The film’s about Red’s redemption, that’s what the title makes reference to, and that’s why he is the narrator. Andy didn’t need redemption, he was innocent all along and punished for a crime he didn’t commit. Red wouldn’t allow himself to be hopeful until Andy showed him he too deserved a second chance in life. beautiful story.
About Brooks... Brooks went away in 1905. That's before comic books, electric guitars and commercial radio. The remnants of Butch Cassidy's and the Sundance Kid's gang were still pulling train heists from Hole-In-The-Wall Canyon. He would probably have read about the Wright Brothers' flight in the papers, and like he said, he saw a car once. Brooks would have gone to Shawshank on gravel roads in a horse-drawn cart. His first work details were probably spent splitting firewood, shovelling coal, refilling oil lamps or carrying buckets of water from the well. During his stint in Shawshank, he saw the arrival of central heating, electrical light and indoor plumbing. When he got out, both World Wars and the Korean war had come and gone. Ragtime, blues and jazz had risen from their origins in the black community, turned into pop-culture sensations, and given way to rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll. Commercial radio broadcasts had come, and begun to be supplanted by TV as America's preferred way of ignoring your family. Superman and Captain America had become cultural touchstones. Airliners with wingspans longer than the Wright Brothers' first flight crossed the Atlantic daily. Cars had become THE mode of transportation for anyone, regardless of social class. And this is what they dropped Brooks into. He would have been less lost if they'd dumped him on Mars.
Excellent analysis. To put it in current terms, imagine getting put away in 1972. Computers were relatively rare and took up entire rooms. Now everybody carries one with a thousand times that processing power around in their pocket and there is pretty much no way to exist in modern society without at least a bit of proficiency with these devices (unless you're already established).
@@SilentBob731 Totally. I actually read an article not long ago that was interviewing a few people who had recently been released after 25+ years in jail and when they asked them what the most-shocking/hardest to adapt to change was almost all of them mentioned smartphones.
I have relative who spent thirty years in prison, he would stand in his families kitchen unsure what to do and asked if he could get something to drink. He would slowly go outside and just stand in one spot, he was uncertain in public, he was like this for months before he became more comfortable. Sad.
The speech Red makes at his final parole hearing is one of the best scenes ever filmed. “I have to live with that”. No amount of jail time was going to affect Red like the knowledge that he had thrown his life away. He had lost hope, but Andy lead him to redemption.
1) The mugshot of Red is Morgan Freeman's son. 2) Red criticized Andy for hoping on a "shitty pipe dream". His hope was realized when he escaped through a "shitty pipe". 3) Andy hid his rock hammer in the book of the Bible, "Exodus", which means "exit". Love your channel!
Morgan Freeman playing an irish man called red he commented on it somewhere that him getting the role was a bit suprising. One of the times a movie was better then the book.
I seriously have had it with “black,white, this that”. Color should not matter whatsoever. Dr Martin Luther king said “character. Not color”. It should not matter what you look like. Your character should say it all. I fucking hate people who hate based on what you look like. Pissed me off. I’m a white gut and some of my best friends have dark skin cause they are GREAT people. Please lord Jesus change peoples hearts. I would love. World where people just look at the character of others.
I'm a 62 year old man, old school, consider myself tough as nails....but every time I watch this movie I tear up. Great choice and great reactions from y'all.
@@ronmaest Agreed. The music being played from the moment Red is dropped off in Buxton until he finds the tree is hauntingly beautiful. And if you listen close you can hear an instrument being played as he is walking along the fence that harkens back to the gift Andy gave Red - a harmonica! Another fun fact - when Red tells Andy that he shouldn't hope - that it was just 'shitty pipe dreams' - remember how Andy crawled out - through a shitty pipe! :)
I saw this movie when I was about 17…it was Back in the day when there was only 1 HBO and it would play a movie on Sunday nights. The whole family sat down with no expectations because we never heard of it. I’ll never forget the scene when Andy got his boy's beers on the rooftop I looked over at my dad and said “this is my favorite movie.” 20 years later it still is. RIP Brooks
"I don't think you should be doing this to yourself, Andy. It's just a sh*tty pipedream." You don't realize how clever that line is until Andy escapes through the sewer system. That's some solid scriptwriting.
It also sets up the final phrase of the film when Red is on the bus listing the things he hopes for, but ends with "I hope." The man who thought "hope is a dangerous thing" now knows it's not. Andy's redemption is not the only one in the film.
The easter eggs in that scene are amazing. "sh*tty pipedream", "his judgement cometh, and that right soon", the rock hammer hidden in the bible and "salvation lay within" and, of course, the bookmark opening to Exodus. Just brilliant.
