Filmmaker reacts to The Shawshank Redemption (1994) for the FIRST TIME

[@blacktower7777]

My favorite film of all time. Red said " hope is just a shitty pipe dream." Andy's hope was realized by crawling through a shitty pipe!

[@brianmcgarry1632]

There's so many of those great moments in this masterpiece of a movie!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Brilliant writing!

[@davidhasselblad3825]

I never caught that… wow.

[@richardrobbins8067]

Why he chose "Enchilada Night" ... I will never know, sorry Family Guy

[@Otokichi786]

A little-known song for Andy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a17JlKmkjql4gJI

[@artvandelay3840]

The craziest thing with Brooks wasn't that he was getting out after 50 years, it was that the world was so drastically different between the time he got to Shawshank, and the time he got out. When he got to Shawshank, most cars didn't have roofs, and commercial flight did not yet exist. Movies, what few of them there were, were silent. While in prison, the world would have gone through two world wars. It would have been a total shock to get out after all that time and see how the word had changed.

[@ryanbuckley5529]

Such a huge drastic difference between the time he went in and got out. I love studying the early 1900’s, I can’t even imagine

[@CapraDemon101]

I work with lifers, and often the most asked questions are all about the state of the world now, despite their access to TV.

[@lizd2943]

And he had nothing waiting for him on the outside. Redd did.

[@bighuge1060]

I'm thinking of how it would be going away with 1972 being the world I was used to and then being thrown right into 2022. The change would be hard to process but the changes were more drastic for Brook's span of time. The movie The Grey Fox dealt with something similar where a stage coach robber was released decades later into a world that passed up the stagecoach long before.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

That reminded me of Robert Kennedy's murderer who just got denied parole after 52 years. I understand that there are people out there who think life sentence should mean life, and it should be the next best thing to the death penalty. But that is not me. I don't see the point in locking someone up indefinately, unless he is a continued danger to society. That is why in my country we have Security Detention, which is not actually a part of the punishment but can be ordered after the sentence is served. And if your doctors find that you pose no further threat you will be released. And if that point never comes, you'll stay there until you die. I prefer that to sentencing people to 50+ years in jail.

[@NickWalkerWilliamson]

I cannot agree more with the “waiting until you really feel like watching it” headspace. Finally pulling one of those gems out of your back pocket on a rainy day is one of my favorite feelings.

[@JamesVSCinema]

You get it. Seeing this made my day.

[@slmott399]

@@sparksdrinker5650 you guys are my people, I've been hanging on to Dunkirk as well. Also plan on tactically deploying Dune when I need a pick me up.

[@Scott_Forsell]

I get this and understand this, but the opposite also has some truth - walking in unprepared and open to whatever is on the screen. I tend towards the go blindly in and figure it out after mindset. It would never occur to me to hold something back for future artistic consumption. The concept is alien to me. Some of my best movie experiences have been from walking in blind and unprepared and raw.

[@potato-whiz]

This is exactly how I finally watched this movie and it was life changing 😫

[@JoshuaDay0550]

same. I have a plethora of movies on my Plex that I need to sit and watch - but I am just waiting for the right mood. Like The Whale, Parasite, Babylon, Bullet Train. just need to be in the mood for it. I didnt see this movie until 2020 but I knew based on everyones recommendation that it was an amazing watch.

[@duanevp]

“A society should be judged not by how it treats its outstanding citizens but by how it treats its criminals.” - Fyodor Dostoyevsky

[@JamesVSCinema]

Never heard that but I really like this statement. Gonna look more into that!

[@melanie62954]

Dostoyevsky himself spent 4 years in a Siberian prison camp just for reading and discussing banned books. Then 6 more years of forced military service. After that he became one of the greatest writers of all time. I wouldn't be surprised if Stephen King was inspired by him while writing Shawshank.

[@solvingpolitics3172]

@@JamesVSCinema This movie aside. Give the criminal a second chance when you can give the victim a second chance!

