The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - Movie Reaction - BRITISH FILM STUDENT FIRST TIME WATCHING

[@WatchMeMovie]

Yes I call Dufresne, Duframe throughout the whole reaction so enjoy that, I sure did in the edit.

[@GrouchyMarx]

Funny, I didn't notice. BTW, you know YOUR stuff Ryan! Are you going to get into the film industry someday? And have you done any explorations of the B&W classics of the 30s, 40s and 50s? I have one film idea that I would think film students would know well or watch of that era, "Citizen Kane" (1941). Not long ago the American Film Institute published a list of their top 100 films of all time and "Kane" is a the top of that list. I can easily see why and agree with it. Your keen observations of lighting and camera work tells me you would love this classic and its story. Heck Ryan, even the making of this Orson Wells classic would be worthy of your study someday, because of Wells himself! Anyway, a nice reaction to Shawshank. I just knew you would like it! ✌️😎

[@stevew2233]

So glad you were able to (finally) get this one uploaded. It was well worth the wait! As for not recalling where you've seen Tim Robbins before, might it have been in "The Hudsucker Proxy"? You've said you're a big fan of the Coen brothers, just wondering if you've seen this one? Stay well, Ryan, and best of luck with the channel! 🎬

[@chipsthedog1]

Loved your detailed reaction, the writing for this movie was brilliant, one thing I'd like to point out which in turn someone showed me was in the scene where Andy first tell Red about Mexico Red says "hope is a dangerous thing and freedom is nothing but a shitty pipe dream" and how does Andy gain his freedom? Through a shitty pipe!

[@DavidPigbody]

Have you seen Rob Roy with Liam Neison?

[@zimjun7]

@@DavidPigbody Actually I know I didn't. Probably can't unless you "Buy or Rent." Then your credit/debit card gets compromised!!

[@ReklawLah]

I always loved how Red looks behind him after he finds the package form Andy, in the middle of a giant empty field in nowhere Maine. Such an amazing little detail of how prison shapes you.

[@WatchMeMovie]

That was a really nice touch, I wonder if it was scripted, decided on set by the director or improvised by the actor. Really nice and simple little touch regardless

[@QoQabai658]

I would've done the same. That was a 'lot' of money.

[@mikaltima]

The life of a convict is continuously looking over your shoulder.

[@bobvylan7215]

Amazing how a man who spent no time in prison perfectly conveyed that. Wish I knew who had the idea for that, it set the reality meter up. Just another small little piece of a masterpiece.

[@SouthPaw718]

Andy's $370,000 take back then would have been equivalent to a little over $2.7 million today.

[@MakerInMotion]

Yeah and in Mexico where it would spend like double or triple that.

[@jposton86]

Tidbit: the mugshot of a younger looking Red is actually that of Morgan Freeman’s younger son Alfonso Freeman.

[@principals16842]

Alfonso Freeman also appears as the young inmate who says "Fresh fish! Reelin' 'em in!" when Andy and the other new prisoners are getting off the bus.

[@larrote6467]

one of those few films that actually deserves its happy ending.

[@filipjanik87]

So much gold in every line. “Salvation lies within”...

[@MoMoMyPup10]

All things considered - cinematography, storyline/script, acting, and maybe the best ending of any movie ever made, this movie deserves it's own wing in the HOF.

[@leighhutton8657]

The chess set is in the Smithsonian

[@wmnoffaith1]

I agree. This is my husband's favorite movie; during 15 years of marriage, I can't count how many hundreds of times I've seen it, lol.

[@RobBarrows]

If you haven't seen Stand By Me yet, that's another must-see classic.

[@prp2]

Absolutely. I love that movie.

[@st0n3p0ny]

From the same book as Shawshank too. Along with Apt Pupil. AP is very under appreciated.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Ah it was a childhood favourite! great suggestion though

[@Tateorsomething]

@@st0n3p0ny very good movie. The novella was absolutely amazing. Four Seasons is my favorite read. The Breathing Method at the end is never talked about for some reason.

[@st0n3p0ny]

@@Tateorsomething Honestly, I barely remember any of it. Something about a decapitated woman giving birth or something? Apt Pupil is seriously overlooked too.

