into terrible actors. Shawshank, Green Mile, Stand by Me are a few that somehow didn't get caught in that trap. I've always felt that King's novels just don't translate well to the screen simply because much of what goes on is internal and somehow it just doesn't play well.
I've seen this movie several times and still enjoy watching it...Morgan and Robin's made the movie superb 👌
Definitely one of Freeman's best performances. It's one of those movies I like to watch when I'm feeling down trodden and it gives you a sense of hope that one can overcome the worst of things that life throws at you.
I love this movie. I've watched it around 50 times. Tim and Morgan make the movie. One of my top 10 favorites.
It's one of those hand full of movies that I can watch over and over again and enjoy it every time!
I watch this movie at least once a year, sometimes more. I like the feeling of freedom I feel as Andy and Red meet on the beach, knowing their days of confinement are over. This is the feeling I can't wait to have when I die.
I was so happy when Andy and Red reunited. Kudos to everyone who lobbied for the inclusion of that scene.
The Shawshank Redemption is in my top 5 best movies of all time. Forest Gump is not even in the top 50.
What are the other 4 movies? :) Will watch them, if I haven't already...
You are a great judge !!!!!!!!!
@@GeneralBoboDK At the moment (obviously the list changes over time) these are my top movies (in no particular order):
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994) (as mentioned)
- Dangerous Liasons (1988)
- Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- The Matrix (1999)
- Titanic (1997)
- The Color Purple (1985)
Best Hidden Gem romance movie: About Time (2013)
I would also put Joker (2019) in my top movies, but it feels too soon to assess it's long term personal impactfulness. It is a well-crafted, powerful film though and in a year or two, when the hype is gone, I can better determine how I feel about it up against every film I have ever seen. :)
I respectfully disagree. The proper ending for a movie whose theme is hope is with Red on the bus hoping he makes it to Andy. Once our hopes become reality they cease to be hope anymore. The movie shows that one should never lose hope even in the darkest situations. The movie needed to end with us HOPING they meet, not actually SEEING them meet.
@@tobyrucker I agrre , they should have kept the original ending.
My all time favorite movie ever ❤
One of my all time favorite movies. Good vs evil and a buddy movie with cleverness and payback all rolled into one
What the Title is: 25 things you didn’t know about The Shawshank Redemption
What the title should be: 25 things you didn’t know about Frank Darabont
Still one of my favourite movies ,I watch it a couple of times every year...love the Mozart aria
This and the Green mile were the best Stephen King based movies that seemed to get the story right. I read both novels before seeing the movies and I was very happy that they were able to include so much into the movie and stay so true to the original story.
I'd give a nod to the excellent and forgotten 'Apt Pupil'
@@christophermerlot3366 I never heard of that one. I read alot of Stephen King in my early 20s all the way to Geralds Game. I even made sure to read Richard Bachman stuff but never came across this one. Interesting. I got bored of Kings style and went on to other Authors.
The thing that turned me off eventually, that it took King a whole page to describe 1 aspect of something and I caught myself skipping ahead to the end of the description to get back into the story.
I agree. To me, they are the only 2 movies that are better than the material they're based on.
Aaron Meloccaro it’s actually a novella in the same collection that Shawshank and Stand By Me are from. It’s called Different Seasons. The story for Stand By Me was called The Body. Apt Pupil was called something else, I forget what. It’s about a kid who figures out his old man neighbor is a Nazi in hiding and blackmails him into retelling gruesome stories of concentration camps.
The movie Stand By Me. Based on.....
The Body, which is the third novella in Different Seasons, directly after Apt Pupil, which followed Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption.
I saw this movie solely based on the movie poster as I walked by the theater one day. Great cast, the tagine was inviting great storytelling. I went for it. I walked out of the theater in a cinephile haze. Then later found out it was based on a Stephen King short story...stil being a huge King fan at the time, I was shocked I hadn't heard about the film or read the story. This film came out of nowhere. It was a wonderful surprise of a film. I miss having those experiences.
I’ve watched this movie a dozen times….it never gets old!🤩
‘But how often does one look at a mans shoes?’
G. W. Couldn’t say that if it happened in 2019
Since seeing the movie way back when.... I do.
It's generally one of the things we pay attention to when looking at people. :)
I remember that line everytime I look at someones shoes!
This is about my only criticism of the movie...
I have this movie on DVD and I watch it at least once a month. I consider this the most human story Stephen King ever wrote. It never fails to move me every time I watch it. I always felt it was a crime it did not get any love at the Oscars. I truly feel it is just as good as Forrest Gump.
That movie was legendary. An all-time favorite of mine.
