When the cast had lunch in a church in Mansfield, Ohio where I was the pastor at the time, Morgan Freeman came over to talk to my children and me. He was the kindest, most unassuming, friendliest person you could ever meet. I was a big fan before, but after Morgan Freeman’s reaching out and being so REAL, I consider this meeting one of the great events in my life. Actors like him are as rare as human beings like him. Thank you for the memory!
I was a CO at OSR working the tiers.. as was my Grandfather who was there in the '30s and '40s. He lived on Wayne St. near the point and walked to work everyday. Lots of memories.
Absolutely in my Top Ten...😁 Which, BTW, includes my all-time favorite, As Good As It Gets, the movie it replaced in that spot West Side Story, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, It's A Wonderful Life, Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, To Kill a Mockingbird, Forrest Gump, and Unforgiven. Good Will Hunting and Mr. Holland's Opus get honorable mentions...😏 And while it's not in my Top Ten or honorably mentioned, the FUNNEST movie I've ever watched, while being a film of incredible social importance in my view, was Django Unchained...😋
I feel like Thomas Newman should have been sitting at the table as well. His powerfully majestic score was just as critical as the script and performances.
The scene at the end where Andy and Red are re united on the beach and you know there nightmare life in jail is finally over , gives me goosebumps and i've watched this movie at least 50 times..
Me too, but I’ve read where the director didn’t want to have a ending like that, but the studio persuaded him to film one. So he made it a far away shot.
I agree that it’s a fantastic scene, but I also always felt like that was just red imagining what their meeting would be like while he was still on the bus. The sequence was just too perfect and dream like to be reality. So basically we are left to wonder if and how they will meet up. But its still a very hopeful ending. Of course I guess only the director knows for sure what the ending is supposed to mean.
Morgan Freeman made this movie..., it just wouldn't be without him, most important decision made. This movie goes straight to the heart. All these years later, I can recite the lines from memory, but I still pull it out every year just to reconnect with old friends.
I’ve said it before, I will never ever understand how this movie did not get the recognition it deserved upon its initial release. It is beloved by so many and it took time for people to realize what a beautiful gift this movie is.
I think it's simply a difficult film to attract an audience to. People mentioned the name being the problem. Well what is the genre? You might say it's a prison film. Yes it is but not in the way you would imagine a prison film. The ort of people who might be attracted by that genre are not so likely to be the people who will appreciate it for what it is. I think the only way I can describe it succinctly is that it's like a coming of (old) age film. Unlike the teen coming of age film, where they learn about the world outside of the parents bubble and try to find a place within those rules, this is like when you are upper-middle aged and you start to let go of many of the pointless rules and start to be who you actually are - but for prisoners.
Still watch this fantastic movie at least 4 times a year. I’ve suffered from depression all of my life, and at 43 years old this movie still resonates with me. Going through nonstop turmoil, literally crawling through sh-t and coming out happy and free on the other side, it’s completely inspirational and one of the best movies ever made.
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This is one of the greatest movies ever put on the flim, it actually captivates me every time I watch it and no matter where I am in the movie or no matter how many times I’ve seen it, I always watch it in the end, it’s about 2 men who come from opposite sides of society and create a bond that is stronger than anything, or anyone could ever imagine, Bravo gentlemen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is by far one of the greatest films ever made! It further demonstrates that the Oscar ceremony doesn’t always know how to select the right winners.
The studios lobby hard with gifts and shmoozing the people who make the decisions about the award circuit. It isn't uncommon for the best film/actor whatever to not win when they are passing out the awards. This was a great movie. I've seen it countless times and it is entertaining every time I see it.
I remember the first time I watched this movie; I couldn't believe how it could be that good-the Morgan Freeman voiceover, the acting, the shoes scene, etc.-just wow!
When I think of great movies Shawshank is one that always comes to mind. Meanwhile, I had totally forgotten about Forrest Gump until it was mentioned during this interview. Seriously. Comparing Shawshank to Forrest is like comparing a Spotlight to a Matchlight. Yeah, they both make light, but besides that there really isn't much comparison. Meanwhile, I say Forrest Gump once and Shawshank Redemption at least 50 times. As a matter of fact I watched Shawshank again just a few days ago.
One the most intense, maddening and artistic films I've ever seen. Must've watched it 6-7 times...and will watch it again who knows how many more times. For me, it's a film for the ages...one of the greatest on so many levels. Congrats to everyone involved in bringing it to life.