[@the_judge_8262]

Andy crawled to freedom by climbing through shit filled pipework. Earlier in in the movie, Red tells him that his dreams of life after prison were just shitty pipe dreams 🤯

[@MrShadowfax42]

@@timetheory84 Yeah.

[@yard_work]

Wow never caught that

[@fRo0tLo0p]

You are quickly becoming one of my favorite movie reactors on KZbin. You don't babble your way through the whole video. It's like I'm sitting in the room with you and we're watching a movie together. Yes you comment but you don't overdo it to the point where you miss out on the important subtle moments and we don't miss out on witnessing you enjoying those moments. Good on you! I'm looking forward to your future videos.

[@steven2640]

Beautiful score by Thomas Newman

[@lessaulsbury2087]

1994 was an amazing year for films. "The Shawshank Redemption", "Pulp Fiction", "Forrest Gump", "Quiz Show", and "Four Weddings and a Funeral" were Oscar nominated for best picture that year! Those first three films are undeniable classics, and the other two are very good as well. "Chungking Express", "Three Colours: Red", "Hoop Dreams", "Léon", "Ed Wood", and "Exotica" were also released that year. In my opinion there hasn't been a year of cinema this strong since then.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Wow that is really a strong year! I have seen the first three and Leon but not the others, cheers for the info!

[@danjtrudeau]

I was going to school for TV/Film Production that year, and there was a real excitement about going to the movies every week. An overlooked movie from that year is Shallow Grave, which was Danny Boyle's, and Ewan McGregor's, breakthrough.

[@WatchMeMovie]

@@danjtrudeau I am so sure I have seen that film years ago ...Just googled it and the stills did look familiar but I can't remember a thing so might give that a rewatch , thanks for reminding me about it

[@kathyastrom1315]

Another fantastic film from that year is Heavenly Creatures directed by Peter Jackson, his first more mainstream picture and nominated for best original screenplay Oscar, losing to Pulp Fiction.

[@renewiggum]

There was also Speed, Natural Born Killers, Stargate and the greatest comedy of all time Dumb and Dumber (Theatrical Version not the Unrated).

[@iulia.bianca.b]

You seem like such a cool dude! ♥️ I can't explain it. Not a lot of emotion seeping through your facial expressions, but you seem to carry a huge, complex inner world within. Also, absolutely love your commentary. Been a subscriber for well over a year now. Keep up the good work! ♥️

[@khouloudaithsain9215]

Same here. He has a really soothing and calm aura

[@laurenokeeffe4059]

This is my absolute favourite movie of all time. I have seen it at least 1000 times. Thanks for reviewing. ♥️

[@WatchMeMovie]

I enjoyed watching it, cheers!

[@dogmorgan1234]

I'm in love with this man's voice.

[@Justin.Franks]

In the novella, the ending is in fact ambiguous. It ends with him planning to go, but it is not said whether or not he makes it. _"I find I am excited, so excited I can hardly hold the pencil in my trembling hand. I think it is the excitement that only a free man can feel, a free man starting a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain._ _I hope Andy is down there._ _I hope I can make it across the border._ _I hope to see my friend and shake his hand._ _I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams._ _I hope."_

[@WatchMeMovie]

Ah! Thank you, it did feel like it should have ended that way and I kind of took the beach scene as Red imagining what it might be like to turn up there. It felt like that is what the director intended anyway. Thanks for the info!

[@dosnostalgic]

@@WatchMeMovie Darabont originally ended the film on the bus shot, and that piece of narration, just like in the book. But afterwards he shot that extra epilogue at a suggestion by a studio exec. Everyone loved the result.

[@belinda35_77]

@WatchMeMovie Yeah, I prefer the book ending. This whole story is about hope, and during Red's narration on the bus, I was filled with SO much hope, just like Red. I love that the reader is left with that hope in their heart! But I get why they needed the Hollywood ending for the film.

[@ralphficker167]

@@WatchMeMovie I may be misremembering, but I think it was the two leads who strongly lobbied for the final version. I saw them together on an interview show, and Tim Robbins joked about how they got to go to St. Croix to film it. I think his last word about that was "sweet."

[@robertn800]

@@WatchMeMovie Actually they added the ending because preview audience wanted Andy & Red to come together & Stephen King agreed so they shot the ending the way it was in the movie- I’m glad they did 😍

[@RelaxwithJC]

Rip in peace Brooks 😭. That part always gets me

[@WatchMeMovie]

They shoulda just let him be

[@JasonZakrajsek]

FYI: “RIP” means "rest in peace", so you just said “rest in peace in peace”.

