My fav "hope" quote is; “Hope. It is the quintessential human delusion, simultaneously the source of your greatest strength, and greatest weakness.” Remember what its from?
I have done the same. The very day that it was first available on DVD I went and bought it. In fact, I had pre-ordered it and I was was STOKED at the DVD bonus features. This was years ago, of course. I had absolutely worn out my VHS copy of this movie and since a DVD has no moving parts I knew I was going to be able to watch that DVD without worrying about the machine eventually eating it or mechanical failures of the mechanism since there is no mechanism. I have watched that DVD countless times and at least once a month I get it out and put it in the player and, just as you said, no matter how many times I have watched it, I never grow tired of it. Knowing the dialogue, expressions, and everything else in the movie makes it that much more enjoyable. The scene of him playing the Opera record and then cranking it up after they are screaming at him to turn it off is just about my favorite scene in the movie. I still get choke up a little during that because of the expression on his face and the meaning of what he is doing. He is grabbing freedom and embracing it for those few minutes until the guard breaks the door glass to get in. Andy knew he was going to receive a terrible beating and solitary, but he had decided that those minutes of freedom and what it demonstrated to ALL of the other prisoners was MUCH more powerful and he wanted to show them that they could do whatever they wanted to him, but they were NEVER going to break his spirit. That's why I can watch his movie endlessly and never tire of it.
This movie had a limited release where I live. I was a teenager working at the local discount theater (where films would go a few weeks after a mainstream release). We were the one of very few places that were actually showing this movie. Since it was a discount theater, we always got second hand film rolls. I was working the projector booth at the time and the film rolls that came to us were absolutely trashed. I had no interest in seeing this movie since I was only about 17, but I had to sit through the entire thing to look for any bad splices before we let the public view. I started it up kinda mad that I had to sit thru a 2.5hr movie, lol! When it ended, I had a whole new outlook on movies, in general. This movie remains in my “Top Films” because of this! “Get busy living or get busy dying”
I was a movie nut and about the same age as you (and still kinda am) and saw just about everything in the theaters. I did not even remember it hitting theaters. My mom rented it as soon as it hit home video as she was a big Steven King Fan and knew the story (really we watched everything that would hit the video store). I loved the movie and quickly read the short story. (movie was one of the rare cases, it was better then the book). This movie, Braveheart, Se7en, The Elephant Man, Akria and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen made me start to see movies a bit different.
I remember the discount movies already released. I wasn't aware you had to watch doing QC first before public view. Actually I don't think I've ever attended one before for $1. Too busy in life during then. It went on for at least 5 years where I use to live until it became a bankruptcy.
I remember as a projector having to sit still and not even BLINK much less go to the rest room (i always took a jumbo cup for uhm... Emergencies 😉) good times!!
I just saw this for the first time a few months ago...I'm 39 woman from the Detroit area....I totally missed out on enjoying this pleasant kind-hearted movie my whole life. made me cry! it's so good!
The scene where warden Norton opens that shoebox is my favorite. The look on his face is priceless. The sudden realization that life as he knew it has just ended. Instant Karma! Great acting by Bob Gunton.
It's a great movie but best of all film? That's a little much. As far as Stephen King films go, there a bunch as good as Shawshank. I like Dolores Claiborne. Mostly because I like a heroine that kills her abusive husband. 🤷♀️ And it's foolish to think the same tree and stone would be in Maine after 30 years. That field got made into $500k subdivisions long before they got out.
This is one of my favorite Stephen King stories, I could never imagine anyone other than Tim Robins and Morgan Freeman in those rolls, their chemistry together onscreen is amazing. Well done video Minty
Out of the movies made from Different Seasons, Apt Pupil was disappointing, imo. I REALLY wish they would make A Winter's Tale, The Breathing Method. BUT, they've GOTTA do it RIGHT. Which is probably why it hasn't been made into a movie.
@@badkitty4922 I agree 100% it is kinda sad how little seems to have gone into the making of the King movies. Only a few have actually been really, really good. But they did a great job on this one and I truly do believe it was the chemistry of, not just Freeman and Robins, but all of the cast. They all played their part with a realism that I can truly appreciate.
There is a well known story that during the filming of Marathon Man a young Dustin Hoffman trying to impress the established Larry Olivier by using "the Method" ...........Mr Hoffman would stay awake for days on end without sleep to convey his characters exhaustion, to which Lawrence Olivier concerned about Hoffman's health told him to try acting instead.
In Brazil the title of the film is "Um Sonho de Liberdade" which can be translated as "A dream of freedom." I remember reading an article about the best movies in history. In the report there was a list with the films and I was very unhappy to discover that "A dream of freedom." was not on the list. Some time later I found out that The Shawshank Redemption, the first movie on the list, was the movie I was looking for.
An absolute masterpiece. One of the greatest prison flix ever. Right up there with Cool Hand Luke, The Green Mile and The Great Escape. And one of the best happy endings.
