The Shawshank Redemption -- What Makes This Movie Great? (Episode 98)

[@pork1922]

As a female that really likes film, I absolutely enjoyed this movie. Even if it’s an all male cast there’s something so human in there that gender doesn’t effect. I’m in my teens and this movie’s message spoke louder than any lecture from my parents, teachers or most adults. This why movies are so crucial to teaching life lessons to the next generation. Because movies can speak louder than a lecture. By the way thank you so much to the people that liked my original comment!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent! thank you.

[@RLnSara]

🔥

[@lauranelson2331]

Same here, I don't care that the only female character is the cheating wife. She isn't written to represent all women and women aren't ommited to make a point. This doesn't detract from the film, the story isn't focused on gender and representation like so much media is today. Instead a story about hope, and the classic fight between right and wrong are given center stage, as it should.

[@pork1922]

@@lauranelson2331 damn I couldn’t put it into better words myself. I completely agree with you and it’s nice to see that a female here agrees with me!

[@basternox5990]

I never imagined a sentence like that would be written without sarcasm.

[@hejskipejski5751]

In my humble opinion, this movie achieves something that most pictures don't - it makes you feel. Simple enough, but I think many movies are caught up with so many other things nowadays they forget this simple detail. Hope this video will get some decent views anyway!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

always tricky to figure out how and why movies make us feel. in your case the movie transcends in the Atlantic Ocean. I figure if it has global appeal, which I think Shawshank does, it's got a shot at universal appeal across times and eras.

[@rubensosatuub]

@@LearningaboutMovies it's the Pacific

[@megamikethemovieman]

Truly a brilliant movie, can’t wait to review and unbox the 4K on my channel.

[@bettymoody7422]

I've watched this movie about 100 times. Still moves me. The hope of better life. Good over evil.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent!

[@canuck21]

I'm a woman and I love this movie, but my mother loves it even more. This is probably my mothers all time favourite movie. I know a female cousin of mine also really likes this movie. So yeah, this movie appeals to females too.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Excellent, thank you very much.

[@melvinwelliott2]

Another aspect of Andy's faith (and knowledge of the Bible) is about exactly where he hid his rock hammer - in the book of Exodus, which details Israel's escape from their bondage in Egypt. And how appropriate was his inscription to the warden, knowing he'd soon find that Bible in the safe! It was indeed a pun of sorts - "Salvation lies within." - meaning (of course) the rock hammer inside was Andy's means of escape, and at the same time a reminder that the contents of that book can lead one to spiritual salvation as well. Ironically, those are the exact words the warden said to Andy much earlier in the movie, encouraging him to read the Bible - "Salvation lies within." (Ha!)

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent, thank you!

[@melvinwelliott2]

@@LearningaboutMovies => You're most welcome! If I may go a little further: We all realize that the warden wasn't a godly man, but a hypocrite => using the Bible as a pretense for his own selfish purposes. Just after the warden saw the Daily Bugle's headline: "Corruption, Murder at Shawshank" is when he looked at the plaque on the wall, which he had told Andy was embroidered by his wife in church-group => "His Judgement Cometh and that Right Soon...." Now of course, the warden proudly displayed that in his office because he reveled in having the authority to inflict punishment upon all who didn't obey his wishes. Ironically though, it was Andy who (in a sense) "pronounced judgment" upon the warden for his own misdeeds by leaking to the press. Interestingly, the plaque was also rather prophetical in that "right soon" afterward is when the warden committed suicide, rather than to atone for his evil behavior by accepting the consequences. BTW, this movie is in my top ten.

[@ryans3795]

I can forgive and actually like the scene with of Andy talking to the warden about his innocence. The movie is about redemption, and it did a fantastic job giving the warden a shot at redemption after spending time with Andy. I really wasn't expecting the execution that would follow, this movie really nailed all of its plot twists.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

good point -- the Warden always has a choice.

[@bruh_hahaha]

This movie is definitely the GOAT. It’s themes if judicial corruption, personal resilience, hope, etc are timeless.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

and many more.

[@BRNRDNCK]

Lol, “definitely the GOAT” is ridiculous. The movie has constant voiceover narration. That alone stops it from being the GOAT.