[@RelaxwithJC]

@@JasonZakrajsek I'm aware haha. I say it on purpose

[@d.-_-.b]

I agree this movie is full of subtle genius camera shots, like when Red is giving that speech that results in his parole being approved, the whole time the camera is zooming in on him so very slowly.

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

You got two of the best inspirational 90s movies knocked down, now you gotta watch "Gattaca."

[@carthusian1542]

“The Color Purple” directed by Steven Spielberg.

[@mikecarson9528]

I must tell you my friend, you have an exceptional voice for radio or podcast, for interviewing, whatever. Enjoy your reactions, and the film making perspective you bring.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Thanks a lot Mike!

[@BookBadger42]

Ryan: “When I used to go fishing with my grandad...” Me: Aw...that’s sweet.☺️ Ryan: “He would keep a whole load of maggots in his mouth.” Me: Wait...what?!

[@WatchMeMovie]

haha gotta keep em warm and lively

[@leeannmcdermott8313]

Lol I actually had to rewind to make sure I heard that right!! I didn’t see that coming🤢

[@chipsthedog1]

Can confirm when it's cold the maggots stop moving so the fish do not see them so pop them in your mouth for a min or two and the wriggling comes back, just do not swallow lol

[@TenTonNuke]

I was in prison for 3 years. The guys who had been in for 20 years were asking what Facebook was and why a bunch of guys were commenting under their woman's bikini pictures.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Ah man, I spose we forget how quick things move when we live it every day. That puts it into perspective though

[@The1Music2MyEars]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@azpowerhitter]

The musical score in this movie is second to none. As good as the acting and cinematography the music is every bit as good.

[@yard_work]

Absolutely can’t imagine the film without this score

[@christineseyes]

I love this movie because of the parallels with the biblical story of Jesus. In a world of bound souls Andy holds true to his higher truths. His first "miracle" involves alcohol. When he plays the opera music he brings the message of something transcendent to all who hear. The shot of him in the river with his arms outstretched looking upward as he escapes his bonds is reminiscent of Jesus on the cross....and finally, the only one who joins him in paradise is the one inmate who admits his sins. I'm loving your reaction videos. You have a wonderful perspective; particularly your appreciation of excellent lighting.

[@jdee8243]

Damn good timing, just saw this posted. Shawshank is so ridiculously good. Hope you enjoyed it. It's GOAT to me. I think you should give O Brother Where Art Thou a shot. Coen Brothers movie I adore, think it's their best. But I think the cinematography is aces and you'd really enjoy it, it's Deakins so you know it's good. Cheers, good luck man, seems like the channel is taking off.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Thanks JDEE! O Brother where art thou is one of my favourites of all time. The first time I watched it was in a house that had a really good sound system and big screen and it was one of my most memorable film viewing experiences. There is so much to talk about with that film but it was really the one that made the Coens' one of my firm favourites. I still listen to songs from the soundtrack probably every other day . Thanks for the comment!

[@jdee8243]

@@WatchMeMovie my man. You use Dapper Dan not Fop.

[@Kingsley.82]

Maaaan, I gotta wake up for work in 6 hours. Im gonna have an unproductive Monday staying awake for this.

[@mariaghiglieri78]

Just found your channel. As a screenwriter, i appreciate how you break down movies in terms of cinematography and the direction elements. Something I get rare exposure to. Looking forward to more!

[@WatchMeMovie]

Welcome! always good to know other people in my field are here! good to have you

[@wendilandkammer8368]

One of my favorite aspects of this movie is Red telling Andy's story laid over the film. It's a kind of 2 for the price of one thing and Mogan Freeman has a great voice for story telling.

[@Marcus_1001]

This is my all-time favorite film! I probably seen it over 20 times and I NEVER grow tired of it. There is a reason this is the highest rated movie ever on IMDb.

[@wwk68tig]

beginning to end, an absolute masterpiece.........and the final scene always has me tearing up. thanks for the post..........

[@WatchMeMovie]

Thanks for the comment as usual Wayne!