The book as also a joy to read. There are a few small differences, but is very close to the movie. I'm glad they went for Morgan Freeman for the role of Red. He brings a lot of heart into the movie.
I read the book many times while locked up and couple years ago and its amazing . I wish they made a movie about the breathing method tho to me it was better than the other stories
The Shawshank Redemption is undoubtedly one of my most favourite movies of all time - if not my favourite. I cannot say enough good things about this film. For starters it was written by Stephen King, which was one of his short stories. Everything from writing, direction to acting to setting - all top notch. They couldn't have casted the 2 protagonists any better or more realistically. Supporting cast also delivered impeccable performances. And of course - the message within - finding hope in the darkest of places, cementing solid friendships and overcoming obstacles in order to procure your dreams. I can't imagine this movie without that ending - it was absolutely perfect. I've seen it many times, and I still get choked up, goosebumps as well as shed tears. Anyone who requires an infusion of hope, aspiration, faith and optimism should be pointed in this direction. As well as everyone else.
@@mandofan2616 You mean multiple wardens over the years, right? That actually makes plenty sense to make it into one , because the sub plot about corruption is a big part of the film. It would be diluted if it was a few different guys, all being inept or corrupt just for the sake of it. The self righteous warden, who quotes the Bible, while being the biggest criminal in his own prison fit perfectly. I always loved the decision to have him kill himself rather than be arrested. Something about that felt more accurate than him getting arrested and begging.
Yup! I've even looked at some of the items in his collection, like the copy of Handbook For The Recently Deceased, to name one thing, and thought to myself "Ooooh, I want one of those!". Lol!
I grew up roughly an hour from “The Shawshank Prison” (Mansfield Reformatory) and I’ve been to the prison numerous times. I’ve been on the Shawshank Redemption tour and visited the haunted house they used to or still do put on. If you’re ever heading through central Ohio and happen to be a Shawshank fan, you gotta see the place it’s awesome and recently they even restored and renovated much of the prison.
My best friend had his wedding reception at that prison in Mansfield, Ohio, they had a lot of Shawshank Redemption props on display when you enter the main door, it was an awesome experience!
Absolutely, to all Shawshank fans I suggest BOTH reading the story (or audiobook) and watching the film. Both GREAT and they compliment each other. Distinct differences in the two, but the same legendary, timeless KING STORY
One of Stephen King’s best stories captured on the big screen EVER! The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, Dolores Claiborne, Misery, IT, Cujo, Carrie…?? Do we need to go any further here? Every time the Shawshank Redemption is re-played on any network, cable channel or streaming service … everyone must stop and watch. I know I do. Too bad no Academy Award statues for this movie 😡 Thank you for the top 10
Worked on set, credited. Amazing to see the lasting interest. Regarding. #6 - not so tense filming. Normal squabbles. Though, Tim Robbins changed the context of the sisters attack last second. But it worked. Some grueling days, conditions, all worthy. Frank Darabont is politely insistent. Only yells when he wants to get moving, not a power player. Good assistant directors, and crew. When hearing the narration playing live during filming, you knew it was special. Crew was emotional and attached filming roof scene. So many great moments. Always wanted to do a retrospect video.
Warden Norton and Capt. Hadley getting taken down is my favorite movie villain defeat because all it took was exposing the truth. And Andy taking the warden's laundered kickback money as "severance" was pretty sweet too.
I've LOVED this movie since the first time I saw it, I didn't see it in theaters but boy I wish I would have !!! SUCH AN EPIC MOVE !! I'm a HUGE Stephen King fan and had read the short story and loved it....I'm so happy they made it into this classic !!
When u hear of who was originally asked to be in a movie and they turned it down, there is a reason the stars are aligned the way they are. I cant imagine anyone else playing any part in this movie other than the people that took the roles
I live about thirty miles from the prison where it was filmed. They have several events, tours etc there. It's a very impressive looking place in person.
Great movie, I always feel a little better after watching it.The performances are impeccable, and the cinematography is incredible. True art doesn't always get the credit it deserves
This is one of my a time favorite movies!! I live 15 mins from the prison and drive by it everyday too work. It's funny that the greatest movie ever made was filmed in Ohio, out of all places! Not only that my Uncle played a background prisoner for the movie! It's an Amazing Movie!!!!
One of the all-time greatest movies ever. Just shows that the audience probably wasn’t ready for this level of genius. Same as “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Princess Bride”.
Not really, the main issue was the title and advertising was confusing and it came out in a year where Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction were poised to dominate the Academy Awards. Once it got more eyes on it via nearly constant replays on TNT and word of mouth and video rentals it was huge. I don’t think anyone that actually saw it for the first time in the mid 90s didn’t like it, it just took awhile to get to everybody else due to marketing issues.
It's funny that Robbins spent all that effort trying to get into the head of someone incarcerated when during the scene between him and Red (where Red is tossing the baseball), Red comments that Andy carries himself like he's not in a prison but still a free man without a care or something like that. Great movie, though - me and a couple guys from uni were some of the few who actually saw it when it first released in theatres.