[@Christobanistan]

The writing is perfect, the dialog is incredible, the cinematography is absolutely incredible, the music is perfect, the direction is perfect, the acting is perfect, and Freeman's narration is sublime. And the theme is universal and wonderful. It's simultaneously moody, scary, and hopeful. And it's got TWO wonderful endings, with a huge dollop of religious allegory. It's just the perfect movie.

[@RLnSara]

In 2015 my friend told me about this movie when he was in prison, but because I have never experienced prison, I was not interested, then in 2017 I was imprisoned, then I was told by my cellmate that his favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption, then I watched this movie several times, and in 2020 a church ministry held a group viewing of this movie in a prison church, then in 2021 I was free, and so far this film is the best of all movies in my opinion. 🙏🏼

[@abdulazizabdullah6497]

I dont care what naysayers say, I have said this in early 95 when I saw this film for the first time and countless times since having almost memorised the entire dialogue in the film: THIS IS THE BEST FILM I HAVE EVER SEEN and many would agree as it has been the numero uno on imdb greatest films list since 2008 till present!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

glad that you love it.

[@fiona-lyons]

It's my favourite movie of all time, I've watched it multiple times- most recently with my 16 year old son (his first time). It never gets tired. I'm female.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent, thank you Fiona.

[@jamesday9701]

Even though it has been said to the point where it's almost a cliche, the line "Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'" has always been metaphorical to me in the sense that, regardless of how we live our lives, time keeps moving forward and it up to us on how we spend it. We can either do things that enrich our lives or do things that diminish it.

[@achasingafterthewind]

I think the reason this movie is so popular among men is that it's about an emotional topic that isn't steeped in cheap sentimentality: paternal/fraternal male relationships. Just look at some of the other really popular "guy movies": "Lord of the Rings" (a lot of action, but the emotional core is two friends going on a mission together); "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (the Terminator acts as a protector, who devotes his life to John Connor); "Fight Club" (not really emotional, but there's some interesting stuff in there about men calling each other to live more meaningful lives); and "Saving Private Ryan" (technically about brotherhood, but I think it's more the case that people take this idea of the "noble warrior" who gives his life for others and apply it to any war movie). Men of course are often derided for not showing our emotions, but just because we don't express them in the most obvious ways doesn't mean we don't have them. Most men highly value relationships with their male family members and friends as ways of receiving support, encouragement, and direction, and when we see a film like this, that so completely develops those kinds of relationships, we appreciate them for depicting what we value. As much as parts of this film are about Andy and parts are about Red, I think it is ultimately about their friendship, as evidenced by the final shot. Hope is a huge theme in this film, and it's obvious that Andy derives much of his hope not just from his plans for escape, but from his relationships inside the prison, and he passes on that hope to Red, who initially scoffs at Andy, but later goes off in search of him in the small chance that they could see each other again. I have a couple of friends who've told me this is their favorite movie. While I think it's great, I'm not sure it deserves to be in the running for greatest movie of all time. Still, I also remember watching this movie when I was 14 years old with my parents, and I also was blown away by it. I would highly recommend it to others, but I think most people (at least my age or older) have already seen it because it's so popular. Have you read the book? I was surprised that the movie was such a loyal adaptation, especially considering how amazing the movie is, while the book is at best pretty good, but the kind of thing you put back on the bookshelf and don't really think about again. How can they be so similar in content, yet so disparate in quality? I suppose the characters, events, and ideas just work better in a visual medium.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I haven't read the story, but as with many things King, the picture can be better than the book. you're right: guys need missions to bond them, and surely the Andy-Red friendship -- in fact all of those guys in that prison clique -- contrast with all of the alienated, isolated characters populating movies throughout film history. There must be umpteen thousand of those. That meeting and hug between Red and Andy in the end is a sharp contrast to them.

[@dlaird8]

This is the greatest movie that motivates the human spirit. Even in the darkest times we rise above.

[@HiHi-lt1cb]

As a female, I LOVED this movie! it appealed to me because it's about the human spirit, the connections we make with people, and overall hope. I didn't care that there weren't female characters. It's not my favorite movie, but I can see why it's number one! (My favorite is Return of the King, another movie with mainly men).