Andy is one of the most mentally tough characters ever created. Not only to endure everything he did but to also keep a secret like that for 19 years. To stay cool, calm and collected going around Maine to collect the money and leave red his package. All while knowing the whole state is looking for you. Even with a rock solid fake identity that would be beyond stressful.
@@pip5188 You could do it, for freedom if you were innocent. All you would need is what, surprisingly as smart as Andy's character was...he didn't get....a clothes pin, for your nose. Or a clamp of any sort which Red could have acquired for him. With that on your nose...you could crawl through the 500 yards of shit. That and a pair of rubber gloves. 20 minutes later you'd be free.
@@pip5188 saw somewhere that the book mentions Andy finding blueprints of the prison while working in the library. He saw the pipe beside his cell and where it led to 😬
I agree he was mentally tough but I think what mostly allowed him to endure everything was the guilt he carried for driving his wife away and ultimately blamed himself for her death. I think he accepted his punishment because he felt he deserved it and only found his way back when the warden's abuse and murder of Tommy forced him from is grief and gave him a newfound resolve to find real justice for everyone including himself.
Just incase y’all didn’t know, the Shawshank Redemption is NOT about Andy. It’s about Red. Andy was always innocent, Andy had nothing to redeem. Red was the one whom truly redeemed himself. Red was always honest about the crime he committed. Red paid his dues & deserved a second chance. Many folks miss this fact. In the book, “Rita Hayworth & the Shawshank Redemption”, Red is the one whom is the basis of the story. If you remember, Red is narrating the movie, he’s telling us the story about his friend Andy. Red’s the basis of the book & film in the Redemption arc. I’m glad y’all loved the movie.
Rita Hayworth was a famous actress whose career lasted from 1931 to 1972. She was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 1980 and died in 1987. The news of her diagnosis brought public attention to the disease which up to that time had been mostly forgotten.
It's important to note that Andy didn't get it into his head that he COULD tunnel out until the night he started carving his name there - as others had done before him - and was surprised when a large-ish chunk of the wall fell at his feet. He picked it up, examined it, realized exactly HOW relatively soft the material was...and that was where his plan began.
Seriously, if you liked this movie and haven’t seen it already, you must watch “The Green Mile”. It is also a story by Stephen King & produced by Frank Darabont, absolutely terrific movie.
Asia smile at the very end when Red and Andy reunite was beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen a more pure joyful smile in my life. Great reaction guys!
My wife and I hold this as one of the best ever made, and one of our #1 flicks! We recently watched it with our teenage boys, and they were blown away (so glad they appreciate good cinema!!) This is also one of the best, most true, book adaptations I've ever seen. Pure perfection! I still cry every time Brooks takes his life. Such masterful acting throughout.
"I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend & shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is a blue as it is in my dreams. I hope." Such a tearjerker. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; there is very little in the world that can't be made much better with a Morgan Freeman narration! Great reaction to a great movie.
That last line: I hope - followed by that last scene…! I feel so much joy for both of them and sadness. Then I reflect about my life. This movie is so goo for introspection.
@@lisaray9944 I’ve never been able to watch the whole movie. I read the books when they were first released and I knew I couldn’t handle a visualization of that heartbreak.
No matter how hard life gets and when it feels like the world is against you, this movie some how makes me appreciate life and not take the good things we have for granted.
The Shawshank redemption is arguably one of the greatest movie's ever made. You should definitely give, the Green mile, a watch. Shawshank and the Green mile were both short stories by Stephen King. Both films are directed by the same guy, Frank Darabont. The Green mile is an amazing film.👍
The Greatest Movie Of All Time. Nominated for 8 Oscars including Best Picture but lost to Forrest Gump which took home 6. The film was a box office and critical success making $73 million dollars against a $25 million dollar budget. After it's release on TNT and TBS in 1997, it developed a cult following. It sold over 320,000 copies on VHS.
I sure do love watching movies with ya'll. Hilarious when you didn't know what "pinch a loaf meant." Great reaction, truly enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing
Amazing that Stephen King's best two films weren't even horror movies... "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile" Y'alls reactions were outstanding 🏆 ❤ 🎥
So glad you all got to see this movie. One of my dad's favorite films. He passed away last year and this movie reminds me so much of him. Truly one of the best movies ever.
I read a comment about it being a Horror movie. I have been watching it since it came out and just had never thought about it before. It has a happy ending but 19 years like Andy's time is horror!
Fun facts: Morgan Freeman's son was used as the "Young Red" in his mugshot. He was also in the scene when Andy was coming in to the prison. He's the one who says, "we're reeling them in!" Mark Rolston (Bogs) played Drake (Vasquez's BFF) in "Aliens." The scene where the warden rips down the poster was only supposed to show him. However, Morgan Freeman and Clancy Brown (Captain Hadley) knew this shot would be iconic, so they just snuck into different takes. The director used the 1st one they did. Bob Gunton (Warden Norton) and Clancy Brown are two of the nicest celebrities to meet.