If you watch this film once - and you have already faced the choice of getting busy dying or getting buzy living once for real - it stays in your soul forever.
I have seen The Shawshank Redemption many times, but today I saw for the first time that when Red and Andy have that "Get busy living or get busy dying" conversation they sit in the shadow of the prison. Great camera work. Great direction. Subtle.
I saw it in the theater when it came out. I remember telling my friends how good this film was. Years later I know that my initial reaction stands the test of time.
One of my favorite movies . It shows what can happen if you allow yourself to be institutionalized. One person in Shawshank never lost hope for freedom and he also got joy by helping his friends and watching them get their education.
I first heard of the movie from watching the David Letterman Show one night. He said he saw a fantastic movie over the weekend called The Shawshank Redemption, had high praise for the movie and recommended we go see it. Can’t remember if Freeman or Robbins was on his show promoting the movie. But Letterman absolutely raved about it, so we went to see it. And it was indeed GREAT…
Shawshank Redemption still ranks as the best movie of all time by viewers from around the world in IMDb. No surprised there. The movie is equal parts excellent as it is profound.
I am truly envious of you that you still have your first viewing ahead of you. I say your first viewing because I doubt very much that anybody has ever watched this movie only once. Anytime I'm channel surfing and I come across it ,I think to myself, well I guess I'm watching it again. It's like I don't even have a choice. It's is easily one of the best movies ever.
I love this movie and I have watched it many many times .Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins did a wonderful job! Such chemistry between the two of them was warming .I would love to see them work together again.
I told Frank through out the shoot we were shooting an instant classic. He would always respond with as long it doesn't flop, as long as we don't lose our investment. What a humble man he was.
Easily one of my favorite films of all time, and I'm 62 and have probably watched 80+ years of films. Of course, Morgan Freeman is one of those actors that, if he's in it, you know it can't possibly suck. I loved the original story, and I usually don't like movies based on books or novellas. They usually butcher the story, but this was one of those extremely rare moments where the film was at least as good as the original written work. Just brilliant.
This is one of the best movies. The friendship between Red and Andy was such a great story, and the ending was perfect. Freeman had the perfect voice to be Red, and do the narration during the entire film.
Funny, I worked on this set & during shooting I had caught a few errors which required calling cut. Obviously it was enough to make Frank ask who is the 1 who keeps catching these mistakes I missed ? Every1 pointed at me, Frank responds with, "some1 get this man a chair" at that moment Morgan moves across set, grabs Tim's chair which had his name on it, sat it to Frank's right side making a hand gesture to sit. My only thought & response was, that's Tim's chair ! Morgan said, "the man said get you a chair, I suggest you have a seat", & I did. Where Frank dropped the original script in my lap & asked me what next ? For the next week or 2, I was behind that camera, calling action & cut. I held the script taking it home over night to read to be ready for the next day. All that said, having that experience I can tell for the fact, Frank is absolutely amazing. I can't say enough positive about that time & his presence. That said, thank you Frank !
@@rp2358 they didn't list us, the 30 corecons. If you check, you'll find that is the case, & we were supposed to get our names in the credits, but as you see we got "a special thanks" to the people. Watch the Library scene, I carry the ladder. My Jacob's Ladder 😉
This man wrote The Blob Directed Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, The Majestic and The Mist. He is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time! Period.
"Rehabilitated? It's just a bullshit word. So you go on and stamp your form sonny and stop wasting my time, because to tell you the truth, I don't give a shit." ― Red at his final parole hearing. He's right on that being one of the best scenes in the movie, and Morgan delivers it perfectly. He's the main reason there will never be a remake of this movie, at least not one worth a damn. There can only be one Red, anyone else in the role would be just a cheap imitation. He should have won two Oscars for this movie, one for best supporting actor and one just on general principle. By far Morgan's best work, and that's saying something. This movie is top-10 all-time. If it's not on the list, you know that list is BS.
This is my Favorite Film of all time. Second is Cold Mountain. I never forgot the appropriate title! Morgan and Tim were so powerful together and each time I watch this (prob at least 15-20 times now), I am immersed in each character and the real world completely goes away. How many films can you say that about? It’s soul-searching, incredibly deep, reaches in and grabs you so hard that it’s hard to watch it come to the end. I find myself wanting more…
I really miss Charlie also. I hate the way he was let go by the station and those women allowed to tear into him on that garbage morning show -- and -- he not there to defend himself. I really hated those bitches for doing that.