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you!

[@kfing1]

Female here. Have probably watched this film over 200 times. Absolute favorite, nothing else holds a candle to it imho. Don't know why I like it so much; no sappy romance, probably themes of getting out of whatever prison you're in in life. Moved away overseas from toxic family and workplace. Found my Zuantanejo moving to the tropics

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@AlonsoRules]

How great was 1994 in cinema - Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump, Lion King!! My favourite quote from this film is "how often does one look at a man's shoes"

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thanks.

[@bigboss-qv7pe]

Could you explain how you understood this quote? It caught me as well but everyone interprets it in a different way so I'm curious what's your way of understanding it.

[@robertmarginean164]

Frank Darabont is an underrated director in my opinion. He doesn't have a huge body of work, but between this and The Green Mile, he has made 2 masterpieces of world cinema

[@C_Griffy]

Shawshank has it all, you laugh, you cry, suspenseful moments, cheering for the good guy, the realities of prison, and quotes you never forget. Get busy living or get busy dying

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes!

[@zeppirl]

Its great because how the story is told. The movie has good elements like the acting, characters, setting, locations, camera work, etc but none of them alone is great. however its how the story is told, its how everything is brought together to tell the story perfectly.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@richardpaz8803]

This is a movie worthy of frequent rewatching. It conveys a spirit of freindship that is deeply touching. I suspect it was heavily influenced by "Cool Hand Luke."The name Luke means "light giving". Luke generously offers light and delightful distractions to the rest of the inmates. There Is a special and "holy" resilience in Luke's spirit. He is evidently a Christlike figure. "Cool Hand Luke" is packed with theological aspects. By the way, Jack Nicholson's character in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" is also quite Christlike. He surely bucks the system and reflects a powerful light through his unbendable resistance. Brando's character in "On the Waterfront" also leaps to mind. Terry Malloy undergoes a spiritual transformation - a rebirth. He clearly becomes a Christlike figure. Yeah, there is always plenty to mention. Matthews, take care of yourself. God bless u!

[@BethHarmon-yh8ms]

Eh, I was never as sympathetic to McMurphy in Cuckoo's Nest as much as I am to Andy and Cool Hand Luke. Andy was an innocent man wrongly convicted and imprisoned in a brutal prison and Luke got tossed onto a chain gang joint full of hard labor for a petty 'crime' (if you can even call it that). McMurphy slept with an underage girl (we only have his word that she was the one who did the seducing). Don't get me wrong Nurse Ratched was a cold hearted witch who hid her true colors beneath a soft-spoken facade, but McMurphy was hardly the faultless hero of the story that some viewers make him out to be. Haven't seen On the Waterfront in awhile.

[@CeeLiberty]

Excellent review. As a woman (born and raised) this film is still in my top ten list of all time greats. I am a major movie buff (going back to the silent era) this movie holds up to the giants like Casablanca, Citizen Kane, African Queen, and so many others. Yes, this film is very spiritual. Your review covered much and my own thoughts are summed up with a quote from the good book: James 2:20 - Faith without works is dead. Andy lived up to this beautifully. It's such a thoughtful, re-watchable movie because it touches your soul (something Hollywood can't seem to do anymore.) Newman's music is outstanding. Possibly James Horner might have done well but we'll never know.

[@UmeshSagarOfficial]

It is like a perfect movie. I am really critical about movies but this movie was something else.

[@tallterrilaw8646]

Female here best movie of all time. The moral of the story is hope. It is about overcoming, it is about oppression it is about brotherhood, it is about friendship, it is about making mistakes and the redemption of those Mistakes.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@whatdoyoulivefor735]

Female here. I just saw this movie for the first time yesterday, at a screening no less which made me feel really lucky. Because this is the absolute best movie I have ever seen. I practically had a spiritual experience in the theatre. Perfect movie. Truly great art. When art is this good it feels like everything about it was all meant to be.

[@p_nk7279]

A couple of favorite scenes are the library scene where Andy is telling Red about’Harvey the Rabbit’ and their scene where Andy tells him about going to find the rock and what’s buried there. The scenes are so personal and reveal so much about each person, particularly about Andy’s needs and dreams, by which Red is transfixed. They’re superb scenes.