Morgan Freeman has always been a part of my life, as long as I can remember. I remember the dude on PBS in the mid-70s on a show called "Electric Company", a show geared toward older kids from about 7 to 10. This was my image of him until I was hustling around in film school in the late 80s and saw a movie called "Street Smart", in which Freeman plays a vicious pimp. (Yeah, no kidding.) Outside of a villain in a Kubrick movie, it was the scariest performance I had ever seen. And when the 90s rolled around, it was so great to watch this amazing talent become a huge star loved by everyone. "Shawshank" had a lot to do with that. Freeman's the heart of this often brutal, but finally lovely, film. All hail King Morgan. :)
Yep, same. I remember watching Street Smart (with the great Christopher Reeves as well) & the second I saw him, I was like, “That’s the sonofabitch from Electric Company!” I remember watching that show every day. I loved the Spider-Man show they did.
You two are legit the only reactors I've seen who guessed the poster trick. Both of you picked up on something going on and I couldn't wait to see you be right. Great channel!
When this movie was sent out in the cinema's, it didn't get much attention but when they put it up for rent and after that, it was considerd the best movie ever made. 'They sent you here for life, that's exactly what they take. The part that counts anyway'. Get's me every time.
Red was released from prison because told the truth that he’d given up all hope and lost ambition to leave prison; Prison had 99% institutionalized him. But not fully, not 100% like Brooks had become, as Brooks was 100% Happy to be with the walls. Red had but a sliver of hope to hold on to, given to him by Andy, via the post card.. a trail to follow.. Almost 30 years old this film and it just keeps getting better every time I watch it. 👍🏻💯👍🏻💯
Many examples of great screenwriting here obviously but one example I really liked is giving Andy a task to show his determination and perseverance over a sustained period of time. His writing of letters to request funds for the library over 6 years paralleled his determination to escape Shawshank.
This film is incredible. I knew what happened before I saw it. It's a short story by Stephen King , entitled Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. I believe The Body is also in that book. The Body became the film Stand By Me, which I think you should watch next.
Apt pupil was also in that book, and was also made into a movie. The only story in the book not made into a movie was The Breathing Method, but there is talk about it possibly happening.
One of my all time favorite movies! Thanks for reviewing this classic. In fact, I adopted Andy’s great line, “get busy livin” or get busy dyin” in my own personal life when I was in a very unhealthy and unhappy marriage. That line gave me the strength to make a change for the best in my life. Like Andy, I had to crawl through 500 yards of shit to get out of it….But it was so worth it and now I’ve been with the love of my life for over 13 years! I’ll never forget Andy Dufresne… :)
Since 1994, our family has watched this movie SO many times...I couldn't even come close to the correct number. It was one of my kids favorite movie in Jr & Sr high school so it was a LOT! But as many times as I've seen it, it was great to see someone watch it with no knowledge of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed that!
My husband's favorite movie. Back in the day, when I first met him, 35 years ago,, he looked like Tim Robbins. After 17 years, I probably have this entire script memorized. But that's what it means to be married, lol. Watching your partner's favorite movie 1,000 times. It is a completely awesome film, and really stands the test of time well. Believe it or not, based on short story by Stephen King.
I love the defiant look of satisfaction on Andy's face as he turns up the music. It actually only took Andy 17 years to dig through the wall because he'd already been there for 2 years before he asked Red for the poster.
Interesting fact: $1 in 1966 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $9.15 in 2022, so the $370,000 of the Warden's money that Andy (aka Randall Stephens) withdrew would be the same as $3,385,500 today (in 2022). A great reaction to a great movie! Now it's time to react to another great movie by the same author and director, "The Green Mile". Subscribed.
One of, if not the greatest movies of all time. I own the DVD and I have seen it at least 30 times. That Brooks seen still chokes me upafter all those views. Great reaction you guys!
There is a reason why this is one of the best films ever made. The friendship bond between Red and Andy was truly genuine and it warmed my heart at the end when they reunited.
Great reaction! Asia was on point with the subtle pick ups and figuring stuff out before it happens. Props girl!! Please consider watching What Dreams May Come, bring tissues. Fantastic movie ❤
"almost brought a tear to my eye." You're good my guy. I heard you getting choked up. That's just the reality of being human, and not emotionless. You good king
Remember that the only reason it took him only 19 years was because of the prison walls were breaking down and needed to be repaired.. Geology pressure and time... enjoyed this great reaction❤
My favorite 3 scenes. The rooftop beers, the opera, and when Andy breaks out to the Banker and says, " Put thi in your outgoing mail." Check mate Andy! Goodbye Warden. Great reaction teammates! Thanks
Love your reactions. I truly enjoy seeing reactors that really get into the movie and don’t spend the whole time making fun of it! Keep ‘em comin’! Would love to see you react to Saturday Night Fever and Forrest Gump😊
This story is really about the redemption of Redding (Morgan). He’s been REDEEMED HALLELUJAH !!! Thanks for giving me the opportunity of watching my favorite movie for the millionth time.