[@flibber123]

This movie has a couple of differences from the original story that i think are interesting in the context of adapting a story to a movie. One thing is that the story contains multiple wardens. As the years go by the wardens change but the corruption continues, showing the corruption is in the system, not just the warden. In the movie I think it was a wise decision to consolidate all the wardens into one character. Having one main antagonist for Andy makes for a better movie. The other thing is that in the story Red starts to suspect Andy might try to escape. It allows for the reader to read about previous Shawshank escapes and escape attempts but it would serve no purpose in the movie. It would also reduce the impact in the movie of Andy's escape.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Very interesting info mate thank you. They are definitely wise decisions in the the adaptation. The book showing it runs through the prison system no matter who is in charge is more realistic and makes more sense in the grand scheme of the story but as you say it is a lot wiser to personify it in the film as a villainous character. That is also a great decision on how to reveal the escape, the fact they only alluded to using the hammer to escape when mentioning how impossible it would be to do so, is a nice bit of sneaky foreshadowing. Really good points, thank you for your valuable input

[@bunpeishiratori5849]

If I remember correctly, in the book Andy had several roommates over the course of time. And he had to keep his tunneling from them.

[@kasheppard503]

This was filmed at the old Ohio State Penitentiary in Mansfield, OH (my hometown.) The prison was so deteriorated, that they actually had to fix up several areas to make it filmable! Worth noting - regarding the joke about why Morgan Freeman's character is called "Red." In the book, the character is a red-headed Irishman.

[@doobernow]

Great react! You mentioned that you notice the mugshot. That was Morgan's son, who is also in the beginning when Andy is first getting to prison.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Ah cool! good info thank you!

[@Gallo_1.6]

thank you for posting reaction videos... seeing others' reactions is the closest we get to watching it for the first time again.

[@alyssaramirez7014]

Bonnie. Nice. 34:29 Made this my favorite reaction to Shawshank. As always, love your voice, really liked the commentary and the post analysis. I never really noticed the lighting at night. I should watch some film noir. Any suggestions?

[@WatchMeMovie]

Haha cheers, Someone else in the comments just suggested The Maltese Falcon as the definitive film noir. I watched a neo-noir recently by the Coens called Blood Simple if you haven't seen that. I'm gonna watch the first one soon myself , thanks for commenting as usual

[@laureah21]

Love that the rock pick was hidden in the book of Exodus to! Love your channel, you have me noticing so many things in movies now

[@fep_ptcp883]

I love the framed compositions right after Andy goes to the prison, they give us the sensation of being inside with the characters. This movie is superb in every aspect

[@selkirk57]

Another great adaptation of a Stephen King story. Shawshank, The Green Mile, The Shining. All from the mind of Stephen King. One request. An oldie oldie. The Maltese Falcon with Humphrey Bogart. Film noir at it's finest.

[@scottjo63]

Besides The Maltese Falcon, which I've seen and I second the recommendation, there's Casablanca which I just saw in it's entirety for the first time recently. Saw the extras and listened to 2 commentaries, one by the late critic Roger Ebert. One of the extras is a bug's bunny excellent short Carrot Carrotblanco. Enjoyed the heck out of it. Another film, and actually a favorite of mine, The Treasure Of Sierra Madre starring again for a third time Humphrey Bogart directed by John Huston, legendary director and actor...look them up, some good learning. Must Watches all 3.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Ah thank you I wanted to know what film noir I should watch. I will definitely watch this soon

[@WatchMeMovie]

Yeah I really need to watch Casablanca, I practically know the plot because I've read 'Story' by McKee a few times. But it's one of those that I know I really need to see for my education, I didn't know about the treasure of Sierra Madre but will look that one up too, thanks a lot for the info!

[@scottjo63]

@@WatchMeMovie The Treasure Of Sierra Madre, for a 1948 black and white movie, it holds up pretty well, probably because, quote from Wikipedia, " was one of the first Hollywood films to be filmed on location outside the United States (in the state of Durango and street scenes in Tampico, Mexico), although many scenes were filmed back in the studio and elsewhere in the US. It's an excellent movie about camaraderie but most of all greed. This movie should hold your interest.

[@MrRondonmon]

@@scottjo63 The Maltese Falcon is a great movie, my Favorite Noirs are Double Indemnity overall followed by The Killing (Stanley Kubrick's first major film. maybe 2nd, but the first that got raves), and Chinatown is one of the few Neo Noirs I love, made in the mid-70s with Jack Nicholson.