[@oambitiousone7100]

The soundtrack is a significant part of its emotional punch

[@lindsaybenton4882]

Female and this movie does not just appeal to males. I am 29-years-old and watched this movie for the first time last week. I was astounded by this movie. The next day, I bought a copy of the book by Stephen King and relived the story all over again. (Just FYI the book does give more insight to Red’s past.) Although, the pictures of pretty girls on Andy’s wall isn’t exactly art. He does say when he see’s their picture, he feels like a free man. Like he could step right through the picture and walk on the beach with Raquel. I enjoyed your assessment of how the movie tricks the viewer to believe the story is about Andy, But really it’s about Red as well and how his counterpart Brookes prevents him from lavishing in freedom he may one day achieve. I loved that you went into the themes and shots of this movie. Like I said, you do not need to be a male to enjoy it’s message. Really well done. I hope to one day visit the filming location in Ohio. It’s a shame it did not win more awards and was beat out by the Flintstones at the box office in 1994. It has to be in my top 5 movies of all time.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent, thank you. yes, Raquel Welch was not "art"; yet Andy's walls are peppered with things other than that. is the location a tourist destination? I would guess that it might be.

[@lindsaybenton4882]

@@LearningaboutMovies It is a tourist destination! And was in operation as a prison until 1990.

[@abdulazizabdullah6497]

Well said

[@kh884488]

One scene I love is the camera moving back through the wall when his tunnel is discovered by the warden. As the camera moves back, it makes it seem like the important is in a hole that is getting deeper and deeper - ultimately a result of his scheming and greed.

[@nemo987654321]

This movie changed my life. This movie is best as it's tought one thing is that human willpower is unlimited and believing in good things are always remains good.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent, thank you Ivan.

[@tragedyQUEEN]

This is not a movie. Its a pilgrimage.

[@badabing8884]

It’s the message of hope that still resonates even after so many multiple viewings.

[@OirichEntertainment]

I watched it last month for the first time and was not disappointed. While I do not think it should be in the discussion for best film of all time it was still amazing. Many aspects I felt were inspired by “The Great Escape”.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

that's great!

[@abdulazizabdullah6497]

This movie has been #1 on imdb best ever list since 2008 till present. That is no easy task

[@abdulazizabdullah6497]

You will change your mind soon when you rewatch TSR again

[@OliverSolorzano]

I believe that Shawshank Redemption is likely one of the best films ever made. However I will argue that “Empire of the sun” is up there as well.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

haven't seen Empire in forever, but the book is so nightmarish and disturbing that I probably would not like the movie that much again.

[@arifshahabuddin8888]

I agree that "Shawshank Redemption was one of the great films but I would put it below several other classics that are near perfect. Of course, my list is subjective, subject to change constantly within my own head, but here are some of them: Mizoguchi - "Ugetsu" Ozu - "Tokyo Story" Kurosawa - "Ran" Ray - The Apu Trilogy ("Pather Panchali", "Aparajito", "ApurSansar") Leone - "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" Welles - "Citizen Kane" Coppola - The Godfather Trilogy (particularly I and II) Kieslowski - The Colours Trilogy (particularly "Trois Couleurs: Rouge") Lean - "Lawrence of Arabia" Mallick - "Thin Red Line" Farhadi - "A Separation" Villeneuve - "Incendies" Falardeau - "Monsieur Lazhar" Doc has covered some of these films but I hope that he will eventually review all of them.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Most of these I have planned to get to.

[@PG-bj5ol]

Its not a male centric movie. Its movie about hope. Which is a universal feeling. Hence connects with all genders and identities.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

People will claim that because it is almost an all-male cast. Such is the way we think here in the US, at least.

[@hayleyrowan6670]

Late to the party, but I am a woman and I endorse this movie. It's one of my favorites, even though on the face nothing about a prison drama written by Steven King would be in my usual wheelhouse. I think the movie avoids being part of the "boys only" club because Andy (and most of the sympathetic main characters for that matter) does not navigate his situation by being the manliest man who ever manned, but through some other quiet strengths-- his charisma, good intent, ingenuity, and sooooo much patience. Violence and toxically masculine traits are condemned for the most part in this film, which sets it apart from many other movies that are popular amongst men exclusively.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thank you.