[@blinkachu5275]

@@solvingpolitics3172 Criminals should be locked up for their crimes, that's the purpose of such a punishment. No one is saying that they shouldn't be locked up. What we're saying is that criminals shouldn't be treated as less than animals, they should retain basic human rights like a decent sleeping situation, decent food, clean toiletry, a safe environment. Especially in the US this is nowhere close to how it is. In my country for instance it's a lot more humane. They still get punished, but they don't have to "survive" in prison bceause of all the problems that are in the prison system in a country like the US.

[@tropicvibe]

That is indeed a beautiful statement but meaningless when applied to a degenerate murdering scum that brutally takes a screaming victim's life without remorse, and would happily cut someone else's throat over a matchstick. At that point prison is no longer even a punishment, even the most hardened psychopaths will adapt and even continue to brutalize other inmates. Such animals lose their right to live and don't think i mean execute all murderers. I'm only talking about those self-confessed, guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt, irrefutable evidence, remorseless monsters. If you think i believe in executing all murderers, that'd be insanity and you'd be insane too if you'd even think of such a thing....

[@TheMightyMike692]

One of them films where initially I was like "Can't be THAT good." It was THAT good. Always a treat to watch this movie!

[@Xenotric]

this movie definitely earns its spot of being one of the highest rated movies of all times, just so wonderful in every aspect

[@krisfrederick5001]

Which part hit you the most? Or just the general sense?

[@AlexG1020]

A lot of the prison parts are taken from Escape from Alcatraz. Most prison movies actually take a lot from that movie.

[@coyotelong4349]

It’s a shame this movie didn’t get the respect it deserved when it first came out Took decades of aging like a fine wine before it got its due

[@respectpartii6302]

@@AlexG1020 Actually all the prison escape movies took a huge amount of things from Le Trou (1960) from Jacques Becker. Overall Hollywood didn't invent any style, everything that was done and became well-know by any Hollywood director had been already similarly done by some European or Asian one, dang, even gangster genre is not american.

[@AlexG1020]

@@respectpartii6302 that is an absurd absolute lol, especially for the 1930s and 40s. But thanks will check that one out!!

[@magicbrownie1357]

Frank Darabont did such a great job with this film. After Andy's escape, the way he back tracks thru all of Andy's steps is just genius. It rewards the audience for being patient with all the rest of his trials. A true modern classic. He also did a great job with another Stephen King tale, The Mist. A very menacing cosmic horror film.

[@SupertzarMetal]

And The Green Mile.

[@Ross__A]

Shawshank. What more even needs to be said? The entire roof tarring scene is amazing the entire way around. The cinematography, acting, music and even the lighting. And the entire Brooks arc. "Brooks was here" gets me every single time. I'm really glad you were able to enjoy this movie in your own time; thanks for sharing your reaction, James.

[@coyotelong4349]

Newman nails the score and the emotional theme of this movie The fear and the bleakness as well as the hope and optimism in this movie are all fully represented in the score

[@exquisitelemonade3039]

The last 10 minutes of this is just the best depiction of blissful justice you'll ever see in medium.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Agreed!! Hahaha was quite relief from that

[@exquisitelemonade3039]

Haha yes

[@handsomestik]

got really overshadowed by two heavyweights of that year , Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump. What a film year

[@darthtrip7188]

And it shouldn't have been because Shawshank is the best of the three, in my opinion.

[@handsomestik]

@@darthtrip7188 you know..I might have to agree

[@blackwolf4653]

@@darthtrip7188 better than Forrest Gump 100%

[@blackwolf4653]

@@51Archives what page?

[@alexsnower5743]

Many years are like this. Rocky beat all the presidents men, taxi driver, and network. Aka three top 100 movies ever lost to a pretty good sports movie but certainly not a top 100 film ever. Raiders of the lost ark lost to chariots of fire (another good sports movie but not a masterpiece of a movie). Singing in the rain and high noon (2 top 50 films of all time) somehow lost to the greatest show on earth (a pretty average film). It happens all the time.

[@campagnollo]

This is easy to overlook, but when the warden opened the Bible to reveal the rock hammer cutout, it was in the Book of Exodus.

[@TomVCunningham]

That was a joke from the propmaker. Darabont confirmed it in the commentary.