[@WickedKingLycoan]

I always made a small movie in the back of my mind where All of his ex-con friends made it out and found their way to Andy and Red in Mexico, drinking boat drinks, playing chess and living the lives of the reformed and peaceful.

[@the_judge_8262]

"Hope can drive a man insane, you better get used to that" and then at the end of the movie .... "I hope to see my friend again ... I hope" Such a beautiful movie 👍🏼

[@danjtrudeau]

I saw this in a 2nd run theater the year it came out. It was a great movie, but it went through its first run in theaters without much attention. I saw it as an afterthought with friends, and we were all a bit overwhelmed by how much better it was than we expected. It's become a classic since, mostly from it being broadcast regularly in the following years. I can't tell you why it was so underestimated when it was released. It was the year of Pulp Fiction, and I do think part of the reason was a lack of faith, or interest, in what looked like a standard Hollywood film on the surface.

[@WatchMeMovie]

That's weird to think that this would have passed through theatres without much attention. I must admit, growing up I think I did see this as probably just being a standard bland Hollywood film and never gave it much thought before actually starting to study film and having it recommended. Thanks for the input Dan!

[@danjtrudeau]

@@WatchMeMovie You're welcome. I started following you because you remind me of when I was in school and trying to catch up on all the great films I'd not watched.

[@WatchMeMovie]

@@danjtrudeau Haha thats really cool , nice one. It is a task when they're setting us 6 screenings a week of stuff like Amelie and Stalker with those kind of run times. Then I'm doing these seperately. But it helps with keeping the mind ticking all the time and I'm getting used to it. Cheers for the sub and comments mate

[@trygswyrmwoodside3229]

Yee Shawshank, one of my favorite movies, nice stuff Ryan.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Cheers mate

[@MusicHandsAbrupt]

I really enjoyed this review and you’re very good at doing it. I wish you’d do more. Please, don’t stop.

[@acerob1830]

Thank you for your Movie Reaction - the detail about lighting, story, script and camera shots is top quality.

[@philjones45]

The only intelligent reaction I've seen to this film on KZbin. Thanks for that.

[@JoeBlow_4]

subbed because of your take on it. I love the understated appreciation of one of the best films of all time.

[@Lunal73]

At The end when Red said: “I hope” Andy helped him to stop being afraid of hoping. My favorite part of this movie. Thank you.

[@spikeus3039]

I think this one of the all time classics, Good story and acting!

[@knight0582]

your voice is amazing , nearly cried during the schindlers list video , now this here is even as good !

[@WatchMeMovie]

Thanks a lot! Glad you're enjoying

[@glennthompson1173]

I dont know one person that didnt like this film. Another great reaction. Keep them a coming. Thanks Mate.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Yeah how can you not, thanks for the comment as usual Glenn!

[@shadowbannedmel]

Loved your reaction, and kudos...I never noticed the harmonica during Red's scene at the tree. Also, I loved Jacob's Ladder, too, and I highly recommend Bull Durham as another Tim Robbin's film. That and Field of Dreams are a great double feature of baseball movies. (And both start Kevin Costner.)

[@poolhall9632]

Never noticed the harmonica in the Buxton scene before awesome job!

[@guitarjonn7103]

When I heard you say at the end that you thought "they were going to leave this ambigious" regarding the reunion, I read the earlier drafts of the the film did just that, ending with Red's "hope" dialogue on the bus I believe, but test audiences came out of screenings saying they really wanted to see them meet, so it was added in.

[@darciepowell]

if you like this move then you would love.... THE CASTLE

[@Courdorygirl]

As a filmmaker you can probably appreciate this factoid: The name of the Novella is "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption". When they were casting for the movie, they didn't change the name originally, and the dailies had it listed as a biographic. Every female actress across the country sent in headshots and CVs wanting to play Rita Hayworth. (I think I saw this in a making of the movie special).

[@leslieflood2425]

This is the first time that I've watched your channel and I love your reaction to Shawshank redemption. I also notice that you've reacted to 12 Angry Men (I have yet to review). Kudos to you! Many of the reaction videos I've been watching , on the most part, use films from the 70s forward. I love that you're going back to the old black and white classics. I have so many suggestions for you if you're interested.