I read the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption back in the late 80s when my cousin turned me on to Stephen King. It was my favorite novella in Different Seasons and when the movie came out I remember seeing it immediately. It is still one of my favorite King adaptations and certainly one of the most faithful. I’m sure glad they didn’t completely change the title. This movie has stood the test of time.
As an illustrator I have to say I disagree about the first poster of Andy in the rain not having a "wow factor." While I get what you're saying about it not communicating what the movie is about, that image would still grab my attention. It's still one of my absolute _favorite_ pieces of illustration work ever done just because I find it so dynamic and riveting and straight up _beautiful._ But I can also fully admit that most of that is just the art nerd in me nerding. lol Drew Struzan is an amazing artist; I have a book of his movie poster work called "The Art of Drew Struzan" and it's _wonderful._ With how into movies you are, Minty, I HIGHLY recommend you pick it up! It has concept sketches and alternate versions of just about every single movie poster he's ever done, and just seeing how beautiful his pencil work is on its own is enchanting. It's also less than $30 USD which I think is a steal!
👍👍‼️ Whenever I view that scene with Andy in the rain, I find it deeply moving. You may not know ‘WHY’ he is standing in the down-pouring rain, but something ‘intense’ has happened or is happening!!
Thank you! 1000 percent agree. In fact, that poster is the reason I watched Shawshank in a theater, without knowing anything about the movie beforehand. It just symbolizes redemption, and It made me want to see what this man went through to get there.
Its actually the Ohio State Reformatory (not prison) I believe. It's still open for tours, Halloween events, and overnight stays. Ghost hunters like to do work there as well.
I was a big Tim Robbins fan around that time the movie came out but I didn't see it until I rented it on VCR. I didn't know much about it, but I remember when Clancy Brown made an appearance I thought this is going to be a good movie.
I was a big TR fan at that time, too, as I had just seen Jacob's Ladder (FREAKY, but EXCELLENT movie) and REALLY wanted to see more of that acting style of TR. His method acting makes him one of the best.
Mansfield Pen still has the pipe that "Andy/Tim" crawled through as a display, and if you take a tour (HIGHLY recommend the Haunted tour and keep an eye out for the Widow---she's amazing!) you can see it. I've been told that the warden's office looks exactly the same, just more worn, and of course the cells and such have been worn as well by time. It truly was a masterpiece.
It’s frankly easy to understand both Tim and Morgan’s approaches. Tim wanted to really dig into the authenticity of his character, and Morgan only wanted to see what he could do naturally. Regarding the difficulty that people had in saying the title, I just remembered late Moody Blues drummer Greame Edge having had a tough time remembering it during a 2005 interview. He was referring to a classical compilation he was listening to then that included the opera duet the Tim Robbins character broadcast over the prison exercise field.
This is one of those movies that always came on TNT when i was younger and even as a kid immediately captivated me by its expert storytelling and even though i never caught it in its entirety, ot wad one of my favorite movies instantly. Its on HBOMAX right now and I watched it a few months ago and really feel like watching it very soon. I hope we get more good movies like this one.
I think the biggest problem Shawshank had was that people really didn't know what it was about. It's based on a short story inside an anthology so even if you were familiar with King's books you may not realize what it was. The title and posters were really vague, and on the surface it appears to be a very different movie than it turns out to be.. more of a bleak prison film, which it is, but it's also one of the deepest and most emotional movies, about hope and friendship and moments of kindness. Back then we didn't have social media and the internet to push things, so people based their movie selection on trailers, posters, and ads in print media. As a Constant Reader I was thrilled and even more so when it turned out to be so wonderful, with a cast full of my favorite actors. Word of mouth from those who watched gave it life as the years went by. Even now though I still find people who have no idea and have never seen it.
Harrison Ford and Tom Cruise would have been fantastic choices as Red & Andy respectively. I’d even be willing to watch a re-make of The Shawshank Redemption with those two in the lead roles.
When this movie came out My mom wanted to rent it from Blockbuster video, and I was like "No that does not sound good" But we rented it anyways. Been a fan ever since, and watch it often. :)
I love minty's tid bits of information about many things that pertains to movies and such!!!!!!?? But one thing that most people don't mention is!!!?? How 💯 🤔 💯 🤔 many things that he has behind him on the shelves!!!!!?? Many different things from pop culture!!,??? " AND there's no rhyme or reason for it!!!, just a collective effort to just have the things that Minty loves!!!!?? And that's how i roll!!!!!!" Most people just have a few things that they like and that's it 💯👌!!!? But people like us have whatever they want sitting on the shelves of yesterday's happiness 😊!!!!!?? And that's what makes minty !!?? Minty!!!! God bless you all today Shalom 🙏
My first job at 14 I was working at a video job and this movie came out in the new release section. It truly inspired me into watching films more. I still think til this day this film stood out in 1994 over the other big films that won alot of Oscars and accolades.