[@vincentjoyce5100]

All the details.

[@perchancetodream1]

"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." I wish I had that state of mind when I was younger.

[@JamesVSCinema]

You having it now is all that matters brotha! Happy to have ya homie

[@perchancetodream1]

@@JamesVSCinema Any time, man. Love the reactions.👍

[@jimtatro6550]

Frank Darabont is the absolute best at adapting Stephen King, all three of his theatrical adaptations are amazing and each one brings a different emotional response. This film is about hope, The Green Mile is about loss and The Mist is pure despair.👍

[@remimartin8493]

The end of the mist is 🥵

[@jimtatro6550]

@@remimartin8493 love it or hate it, it’s one of the most memorable endings ever….pure despair.

[@remimartin8493]

@@jimtatro6550 I love it I prefer the book because the ending is more soft a little 😂

[@michaelriddick7116]

@@remimartin8493 Stephen King said if he had thought of it, he would have used the movies ending instead :) 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@remimartin8493]

@@michaelriddick7116 that why I'm afraid 🤣

[@zenhaelcero8481]

"I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams." is one of my favorite lines of all time.

[@Philly9758]

Morgan Freeman and Bob Gunton (the actor who played Warden Norton) both starred in another movie a few years prior called “Glory” (1989). A film you’d appreciate.

[@poolhall9632]

That’s an awful movie. It’s cringy white savior shit.

[@chaost4544]

In older movies and films with historical settings, I'm always interested in how much something is worth in modern times. Andy escaped in 1966. Adjusted for inflation, $370,000 is around $3,100,000 in 2022.

[@jessmPS]

Thanks so much for being the numbers person ….

[@jimirayo]

Yep. Andy scored big time.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Add in the fact that he’s living in Mexico, where the value of that $370,000 would be roughly 3 billion pesos back then.

[@blackwolf4653]

Imagine him discovering The Beatles

[@righthandoftyr947]

@@Orangeflava About 300 bottlecaps.

[@danielchavez4403]

One of the Greatest films and one of my all time favorites. A Masterpiece.

[@RemixedVoice]

Couldn't agree more

[@13mysticmeg]

This is always in my top 10 films. The first time I saw this I was quite young, maybe 10/11 years old & it affected me for life. It's a life changing film. Instantly quotable. And so many beautiful shots of course cos of Deakins! And the two leads. The music. I own the score of course, it's sad & uplifting in parts & makes you think so much about life!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Films like these are extremely important. Super happy with the narration here and how well treated this it turned out to be!

[@ryanbuckley5529]

That’s really cool, thanks for sharing🙏🏼 definitely a great movie that’ll be around forever. Have a wonderful day 😌

[@Josh-hv2ze]

Saw this movie for the first time when I was 7 walked into the warden suicide scene. Definitely had an effect on me lol

[@kurtlichtenstein2325]

It's really magical to witnessing someone experiencing Shawshank for the first time. Thanks James.

[@nickcharles3919]

“Red got rejected because he’s African American.” Lmao Red is an Irish man in the original writing. Fantastic reaction!

[@Trendyflute]

to be fair the irish also experienced racism in American society but yes Red was Irish in the original treatment.

[@spartan_warrior5927]

This movie will be talked about, reviewed,and watched for centuries.

[@jksgameshelf3378]

I'll never forget how I felt walking out of the theater the first time I saw this when it came out. Couldn't shake the feeling for quite a while, and didn't want to. Amazing film.

[@solidshake12]

Warden Norton is one of the best villains. The scene with Andy in solitary is so chilling. You see just how evil he is. Great performance.

[@kathyastrom1315]

Bob Gunton really is a great character actor! He’s also terrific as a rogue Starfleet captain in one of my favorite Star Trek: Next Gen eps, The Wounded. And he has a wonderful singing voice, too, heard when he played Broadway’s first Juan Peron in Evita, opposite Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin.