[@unity1016]

You might like Secondhand Lions with Michael Cain, Robert Duvall and Haley Joel Osment.

[@michaelluciano7774]

Like your reaction videos. I enjoy your layed back demeanor and professionalism..

[@jimirayo]

I agree with the earlier post about watching the Bogart trifecta, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The Maltese Falcon, and Casablanca. Being that you're a film student, those should be 'required watching'. No need to react if you dont want to but I don't think anyone has reacted to any of those three.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Thanks Jimi, These are definitely ones I know I need to watch! Probably gonna get to the Maltese Falcon first and soon. Yeah as you suggest, I might just watch them in my own time to really soak them in , Cheers mate!

[@cesarnarro6013]

I saw this in a movie theater when it came out, afterwards I told everyone I knew what a great film this was.

[@Beans360]

39:20 The director Frank Darabont was actually going to leave it on that shot but he was talked out of it.

[@robertcrundwell2782]

Afternoon. Although set in Maine, the prison used was the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. The large main building and Cell Block 1 are now a Museum. They offer tours, can be used for special occasions, and offer overnight cell accommodations for the brave. ( haunted ) The street scenes were primarily N. Main St where the shop owners agreed to have their stores redone to fit the time period. Many still look the same. The halfway house is the Bissman Building, and still looks the same today. (It was a beer distributor, hence the name "Brewery") The store was the E and B Market on 4th Street which has been torn down. I was fortunate to be an extra con in the yard scenes. The premiere was held at Mansfield's Renaissance Theatre, a restored 1929 movie palace, before New York and Los Angeles. I volunteered working the theatre restoration. The prison was also used in the movie "Tango & Cash” and was the Russian cell block in "Airforce One". An interesting side note: In the bad winters, crows from 7 or 8 counties move into Mansfield by the hundreds due to large granaries that used to be between town and the prison. Brook's crow was a natural. The passage of time from the unfiltered Chesterfields to the filtered cigarettes offered Tommy by the warden, and the subtle aging of everyone is superb. Many people miss the subtlety of when Brooks left the prison, you see the prison through the gates, and when Red left you are looking forward over the fields toward the town. And they don't notice when the warden opens the Bible and finds the cut out, that it is the book of Exodus! I am 75 now with Parkinson's and don't get to attend movies very often. I enjoy the reaction videos on KZbin.

[@patriciafeehan7732]

Reading Rita Hayworth and a Shawshank Redemption gives you so much more insight. It translated to film well.

[@talkingdonkey1817]

Greetings from New England! I recently discovered your channel and I enjoy watching these films with you. If you ever want to take a random recommendation, because it seems nobody has seen this film, I recommend Everything Is Illuminated starring Elijah Wood. I am confident you will love it. Keep up the good work, cheers!

[@WatchMeMovie]

Thank you , I appreciate you watching with me and the suggestion!

[@johnwhite345]

Make sure Taxi Driver is on your list if you haven't already watched it.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Ah thats one of my favourites, would love to be able to see it for the first time again, cheers though great suggestion and there needs to be more reactions to it

[@johnwhite345]

@@WatchMeMovie Have you seen American History X ? Please watch that next.

[@johnwhite345]

@@WatchMeMovie Have you seen Tropic Thunder? It's a comedy, you might want to check it out. Robert Downey jr. Ben Stiller, Nick Nolte ,Jack Black, cameo by Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey. Not a Bad cast.

[@johnwhite345]

@@WatchMeMovie If you ever get a chance to watch Permanent Midnight check it out. It's probably not for KZbin, it's a great movie with Ben Stiller about heroin addiction it's a true story based on a Hollywood writer. Supporting roles by Elizabeth Hurley and Maria Bello. Very underrated.

[@spacecatboy2962]

shawshank, one of my top ten best all time

[@jmarsh22]

Nice catch noticing it seemed to indicate they were gonna leave it ambiguous at the end and not show Red meeting Andy. Yes indeed, the director intended to end the film with Red riding the bus to Mexico. The studio insisted on filming a final scene showing the meeting on the beach for a happier ending. This is maybe the one time I agree with a studio meddling with a director's vision.

[@tracyfrazier7440]

As a Tim Robbins fan, you may want to see Mystic River, a good film also starring Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon, also set in New England. I really enjoyed this reaction.