[@mal1465]

Being a male (by birth…lol) it never dawned on me that there are no women (except the bank worker now that we’re talking about it) in this movie. Guess i was just so in tuned while watching hope this didn’t make me a male chauvinist (or whatever word they use these days)

[@oambitiousone7100]

Well put

[@yt-eppix4150]

My mom is around 50 years old and she loves this movie so much that she legit watches it every chance it comes on tv and even has it in all the recorded versions with multiple copies, and she's an average women ide say. Also know of other women that are a bit younger that also like this movie when brought up in conversation or whatever it's an amazing timeless movie I think.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@p_nk7279]

One thing I’m always struck by is how at the end Andy looks about 10 years younger - he is reborn, his life has begun anew with finding hope and realizing a dream!

[@movietella]

Kindly pause scrolling and make space for the following information in your memory banks: 1. When the prison warden found the Bible where Andy had hidden the rock hammer, it was in the book of Exodus. Exodus is a Greek word meaning "departure." 2. Red describes Andy's dream as "shitty pipe dreams". During his escape to live that dream, Andy crawls through a pipe filled with raw sewage. 3. If Andy had been incarcerated in just one cell to the left he would have had nowhere to tunnel to except the next cell, and thus would have had no amazing story to tell. 4. The three times Red meets the parole board he is told "Sit", "Sit down", and lastly "Please sit down". 5. Although it is never directly stated in the film, Brooks is in prison for allegedly murdering his wife and daughter after a losing streak at poker. 6. Despite being widely considered as one of the greatest movies of all time, it didn't receive a single Oscar win, though it was nominated for seven, including Best Picture. 7. The last word spoken in the movie is "hope", a major theme of the film.

[@benjaminngopwaamos6878]

One thing I love about this movie is that you can interpret it in several different ways. It can take a religious theme, it can be about society and individuality in general, it can also be about friendship, depression, and can also have religious themes if you want to see it that way. It can also be a message of a mental resolve and hope against the elements.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thanks. these are the kinds of movies I tend to promote on the channel, those that have multiple topics that interact and combine, and you can see them dozens of ways, potentially.

[@guacamolephil]

I have to watch this one once a year just an absolute roller coaster of emotions

[@TheListenerCanon]

It was actually #2 behind Godfather until Summer 2008. What happened was The Dark Knight reached #1 surpassing Godfather, but that wasn't enough. TDK fans rated Godfather a 1 to make sure it stayed at #1 for as long as possible. Unfortunately, Godfather fans rated TDK a 1 to bring it back to #1. However, this resulted in Shawshank being ahead of Godfather since neither of them rated Shawshank a 1. Maybe a few but it shows. So Shawshank got #1 and has been since. So I'd say it's been nearly 13 years and not 25 years like you said.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thanks. I re-checked and it had been off and on #1, starting in the late 1990s. Top-5 for 25 years is accurate.

[@yaloolah42]

Also a female viewer, just saw this for the first time- I really enjoyed it and respected it. I didn't notice or mind the lack of female characters; it made sense in the setting and I liked that it was about the camaraderie among the men. But I enjoy movies about friendship, especially same-gender friendship, so I don't care about lack of one gender or another most of the time

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent, thank you!

[@lindapgolan7070]

Female and subscriber, this movie packs a wallop. While not my #1, can completely understand why for so many.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you!

[@JasmineRobotnik]

The Shawshank redemption is my mother's favorite movie. Its her comfort movie. And I always watch it with her if its on ( I also a woman) and I agree that it is a great film. I keep trying to get a coworker of mine ( female) to watch it.

[@computerblue84]

I would actually LOVE to see a video in this series about Papillon… it might sound silly but that movie kind of changed my life once I discovered it several years ago and I don’t see nearly enough commentary on it. Cheers! Thanks for all your amazing work.

[@astrostar49]

Thanks for the analysis. I was 7 when this came out. Watched it a few years later, and it's a top 3 film ever for me. I go back to it a couple of times a year. Everyone involved did a remarkable job.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

you're welcome

[@mal1465]

I have only watched two movies where I rewound them (yes on VHS…lol) and watched it again. This was one of them, the other was Deloris Clayburn. I love both movies…Stephen King no less!