[@theender2681]

This is hands down my favorite movie of all time. The pacing, the characters, the narration, every single thing about this movie is perfect. Brookes monologue brings tears to my eye every single time I hear it. This movie over the course of my life has always been a comfort movie to me and is infinitely rewatchable. I'm glad your getting to watch it and I'm able to see your reaction to something I've known so intimately for so long. Its a movie for me that has always represented not matter how dark the night gets not to give up. Don't let the dark intrusive thoughts win, there is always hope. All my love man. Keep up the great work as always man

[@KS-xk2so]

I'm glad you mentioned the top notch camera work in this film a few times. It's rarely mentioned, but there are tons of just gorgeous shots in this movie. A lot of really great wide shots the give the prison a full scope. Really interesting tracking shots using the prisons halls and architecture. I especially love the shot where the Warden tears down the poster to expose Andy's tunnel, and right before he does it, the camera moves into the tunnel and we see him rip it down, then the camera starts moving backwards in the tunnel... just epic.

[@sealdrup]

Kudos to Stephen King. He is such a weaver of stories...sheer brilliance. That being said the story doesn't 'exist' on the screen without the phenomenal acting by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins.

[@Eschatonite]

It is a guilty pleasure of mine to watch the reactions of people watching this movie for the first time. The smile at the end - every time. Thank you.

[@Attelocin217]

What's fascinating to me is that I've seen this movie since I was a kid. I never thought about the deeper themes because... I dunno, never occurred to me to do. I've always appreciated this film a lot, but I never looked deeper. I'm glad you waited, man. This is one of my favorite videos you've done yet.

[@williamswiniuch7527]

Interesting point you brought up comparing war and prison. I’ve experienced both and you’re spot on. It’s funny how our brains make sense of extraordinary circumstances

[@JamesVSCinema]

Right!? Thank you for responding to that piece in the video.

[@mokane86]

Oh yeah? In which order? How long? Or excuse me for prying. When I was stationed on Okinawa a lot of people called it Oki-traz.

[@williamswiniuch7527]

@@mokane86 went to juvenile prison for a year my junior year which was half my sentence. Didn’t have to disclose it since I was a juvenile and my record was sealed. Was an army sniper for 13 years with 3 combat tours

[@tonycardone990]

The combination of a Frank Darabont film of a Steven King story along with an amazing pretty much all star cast makes this one of the best prison movies ever.

[@josefgordon7712]

This was the Morgan Freeman movie that made me fall in love with Morgan Freeman and probably embodies what Morgan Freeman brings to the screen in all his glory for a lot of people I think.

[@anniethenonnymouse]

This film, plus The Electric Company. Easy Reader 4ever!!

[@randomizer1666]

I think one of the most interesting things about this film is how it tricks the viewer... Everything in the film tells you Andy is the main character of the story, he's the center of the narrative, everything Red tells us is about Andy, the movie even starts with his murder trial.. But Andy isn't the main character, Red is. Andy was innocent, he didn't need redeeming, he has no character arc to speak of really.. He's the same when he escapes as he is when he went to Shawshank for the first time. Red is guilty, he says it himself 'Only guilty man in Shawshank' he feels oppressed by the circumstances, telling the parole board what they want to hear and not understanding they see through it.. He has lost all hope, and repeatedly tells Andy that in order to survive he needs to give up hope, but through Andy's friendship, escape, and leaving a present for him Red is 'redeemed' back to a state of hope... The Shawshank Redemption, is Red's redemption.

[@kaitlinsullivan3134]

"I hope to see my friend and shake his hand." One of the all time greats. Glad to be on this journey with you and thank you again for sharing your joy!

[@vi_as_in_vinyl]

Loved hearing your thoughts on this one, it’s a favourite of mine. Watched it with my father growing up fairly often. Really appreciated your commentary on incarceration and on the importance of empathy, hope, and raising other people up when you have the opportunity and resources. Also loved learning more from a cinematographic perspective about this movie that I’ve loved for so long! Thanks, James :) Glad you seem to be having fun planning your own journey through all these films and tv shows 💫

[@JamesVSCinema]

Thank you for tuning in and taking the time to write this even!

[@russell7563]

Great comment on great content.