[@ralphficker167]

Tracy...yes on Mystic River. Painful to watch, but really good.

[@diverbob33]

"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things; and not good thing ever dies." Andy Dufresne

[@astragalusson]

About you saying "they'll leave it ambiguous" at the end. They say Frank Darabont wanted to leave it ambiguous but the producers/studio forced a happier ending. Now, most people I share this opinion don't agree with me but I believe the last scene at the ocean is what Red hopes, not necessarily what really happens. So, I believe it's still secretly ambigous. The narration (and the story the movie based on) ends with "I hope..." and the movie transitions to a dream-like ocean scene. The ocean and the beach setting (although very beautiful) is so basic which, to me, seems to be exactly how someone like Red who probably haven't ever seen the ocean would imagine and he finds Andy doing exactly what he told Red in their last conversation in the prison yard. I believe these are hints that we're seeing what Red is imagining just after he said I hope. I wonder your take on this.

[@WatchMeMovie]

I completely agree with you on this. I didn't know that info about Darabont wanting to leave it ambiguous as well so I think that just confirms the theory. Like you say that last beach scene is so perfect but basic looking that it does feel like how Red might picture it in his imagination. The way he narrated those last lines as well, it just suggested that we were seeing his hopes rather than reality. Yeah I think you're spot on.

[@Faiiltrain]

@@WatchMeMovie it was originally ended on the bus driving away but the test audiences hated it, so they filemd the beach shot and added it post wrap for theatrical release.

[@WriteousBible]

@WatchMeMovie 37:02 When Red's dialogue discusses what it's like to be a free man, did you make the connection that the character's real life name is Freeman?

[@walkingwounded3824]

Love your Bonnie and Clyde picture! What a movie!

[@WatchMeMovie]

such a classic, used to love it as a kid and recently had to watch again for Uni. Love it

[@philjones45]

Please do mor reactions Ryan, you are the best reactor on here. I love the fact you use your knowledge, but in a non obtrusive way.

[@phineaspepper3530]

I am always amazed that Stephen King wrote this as a novella and The Green Mile and the novella that they made in to the movie Stand By Me.

[@ladyshar42]

his novellas make the best movies

[@larrote6467]

well the curious thing about King is that the less others take from the original source the more acclaimed it is;

[@craigfowler7098]

In my humble opinion best film ever made

[@TenTonNuke]

I live down the street from the prison and they still give tours of the movie scenes, do haunted house stuff, and have tattoo and heavy metal festivals in the yard.

[@WatchMeMovie]

thats cool, I'd love the tour for the movie scenes

[@dannya8614]

You have a beautiful warm and deep voice WatchMeMovie. Great reaction.

[@melvinperry9393]

Great reaction friend! I subscribed to your channel because I am enjoying your reactions in which you analyze the artistic nature of the films from a student point of view, and your subtle intelligent commentary without bombast or obnoxious jokes. Great film, and I look forward to your journey of reacting to great films, studying and eventually becoming a filmmaker yourself! Peace my friend!

[@WatchMeMovie]

Really appreciate comments like yours Melvin, it makes all the difference getting that notification on my phone. Thank you very much and thank you for subscribing!

[@marjak9569]

Nice reaction 👍love this movie, one of my favorite 👍 Greetings from Finland 😊

[@WatchMeMovie]

Thank you for watching and Greetings!

[@JackRazz1]

This is one of only two movies that I gave "10's" to six actors in it. The easiest two to give them to were Morgan Freeman and Tom Robbins. I also gave the 10 score to Clancy Brown as Captain Hadley, William Sadler as Heywood, and James Whitmore as Brooks. But I almost gave an 11 score to Bob Gunton's portrayal of Warden Norton. The Warden may very well be one of the greatest cinematic villains ever as far as the levels of cruelty and evil the man was composed of. Absolutely masterful. (Also Gil Bellows was a strong 9 with his portrayal of Tommy Williams.)

[@brettv5967]

A very worthwhile, though obviously less discussed, Tim Robbins movie that I’d recommend is The Player. Put it on your list.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Noted Brett , thank you

[@MakerInMotion]

The Shawshank Redemption was a box office flop when it released. It also had the misfortune of being released the same year Forrest Gump won every award a film could be awarded. It was a sleeper hit on VHS home video. One of those movies you had never heard of until a friend told you "You have to see this movie." Also its maybe the only example of a film studio executive meddling in a film that improved it. The original ending was Red riding towards Mexico in the bus. One of the executives insisted they go back and shoot the ending with Red and Andy being reunited on the beach. She spoke for all of us.