This movie is so iconic the script is so honest and the actors did an amazing job. Andy and Red characters make you appreciate life I have seen the movie many many time ❤
This takes me back. I read that book in high school. (During my Stephen King Phase." The movie really captured the spirit of the book.
ArcaJ , the book actually was called, “Different Seasons.” It contained several short stories. Shawshank was one of the short stories within the book.
I'm still in my Stephen King phase....I don't think I'll ever be out of it
Arguably my favorite movie of all time with a close second being The Green Mile.
I saw this movie the first time back in 1995 at school in 11th grade. I loved every second of it.
Flawless on all levels. One of the very few movies that gets everything right.
I saw it when it came out. I recommended to everyone I worked with. Can't remember how many people came up to me and said how much they loved it. I felt like I was apart of its making👍🏽. I still have it in my top 3. The best
280 people are wondering how Andy Dufresne got the best of them.
They are being obtuse.
The best film ever and a Mozart classic thrown in. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT
Ive probably seen this a good 20 times and I still havent gotten tired of it. Truly a great movie.
25 years? Geez, I'm old.
Christopher Merlot better than the alternative.
Personally, very glad we got the reunion ending
@Michael O Callaghan Definitely a fulfilling moment, and one of my favs... Slightly less wholesome when ya remember that Red was in jail for cutting his wifes brake lines, causing the deaths of a few folks, and he's now going to live happily on a beach XD
Funny how we can feel for anyone given the right circumstance
Seen it so many times. Everytime I'm like, "I've seen this so many time there's no way I'm gonna cry." Bawl like a hungry, angry baby every stinkin' time!!
@@kateruterbories2692 Same here
Kate Ruterbories - only two movies make me tear up every time: It’s a wonderful life and Shawshank. An officer and a Gentleman comes close.
Colechamdiceman That’s why the name of the story is the Shawshank Redemption. The redemption was Red’s.
I am so glad that all of the actors that were in Shawshank were not anyone else.. All of the actors, were good and made that movie.. I still pull it out to watch it and I watch it when it comes on tv.. That is one fantastic movie..
I need to add that Thomas Newman's musical Score was the best. He should have won the Oscar for the beautiful narration of the score. It really set the mood for the piece. Speaking of Narration, I love the way Morgan Freeman guided me through the story. I did not want to see a prison film, but his narration was like a wise sage telling me the truth.
Just thought of Andy getting his 1st "meal", if you can call it that, & Brooks asking if Andy was 'going to eat that'. He hands over the maggot to Brooks who feeds it to the little bird in his pocket. YUK, but really touching. It broke Brooks' heart to set it free when he was being released. Probably the only friend he had!
"why he chose to escape on Taco Night, I'll never know"...
Extra lubricant to slip and slide through the pipes.
Frank Smith
Would you want to eat tacos before climbing though shit?
This is in the top 3 films of my very long and I may say, active life. No addition, change, nor, interpretaion, of the cast, script or direction, could have made this film more unique, enjoyable, and re watchable, (if thats a word), tremendous, entertainment, full of pathos, humour, violence, and reality, rolled into one, ending in a pink, candy floss, finale, Hollywood at its VERY best
I think everyone who saw the film, understands why, except for one poor unfortunate person, SOMEONE close will whisper the answer.
@@L8rCloud Not afterwards, thats for sure!!!
so glad you did this! love all the additional info! terrific film now more appreciated than before!
I could watch this great film anytime and it still feels fresh. One of my top ten favorite films.
Still cry when andy escapes
chanel henderson I still cry at the end where Red is walking on the beach to his friend, Andy.
Hell, I cried watching this stupid CZcams video.
Did you know that the “sewage” Andy crawled through was chocolate?
Brooks
This is my favorite movie. Ever since I was little. Not sure why. It never gets boring.
Really? I just saw it yesterday for the first time and I thought it was a snooze fest!
I can't tell you how many times I have seen this movie and I have thoroughly enjoyed all the commentary and little nuances behind the scenes!
Sometimes after a bad day at work, I watch Andy and Red for the hope of a better tomorrow. "Hope is a good thing!" Fort Hancock, Texas.
I love the shots of the outside of the prison. It's an amazing building and I'm glad they kept them in.
Brooks was here.... So was Red
I remember watching it for the first time in 94 with my Dad. I have continuously watched it time and time again since then, it’s an epic of a movie and feel I see some new foreshadowing every single time I watch it.
26th thing you didn't know, despite all the things that might have gone wrong, this is by far the best, the most masterful, the most tearful, the most gut wrenching, with a happy ending only celluloid can deliver.
I love this movie to death on so many levels. I didn’t know most of these. Great info here.