[@reedmikelskas8944]

Stephen King is a genius, so much more than just a horror Book writer which is also shown in Stand by Me and The Green Mile

[@Shichiaikan]

Honestly, I'd say without question he's a better non-horror writer than a horror writer, and that's not to say he's bad at either one... but his non-horror has been tremendous.

[@darthtrip7188]

@@Shichiaikan He's tremendous at both. Stephen King's horror books/novels like IT, The Shining, Pet Sematary, Salem's LOT, Christine, Cujo, Doctor Sleep, Carrie, The Stand, Misery, etc etc are masterpieces and far better than the movie adaptations of those books/novels. And then there's his magnum opus, The Dark Tower series. But I also agree that The Shawshank Redemption (Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption), The Green Mile, and Stand By Me (The Body) are absolutely masterpieces as well.

[@dorarie3167]

Let’s not forget the amazing directors and actors in all three films.

[@reedmikelskas8944]

Dor Arie true RIP River Phoenix

[@reedmikelskas8944]

Darth Trip IT is my favorite book of all time

[@Bill_pierre]

Absolutely top tier film depicting life in a very broken system. I hope someday down the road, we'll see films like this as what used to be, and not what is.

[@jenniferri7735]

this has been my favorite movie for almost 25 years. one of the best things about the youtube reaction trend over the last few years has been the opportunity to watch so many people see this for the first time. thank you.

[@LadyAneh]

Yes!! So happy to see you react to The Shawshank Redemption- one of the greats, that’s for sure. Another brilliant, and (at least today under-appreciated) prison break-out film is 1973’s “Papillon” with Dustin Hoffman and Steve McQueen. Based on a true account written by the prisoner nicknamed Papillon himself. 😃

[@beckymellon8135]

So happy to have watched this movie with you, I always love your perspective 😊❤️

[@kJ922-h3j]

I’m sure you know this lol but just in case when people sometimes joke that a certain moment or situation “just needs Morgan Freeman narrating it”, this is what they are referring to 😂. Iconic!

[@mokane86]

I saw Morgan Freeman once out in public. I wanted to go up to him and say "omg Morgan Freeman, I loved you in March of the Penguins!" Or War of the Worlds, where his entire cast credit is towards only a 30 second finale narration. I thought he might have a grin at the more obscure reference... 😆 But he was eating with someone at the restaurant and I didnt want to be the butting in guy.

[@baby_boi123]

My favorite of all time, bro. I'm rolling this j and we're doing this. Work was a grind, and this is exactly what I needed! Thank You as always

[@storiedworlds6261]

This is my all-time favorite film. I remember being so hyped for it and seeing it opening weekend when I was a student at UCLA. I even got to write a paper on it for one of my classes. I wish Frank Darabont was still making movies-I wanted to see his vision for “The Long Walk”.

[@williamswiniuch7527]

Love that story!

[@riseabove71]

Without a doubt one of my favorite films of all time. I found myself wanting to rewatch the movie after watching your video. Keep up the wonderful work.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Happy to hear brotha. Enjoy the rest of the day!

[@staceytuhey9372]

I love love love the ending. I feel like a seagull flying over the beach at the end with that shot, the joy of it.

[@ReallyGoodandKind]

Holy mother of Based Batman! This is a top ten film from the nineties for me, great job on noticing the cinematography choices! Keep grinding my guy, you’re killin it.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Appreciate you seriously!!

[@michaelhoward142]

Major kudos for watching movies that you WANT to see WHEN you want to see them. It makes the reaction so much more meaningful and interesting. I really dislike watching people reacting to something seemingly just because it's what "everybody else" is reacting to. Thank you, sir. Please keep 'em coming.

[@Timmycoo]

Glad you enjoyed it. It's my favorite movie. When Morgan Freeman says he misses his friend, I teared up a tad.

[@saminusprime2746]

Bro, this is by far my favorite movie of all time and I'm so glad you made a reaction to it!! Really loved the payoff at the end when I connects everything together and wraps up the movie at the same time. I also really liked how in the middle when Red says to Andy "Hope is a dangerous thing", yet at the end in the letter Andy says/writes "hope is a good thing." Such a beautiful film from start to finish.