Liked it when the Warden gave back his bible and said "Salvation lies within!" If he would've opened it, he would've found Andy's rock hammer hiding spot.
WOW! What a great reaction! I didn't know y'all started dolng moives. Best Shawshank reaction on RU-vid, right out the box. I could tell BJ wanted to start messing with it at the start, but once the movie hooked him y'all got into a rhythm, paid attention and caught every detail. Not only was the editing spot on, you gave the movie the time it deserved with great personality, I felt I was watching at your home.
The aria Andy plays on the loudspeaker is from "The Marriage of Figaro" by Amadeus Mozart. It is a beautiful opera about the class system, it is also a romantic comedy. "Canzonetta sull'aria" is the duet performed by the contessa and her maid Susana. Susana is betrothed to Figaro, the servant of the Count Almavida. The countess believes her husband to be unfaithful and needs to know if he still loves her. The count tries, unsuccessfully, to seduce Susana. Susana devises a plan to help the countess and count to reignite his love for his wife. Scheming relatives and servants get entangled in misinformation and mistaken identities which eventually works itself out at the end.
Y'all totally called the poster! Nice; I did not see it coming. But I had tears in my eyes, re-experiencing this masterpiece through you. Glad you enjoyed!
My two favorite aspects of the movie are the touching friendship between Red and Andy, and also how Andy tried to help the other prisoners, helping them read and write etc. If you would like a couple more great Morgan Freeman movies, I highly recommend DRIVING MISS DAISY, where Morgans character is a driver for an older white lady, set in the 40 to the 60s. The film won 4 academy awards, including best picture, he was nominated but did not win , but he did win other awards for this film. Another film is GLORY, about a group of black soldiers in the civil war.,, the film won 4 academy awards including best supporting actor for Denzel Washington.
So happy to see y'all doing this. Loved seeing your reactions to the revelations. This movie is about male friendship mostly. which is beautiful. Also, notice that Red moved from "Hope is a dangerous thing" to the final words of the film... "I hope."
Back in the day my mom rented this movie from blockbuster a couple times before she convinced a 13 year-old me to watch it with her… the title turned me off, and it’s a hard movie to describe without giving it away. Even without the existence of the internet, the buzz around this film spread through the country, just based on people renting it and telling friends and relatives about it. The movie did not do well in theaters but it became one of the most rented videos in the years following its release.
You two are fun to watch movies with! That’s a huge compliment, because I prefer watching things alone! Thank you, I’ve had a yucky time recently, and you made me smile tonight! 💗
When Red goes to Buxton is one of the funniest moments. Him looking around, after pulling out the money is priceless. This is one my favorites. Other great Tim Robbins movies are Bull Durham and Nothing to Lose. Nothing to Lose is w Martin Lawrence and is hilarious
One of the great movies of all time. The end scene always brings a tear! I was even more shocked when I found out, after the fact, that it was a Stephen King story.
Sad that this never win the Oscar. Which it fully deserved. I would say the the SSR is a top ten all time movie. Such a well done, brilliant cinematic masterpiece. Fun watchin it again with y’all.
GREAT reaction! I loved the looks of joy on your faces when you realized Andy was gone, and then when Red walked up to him on the beach. Priceless!! :)
King is mostly known for his horror, but he has some really good dramas. Great job guys, I stumbled upon this channel, and its been very entertaining, thank you.
Excellent, excellent reaction y'all!! Loved watching along with you both!! I am very glad you enjoyed this film, absolute classic!!! Please, do more movie reactions, I enjoy you both, thank you for the reaction, you both are awesome!!..take care!..👍👍😄😄
I'm so happy you guys watched this movie, yall definitely have to watch Stephen King's And Frank Darbonts other Masterpiece The Green Mile Starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan
One of the greatest films ever created. The relationship that develops between Andy and Red is so natural with a beautiful ending. Both on the beach free as a bird
I swear I love your reactions. You guys actually pay attention and make some damn good observations/inferences. (Saying Andy was hiding something behind the poster when the Warden first tosses the cells)
Morgan Freeman could read you ingredients off a package of anything and make it sound like the most interesting thing in the world at least that's what I think
One of Stephen King's finest works, this and the Green Mile. He is so well known for his horror that it's so easy to forget how well he does heartwarming/breaking drama. So good!
It's crazy when you realize this movie came out in 1994 along with Forrest Gump, Pulp Fiction, Interview with the Vampire, and The Lion King. What a hell of a year for cinema.