[@ultimateboy999]

I really enjoyed your thoughts on the birds eye view signaling ominousness (11:33). Conversely, maybe the pan of the camera angle signals a metaphorical weight being placed on Andy as the prison institution used him for personal gain. As Andy escapes, the reversal is shown signaling a metaphorical lift of the prison institution using him as well as the apparent lift of physical prison. I watched this movie for the first time last night and I can't stop thinking about it. Loved the video!

[@dcndiamonds]

Female viewer, and this is one of my favorite movies of all time ❤ I will riot if they ever try to remake it 😂

[@kahlodiego5299]

I'm female. This is one of my favorite movies. I have it on my old desktop. I've seen it over and over. (Gender is over-rated.)

[@LearningaboutMovies]

could be, though you can't read any of the mainstream critics without running into it immediately.

[@genjifanatic5497]

I think Andy's character, who is litterate, believes in science and arts (like 1700's philosophers, reason instead of religion) contrasts with the whole prison sphere that is fully religious. He brings reason to the prisoners by providing them books other than the Bible. Really great movie.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes. Andy also knows the Bible well, better than the warden perhaps.

[@kevinfinnerty8414]

Atheists think of Andy as the chess playing, reasoned philosopher. Breaking free of the shackles of religion. Christians think of Andy as a metaphor for Jesus. And the Warden......let’s just say is the $ synagogue of Satan $.

[@adamb4667]

Religion and science/arts are very much intertwined. It's just that the West never really had religion. They twisted Christianity to become a restrictive and confusing dogma. The height of science and arts in the Islamic world coincided with the height of deeply religious Islamic rule.

[@oambitiousone7100]

Female: watched it in the 90s and was stunned into happy tears . The desperation of it, it’s hell on earth to rise to life.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@Saya_562]

You can even say that the rain that pours over Andy at the end baptizes him and he is reborn as the alias he created on paper

[@thenero9493]

Curious if you’ve watched the Logos Made Flesh interpretation of this being the greatest Christian movie ever. It goes through the symbolism, hollow bible, etc., and if you have I’m curious on your thoughts. I tend to agree with their view of the movies message

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I have not. Is that a KZbin channel?

[@thenero9493]

@@LearningaboutMovies yes, a channel that analyzes film through a Christian lens. I definitely find it interesting and valuable. They’ve made a couple videos on this movie

[@p_nk7279]

Yo I’m a female - it’s a great film. I just rewatched it yesterday. I watch it a few times a year. Not sure why people think someone only watches films that only have ‘their gender’ in it. The Green Mile is also great (Darabont, Stephen King story).

[@Hi-zh6ss]

I'm not femals, but this is one of my mums favourite movies ever and she made me see it when I was just 13. Also the book it's based on is her favourite book ever (tho it's a collection of 4 stories, this is at least in her top 2 in it), so yeah I'll use her for reference and she loves it

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@Hi-zh6ss]

@@LearningaboutMovies no problem

[@ranaharis2420]

I have watched this movie infinity times Always love this ❤

[@betod3113]

Great movie but sad at the same time glad i bought it on dvd yrs ago i always watch it..

[@shugyosha7924]

Did the ending on the beach really happen, or is it just Red's rekindled hope?

[@surfk9836]

It is the best because watching it a second it is even better.

[@lamrof]

Dang me because I forgot where I watched it first. I remember I felt sentimental for days with a tinge of sadness. So I watched it again few days later, I think on VHS. The movie became my all time favorite, to me, in my book, in my heart, the #1 movie ever. Years and years later I noticed it on IMDB listed there as the #1 ever. Hoary people agree with me. The movie is about true love, courage and hope against all odds. I still get teary eyed when I think about it.

[@lamrof]

The 90's were such a great decade for everything in the USA.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

the good old days ...

[@marilynmanord1790]

I am a female this movie is timeless because IF you listen and pay attention to what they are saying to each other. We can learn a lot about life. Red doesn’t “break out” Red is paroled.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you

[@megamikethemovieman]

Great video, just about to review this movie on my channel and your video got me to think about the movie more.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@byronyadao5550]

“Get busy living” or “Get busy dying.” Your choice.