[@WilliamTheMovieFan]

The scenes with James Whitmore(Brooks) really were so well done. That scene with him on the bus looking frightened is so impactful. When he let his bird go and hoped that he would see him at the park really broke my heart. This movie was so well cast!

[@michaelcroteau5919]

There is no movie that carries it through the finish line like this one.

[@Hoigwai]

One of my all-time favorite films, it runs the entire emotional spectrum and near perfect story telling from everyone involved.

[@Otokichi786]

"Train To Busan": Wanna bet some South Korean Won?

[@frederickhogrefe7459]

The Scandinavian countries have some very progressive prison system oriented on respected people's humanity as much as possible and building life skills/good behavior through education. I really wish we incorporate that tradition in the US. There are some documentaries about them on KZbin 👍

[@sarabrucker7847]

They also prevent crime simply by making sure everyone has a healthy life & in particular infancy-5. It’s illegal in Sweden for both/only parents to work for the first year & they’re paid 80% of their wage, plus all the medical is free. Similar deal for the 2nd year plus exemplary preschool equals empty prisons, not to mention other benefits.

[@Anne-pv9cb]

@@sarabrucker7847 how naive you are. They also are taxed 57% to 62% , have zero incentives for small businesses, people live primarily in concrete government housing, they can't grow any real amount of food, have doctors tell them if they can or cannot get treatment for any illness and depend on the government for everything. You THINK it's so great, but those people have very little freedom over their lives and the lives of their children. Also factor in its the r@pe capital of the world become they are so 'progressive' ....and its not natives to the countries that are doing it. You only 'heard' of a few policies ( and it's not ILLEGAL for parents to be working) and think its so great. I am from Europe and have family that got the hell out of that country, you done know anything.

[@sarabrucker7847]

@@Anne-pv9cb Aside from the tax rates, which are catching up (or have caught up, if you figure in institutional punishment for the poor), you just described quite a few countries, including the US. Sure, here it’s insurance companies who deny you services here, and genocide via incarceration, but it’s worse than Scandinavia, by far. If you measure by crime rate, education, health care, standards of living or happiness level, all countries which outperform the US, they have stronger social services of all kinds, including incarceration prevention. If you’d like to compare the US to another country favorably, there are less than 10 that give minors the death penalty, and I’m not sure any country has a higher incarceration rate. What paradise did your family flee to?

[@MrJP1300]

Hey James, hope the new years treating you well! This film is definitely worth the wait.

[@TimotheeReacts]

yoooooooooooooo SHAWSHANK

[@Thevinylhead]

Wonderful movie, and your narration is perfect! Love your voice and the way you comment. And I hear you, I really do. The undertone for this movie, I hear you.

[@VAVORiAL]

One of the greatest movies of all time in my opinion. It's one of those movies you just won't forget.

[@chaost4544]

The ending to this film is my favorite ending in movies.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Such a great ending!

[@Asher8328]

I always just assumed that you had already seen this film, but I'm glad you finally got around to it. Definitely a classic.

[@bretbuchin1033]

Don't ask me why, because I should've known, but this is SUCH a good story. You're gonna love it. love the channels my guy!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha appreciate it!

[@garypaterson1477]

'It is ok to hope and to not abandon your hope as it is a beautiful tool' ..... there is the quote. Glad you watched it on your terms and enjoyed it all the more for doing so. Hope you are well, much love as always

[@JamesVSCinema]

Truth in all of that

[@shainewhite2781]

The best film of all time and it still holds 9/10 on IMDB. Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, and Tom Hanks were considered for the role of Andy, while Harrison Ford, Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood were considered for the role of Red.

[@athens_1psvr31]

I just want to let you know that you are one of the few reactors that don’t annoy me. It’s been a rough couple of days so I really appreciate you being you.

[@angellopez3202]

Took a lot of discipline for you to have waited off on watching this one brother! "Brooks was here" is such a memorable scene... 💔

[@JamesVSCinema]

Appreciate that man! You’ve been here for the longest champ 🙏🏽

[@baddayoverdosed]

Been waiting for so long for you to react to this. One of my all time favorite movies! Cheers!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Cheers!!!