Date aired: 6 September 2004 Charlie Rose (b. Jan 1942) was 62. Morgan Freeman (b. June 1937) was 67. Tim Robbins (b. Oct 1958) was 45. Frank Darabont (b. Jan 1959) was 45.
The story is good, as well as the script that came of off it. The producing and not in the least the amazing casting of actors that were having this kind of chemistry with each other. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins portraying this intimate friendship that develloped throughout the movie, and as Freeman narated the story as only he can. The emotions that these actors are able to bring across to me as a vieuwer, are so close to the heart of the story, as not to forget Frank Darabont's script who enabled the actors, to follow all the characters emotional footprints. It is a human story of hope, friendship, reconcilliation with fate and redemption. There are so many underlying issues that this story has, it touches the heart of many, and certainly of mine!! The film did not get an Oscar? But it got worldwide recognition as on of the best ever made, from the public!!
Other than both the Godfather movies in my opinion this film is the greatest film ever made. The parole board scene and Andy overcome with emotion after knowing he got out is priceless. Morgan and Tim deserved Oscars for their tremendous performances.
I see this as the ultimate achievement in cinema, with the right screenplay, the right director and the right actors coming together. Like the Beatles transforming music , the forefathers forming the United States, these are rare occurrences in modern culture.
I liked Forrest Gump as well. Such a shame they ended up in the same awards year. Both fantastic movies. I watched Shawshank probably 50 times realistically and it was still moving. Gump was great the first couple times and was deeply moving the first time.
One of the greatest movies of all time, IMHO. I can watch the blu-ray about once a month, and take away something new every time. Morgan Freeman's narration is a big part of it, and the dialogue and acting, of course are wonderful. - I'm very glad they had Andy and Red find each other in Mexico -because in an earlier draft it wasn't going to end that way (it was going to end with Red, free, on a bus, wondering what lay in store for him in Mexico.
Such a spectacular movie. So very well written. The characters were amazing. Red, Andy and Brooks were the most iconic and amazing characters. Beautifully written. Beautifully done. Its still loved today. Morgan as Red narrating the movie was outstanding.
I was an extra in this film for the prison location. Beach and courthouse scenes were filmed on other locations. It was a lot of fun - long, hot days in the Ohio summer at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield. Morgan was having fun, very boisterous such as doing elvis impersonations between takes. Tim was very focused, quiet and avoiding conversation. I didn't interact directly with either of them on or off camera, just near them a few times. As much focus as the movie gets, all I knew is I had an unusual summer job that started at 5:30 in the morning and lasted until the sun set. I'd recommend it to anyone who wanted to try it! I actually did interact with one of the co-stars, Bill Sadler, for quite awhile one day, and I didn't know he was one of the actors until I watched the film lol.
Shawshank may not have the Oscar haul but the enduring recognition it has as an all time great far outweighs the significance of any award. And the score...unbelievable
"Get busy living, or get busy dying. You're G_d damn right." The best line, delivered at the right time, with powerful delivery and impact (at the end of the movie).
The parole hearing is one of the best parts of the movie. When they played it, I closed my eyes and just listed to Freeman's voice. The story really does have different meaning for different people. I think the movies provides viewers a gift to be able to listen to the movie dialogue and decide for yourself what it means.
@OPINION INDIVIDUAL absolutely ! Your appreciation & respect is greatly appreciated. Frank's the magic force behind this movie that brought it life, truly. No1 but those of us who worked with him really know how much it was him, Franks masterpiece of works. He's really the best in the business & that's why this movie is what it is, & has millions of peoples hearts.
Andy was leaving a cryptic revelatory clue with his comment, but the only thing imaginable for Red in that prison (i.e. Hope is a dangerous thing) was that Andy was planning on getting busy dying. Their minds were on different ends of that sentence-beautiful.
The story, the actors, the cinematography, the music, the poetic nature of the narrative, the message, the twists and turns, the drama .... Pure perfection.
i just got it Shaw Shank was a movie about Jail,,,,Forest was a Soldier,,,i like both but SHAW shank is my FAVORITE BY a MILLION,,holly crap everything in there and MORGans vioce is ICONIC
What a great interview. Got to see some interesting views, ideas, etc about the inner moods, feelings, working together in what has become a great movie.