[@Otokichi786]

"The Shawshank Redemption": A tale apout Hope, Friendship and The Count of Monte Cristo.

[@noname-bk7bc]

Great review! Are you planning on reviewing Judas and the Black Messiah? For some reason none of the main reviewers I usually watch are. I've heard lots of oscar buzz about it so it's really surprising

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thanks. several people have asked, so probably I will get to it this week.

[@mateuszdzieniszewski6714]

one of my top 3 movies ^^

[@LearningaboutMovies]

great!

[@billyraybar]

The casting was brilliant

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, for sure.

[@Donalob]

Tim Robbins as Andy is the best piece of casting I've seen in movies. So nonchalant, but yet with purpose.

[@socialmoth4974]

I am a female and this is my favorite movie of all time.

[@WillIngram08]

Watching it RN.

[@ccburro1]

I’m a female and view this as a great/timeless movie. That it essentially all-male-at least to my conscious mind-does not negate “interest”. These men are “human beings” and thus their interaction is of interest. I note though that sometimes it is noted that a particular movie is a “chick flick” and the question put “Will men interested in seeing this movie, given that it has been labeled a “chick flick”. We are all human beings, though we are gendered.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thank you

[@seripanji]

Yeah. You guys still remember the name of the place right?

[@azdb2dba1]

As the movie ranks among all time greats, it is reprehensible that it did not win a single Oscar even though it was nominated for 7! The majority of the Oscars won that year were given to Forrest Gump. A good movie, but it certainly did not have a better story line than Shawshank.

[@ANTSPlantation]

This movie is one of my aunt’s all time favorite, of course it appeals to females too.

[@Yky-xh7ej]

Please make one on The Green Mile as well

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@kfing1]

Absolutely, love this film too. I fall apart every time I see that scene with John and Melinda, when she says I dreamed of you holy crap 😭😭

[@Casn521]

The plot is great but the characters take it to a whole new level. Sort of like breaking bad...

[@SWLB]

As a kid my favourite book which I read cover to cover possibly 100 times was The Count of Monte Cristo, which gets a name check in the film. This might explain why this is my favourite film ever. The difference is that Dufresne wants justice more than Dantes who wants revenge. I would disagree about the religious hypocrisy mentioned in this review. Anyone who thinks the wardens actions are not consistent with the vengeful, cruel and self Centred god described in the bible hasn’t read the bible. Religion is the poster child for hypocrisy and hate.

[@BethHarmon-yh8ms]

Warden Norton liked to pass himself as a devoted, God-fearing, God-loving Christian, but I think his actions in the movie proved he was none of this. He has an inmate murdered because that inmate had information that would free an innocent prisoner, one who has become the warden's golden goose. I don't think Andy wanted revenge, at least not at first.....he just wanted to be free. I believed him when he told the warden he'd never expose him because as Andy pointed out, he'd be in as much trouble as the warden over the money laundering schemes. But the warden wouldn't listen, or rather, he didn't WANT to listen. At this point, Norton has become too greedy to be willing to let Andy walk out of Shawshank. Again, he did not want to lose his financial slave. It was only after the warden threw him into the hole for a couple of months and had Tommy murdered that Andy decided he needed to break free once and for all. And I think the long stretch in the hole also sharpened Andy's appetite for vengeance on Norton and Hadley for denying him his one chance of getting out legally.

[@Christobanistan]

I've watched a lot of female reactor channels watch this, and they all just love the shit out of it.

[@davidfernandez1992]

This video certainly needs more views 👍

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@ANBU23_]

My #1 movie on my top movies list , followed by Fight Club 💥

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent!

[@nelsongsousa37]

Did you like or enjoy the movie or not?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Yes, that is presupposed in the title question.

[@maxpatrickhaynes2194]

Hey!! My baby mama is the one female in the movie, and she is relevant , because she is the focal point of the WHOLE movie. Did he kill her, or did he not?? Because I got to watch them make the movie, I know some things abt the movie, that ppl don’t know. No big details, but her part , when she “gets killed “, was cut out , as well as some of the court room scene. For time. And they refer to her throughout the movie. Especially when the young guy transfers to Shawshank…

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I am trying to imagine what "my baby mama" means here.