[@russell7563]

"He crawled through a mile of shit and came out clean on the other side"

[@dragonreader3817]

Sometimes I just watch the end of this movie for that happy feeling. Best ending in a movie ever.

[@elcal9600]

I remember very vividly seeing this at the cinema when it first came out, I was 19 and fresh out of college. Even though the film initially bombed at the cinema, I can clearly remember the euphoria inside that cinema when Andy escaped and the reunion in the final scene was just breathtaking. Beautiful and epic and one of most peoples top 10's...

[@harrywhittingham7753]

Some of the best acting you will ever see.

[@VadersRage]

Since IMDb's Top 100 has this listed as the #1 film.....that ranking is MORE than richly deserved. It's pure perfection. I'm surprised that this film had eluded you up until now (so to speak) knowing your background and seeing how invested you are in film and film history. Next up....."Legends Of The Fall". You will be blown away! In my uneducated opinion....it's a masterpiece as well. Over time watching your uploads, I've learned what seems to "trip your trigger" when it comes to cinematography, action, story, acting, etc. and I think that one is right up your alley. Gorgeous period piece as well. Love your vids, man. Keep 'em coming.

[@tSp289]

There was a guy realeased last year who'd been put away in 1963. That was 68 years, and he was 15 when he was sentenced, for being part of a gang that killed two people - though he denied both killings.

[@Literally-God]

I'm probably the 10th person to comment this but just in case, the actor for Captain Hadley, the guard, is the voice for Mr. Krabs

[@fausty150]

James my bro, been following you for a while now. I just have to say I totally love the way you do your thing. Keep it going, keep it going. All my love. The roof top scene is the best. Those paintings are those.

[@dAdpool-lt2zh]

James I loved your reaction on this video ! I love your channel and the community! Love you guys ! Always sending positive vibes everyone’s way !

[@JamesVSCinema]

Ahh that’s so dope!! You rock seriously!

[@williamclarke3162]

Whoaaaaaaa.....you've never seen this film?!! This recently won a bracket of best films of the 1990s. Anytime it comes back to Netflix I always watch it because this story hits me a lot and of course the performances of Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman (probably the best I've seen from them). lastly the Warden is one of the best villains ever!

[@EthanButler]

The best movie ever made. Literally the best.

[@darthtrip7188]

Fun fact : Frank Darabont wanted to give a shout out to Stephen King and one of Stephen King's best villains, Randall Flagg, when he came up with the name "Randall Stephens" that Andy Dufresne used. Randall (Randall Flagg) Stephens (Stephen King).

[@cometogether999]

I've seen this film countless times and watched reactions of it countless more and it never gets old. One of my top 5 of all time. This film didn't really do well at the box office, it took many years of VCR/DVD rental and word of mouth for it to catch fire, and get recognized for it's sheer brilliance.

[@TearDownGenesis]

Morgan Freeman's character "Red" was written as an Irishman with bright red hair. They swapped it with Morgan and used the "because I'm Irish" as a jab at that. I didn't realize originally, but this is based off a story by Steven King.

[@coyotelong4349]

Hope is just such a powerful theme throughout this film Not only Andy’s hope of getting out, but even the hope of just seeing a better day within the prison’s walls At the beginning of his time in prison he was getting beaten and violated for 2 years straight before it finally came to an end… Many people would probably choose not to continue life after just a week or two of living in a situation as bleak as that… but Andy had hope and kept carrying on And then Andy kept hope decades later even when the Warden seemed to have him under his thumb

[@Neat0_o]

Bro I’ve seen this film many times. Seeing your emotions towards the end made me smile like I was watching the film for the first time again. Keep being you, James. You’re a dope person, brother.

[@CrystalBrewtonIndieAuthor]

Usually, they say that the book was better than the movie. The Shawshank Redemption is one of those rare exceptions.

[@storiedworlds6261]

Agreed. Shawshank and Field of Dreams are the only two movies that were better than the book (that I’ve read).

[@dnish6673]

@@storiedworlds6261 I’d argue the Godfather as well. I don’t know if I agree about Field of Dreams. I’d say this one is close between the novella and the movie.