[@alltogetherfitandproper4252]

Just followed you after watching a reaction to another movie and subscribed immediately. Just started this one as I’m typing here. You’re a goodun.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Ah thanks mate! appreciate you letting me know, makes all the difference!

[@alltogetherfitandproper4252]

@@WatchMeMovie my pleasure as a viewer. I’m on the verge of starting a channel and you have a vibe that I was afraid mine wouldn’t pull off cuz mine is similar. It’s nice to see a precedent, not someone laughing hysterically or forcing reactions. Just honest appreciation put into words. I’m gonna do that, and you did that. So it’s nice to be less afraid it may not work cuz it’s sorta rare.

[@WatchMeMovie]

@@alltogetherfitandproper4252 go for it mate ! in my experience you will attract the audience who appreciates that sort of thing after one or two videos. JamesVScinema is a good example of a succesful channel with the same vibe , aswell as BrandonLikesMovies. Do let me know if you do start one, cheers!

[@alltogetherfitandproper4252]

@@WatchMeMovie if there was a way to DM, I’d get honest and ask your opinion. I like the vs cinema one. Have thoughts on the other. I’ll leave it at that. If you have an idea how to communicate about it outside public eyes, it’d be convenient. I assume not, just saying.

[@WatchMeMovie]

@@alltogetherfitandproper4252 in the about section you can find my Twitter or Instagram and my dms are always open mate. I am going to bed right now but I always reply at some point so feel free

[@Blue-qr7qe]

'Lost sight if you for a while, but i'm getting caught up and enjoying it. 'Glad you watched and shared this film. Another film Morgan Freeman narrates and co-stars in is MILLION DOLLAR BABY. Clint Eastwood directed, starred, and scored this film. Beautifully. The real jewel in this, for me, was Hilary Swank's performance - absolutely astounding. If you haven't yet seen this one, please hear this request for a reaction. Right in your wheelhouse, i think. Peace -

[@rebeccahanson6941]

I’ve heard the original short story the movie is based on they don’t show Andy and red reuniting. It’s just red traveling down to Mexico but when they did screen tests the audience wanted to see it so they added it.

[@TheKrensada]

The Blue Snowball. I have that mic too. And I love it.

[@celinhabr1]

So glad to see this reaction. I agree, the screenplay and Morgan Freeman are the best thing about this great picture.

[@WatchMeMovie]

Yeah I'm really glad this won the vote tbh it was such a good watch. but yeah they were definitely the stand out parts of this, cheers

[@ericjahoda2997]

The original title of King's story was "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption".

[@HenryCabotHenhouse3]

Originally, it was left ambiguous and ended with Red's "I hope." (defocus fade-out) But test audiences complained so much that they went back and shot the beach scene.

[@robynhurley5119]

It came out in 1994 when i was 27. I am 55 now and have watched it over 50 times

[@joepegel]

One detail I love is that the hammer is hidden in the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Jews fleeing from slavery in Egypt.

[@andaimhineach4131]

Best last 30 or so minutes of any movie ever made.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

The person in Red's mug shot is Morgan Freeman's son. Here's a video I made about what if this movie had a depressing Terry Gilliam-style ending: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpvZnoVjpdqAjtk

[@WatchMeMovie]

haha oh god

[@GrouchyOldBear7]

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it.

[@macc.1132]

One of the best screenplays ever (for the dialogue): All About Eve.

[@kimwatchesstuff]

Congrats on 1k!

[@WatchMeMovie]

Thanks a lot for contributing to that number!!

[@kegr1066]

Back to the Future is a great movie for film students. Film school at the University of Southern California used the screenplay as THE example of perfection. Everything introduced in the film was relevant during and neatly finished by the film's end

[@Lunal73]

I really your reactions. Thank you 😊

[@BurvilMantequilla]

Frank Darabont apparently took advantage of a thing Stephen King does which is let students produce adaptations for free for their projects. He did a little film adaptation and King liked it. When he asked to make Sahwshank King remembered him and gave permission with no difficulty or negotiations. That's a great story of different kinds of artists doing right by each other.