[@maxpatrickhaynes2194]

@@LearningaboutMovies it’s what the kids say, for Renee being the mother of my children. We have 2 daughters together.

[@paddybpaddyb9940]

I love this film, but it does seem kind of odd that Andy's planning, 17 years in the making could have been undone if the warden turned around at the wrong moment when he was palming the account books.

[@pertamakedua3771]

People like character who think outside the box, it's just like rancho in 3 idiots, people likes character like that

[@mooshwanez2076]

I mean this with the utmost respect, you are like David Cross from an alternate reality

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I have been hearing that for 10 years, since She's the Man came out!

[@EthanButler]

The worst movie I've ever seen. So terrible. Just kidding. It's my favorite movie of all-time. Great video!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you!

[@ronaldmilner8932]

The worst movie you've ever seen?! You've never seen CATS have you?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Manos: Hands of Fate is probably the worst movie ever.

[@melvinwelliott2]

@@LearningaboutMovies - I respectfully disagree. (Ha!) In my book, it's Battleground (1949). And "That's for sure - that's for danged sure!" I watched it with my two boys - and we laughed like hell everytime the guy said that. Very poorly made IMHO. I'll never watch it again. (LOL)

[@waxanlohit]

2022 and the movie found me like Red found that letter.

[@oambitiousone7100]

🥲

[@kentnilsson465]

Excuse me but how can there be female characters in a movie about an all male prison in the 50s and 60s?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

you guys asking this don't know modern Hollywood, academia, and what American elites think. Have you never been in a board room meeting? I keep getting asked this by a bunch of young bros that don't have the slightest clue that these questions about female representation are exactly the way that Western institutions think out loud. Totally clueless.

[@oambitiousone7100]

Only those woke scolds who want to ruin everything would do such

[@oambitiousone7100]

This is my Easter movie

[@isatherebel1520]

Bro u should check out the TV series Prison Break, Michael and Lincoln are great main characters, it's an action series based around the brothers breaking outta prison and going on the run against a corrupt secret government force

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you!

[@bobdouglass8010]

You can kind of compare Shawshank to Groundhog Day. They're both fun stories of a man's redemption at a superficial level and also deal in ways to better think about life. Difference is Groundhog Day is too heavy-handed, and it gets tiresome to rewatch it. For some reason, which I can't explain and even this review doesn't explain, you can rewatch Shawshank any time. Same as Road House.

[@kh884488]

Wow, excellent review and analysis of one of my favorite films. There are many, many love stories and adventure stories, but sadly very few that deal with male friendship that aren't boorish "bro" movies. I interpret the film from a Christian perspective where Andy is representative of Jesus and Red represents the average person. I interpret warden Norton's avarice and hypocrisy as representing the religious ruling elite of his day that he was quick to criticize in Matthew 23.

[@Sanri-pf9dq]

It is the great movie ever.

[@Jaygo_Chuggington]

This movie is perfect, my buddy said it was boring and I almost slapped him

[@itisme4048]

This is my mom’s favorite movie of all time, so there’s one female opinion

[@tk-chakib470]

The story was good but i don't think the film deserve that rating i gibe it about 8.3 tbh

[@OriginalKarasu]

What movie(s) are better in ur opinion?

[@geneparmesan88]

@@OriginalKarasuhow much time you got fella?

[@geneparmesan88]

I think it’s the second most overrated movie of all time behind forest gump

[@derpderpson8796]

If a movie is good, the color or gender of the cast isn't of importance anymore because thats simply nothing that is of importance anyways ( There are countless examples). Also it's a movie about a male only prison, would be kinda strange to see a woman there.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I agree

[@User-mk4sc]

As a female AND Asian audience, I really enjoy the movie. In fact, on Chinese community, this movie is rated 9.7/10, which is more than 100k of people rating 100% for the movie. I watched it 2-3 times, never even noticed it was a movie without any female character! Such interesting fact, yet it did not affect the watching experience at all.

[@mrboxnoob8367]

Didn’t answer the question though

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Wrong.