[@sturoberts5488]

Great response as always James, love ya channel dogg

[@matthewhearn9910]

I think the documentary you're referencing at the start of the movie is 13th! Great and disturbing look at both what the system is like and the disgusting reasons that it's like that.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Exactly, thank you for naming the documentary!

[@williamjamesrapp7356]

***500 Yards of Foulness *** I would bet most men would not go through ANY tunnel that small around CLEAN OR NOT for 500 yards underground. That would test the sanity of most people let alone of the Foulest smelling stench IN YOUR FACE as you crawl and wriggle through that 500 yards.

[@mclizzard2928]

There is just so much joy at the end of this movie, it's absolutely one I will re-watch every time. Also, easily the best Stephen King movie adaptation.

[@JamesCrackethCorn]

Others will mention it, but it is a cool little detail. The book of the Bible where Andy hid his rock hammer is the book of Exodus :)

[@michaelmaloskyjr]

Hard to know how Deakins remains invisible through his visual storytelling -- is it just the compelling humanity spoken by Red and Andy, the stark contrast of Shawshank and its numbing malevolence and utter corruption? Somehow this film allows you to both praise its technique and craft while also rendering the story transparent and effortless, so the characters can breathe and live in its space (Deakins as both the magician and alchemist). p.s. Not many moments in the last hundred years of cinema come close to the profound joy beaming from Morgan Freeman's face as he strides along the beach anticipating the reunion of a lifetime.

[@TommyB1905]

Forrest Gump is a great movie but it's a crime that it beat Shawshank to win Best Picture

[@sikksotoo]

I'm a sub but not a Patreon, I've been bouncing around so much I didn't realize you hadn't covered this film yet. What a gift!

[@codyprice2616]

The Shawshank Redemption is an amazing film. Sometime you also got to check out the Green Mile as well. Written and directed by the same Director and writer of the Shawshank Redemption. Great cast as well. Stars Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan (in his Oscar nominated role), David Morse, Barry Pepper, James Cromwell, and Sam Rockwell. It’s another prison film but this time they add a supernatural element to it, which makes it really unique.

[@scatreed]

How is this the first time. Guaranteed you love it. It’s a beautiful film. The music is excellent. The story is epic. As you may be able to tell this is quite possibly my #1.

[@isjosh8064]

3:40 series is called "When They See Us". One of the toughest shows to watch you’ll ever see if you’re the average guy. If ur not it will still be up there.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Arcane starting up tomorrow! Ayyyy. Want to see me watch the series Boba Fett & What If? Click here for early access: www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day everyone!

[@richard_n]

I was blown away by how good Arcane was. You are in for a treat my friend.

[@Pigollah]

arcane is bad, nice story, but I see lack of cinematic acknowlement, it's just boring

[@richard_n]

@@Pigollah the animation is Matrix level game breaking. There are TONS of articles on how impactful Arcane is to animation.

[@Pigollah]

@@richard_n yea, but whole show is dull, boring, and almost cringe to me and my gf. We botched it halfway. But we like more dry (wine comparison) shows. Arcane is like glitter cheap show with lots of money

[@Pigollah]

@@richard_n we (with my gf) even prefer hallmark movies than arcane, sorry, no sorry

[@lynnie6633]

One of the very best Stephen King adaptations. He writes so much more than horror.

[@Capt620]

What! You haven’t done Shawshank yet! Oh man can’t wait to see your reaction and I’m super excited for this one.

[@dldd8778]

Cool Hand Luke with Paul Newman is a must see classic

[@SteveBrant55]

I'm so happy you watched this ... great seeing your reaction as always. This is a movie that really matters... such an important story. Thanks as always for your heart-felt commentary! Yes... share your hope with others! A great message!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Anytime Steven! You’re the man 🙏🏽

[@jessiebryant7829]

Thank you so much for showing love to the opera scene!

[@tjchesney4997]

I shared your videos to a friend of mine. She cried. She said, " You're right, he's got a good heart and soul..."

[@bigneon_glitter]

Speaking of important '90s masterpieces, Spike Lee's immaculate epic _Malcolm X_ with Denzel is one for the list.