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

This video discusses and analyzes some of its major themes, a couple of its major shots, and ideas that the movie uses.

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Disclaimer: All reasonable comments are welcome, including reasoned disagreements. You will be banned for foolish talk, harassment, and hate speech on sight; it's a tremendous waste of life. I believe in freedom of association and, by extension, freedom of dissociation from you.

[pork]

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!

[hejskipejski]

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!

[bettymoody]

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

[canuck]

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.

[melvinwelliott]

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!)

[ryans]

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.

[bruh_hahaha]

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

[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.

[abdulazizabdullah]

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!

[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. 🙏🏼

[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.

[whatdoyoulivefor]

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.

[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

[jamesday]

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.

[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.

[p_nk]

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.

[dlaird]

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

[badabing]

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

[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.

[oambitiousone]

The soundtrack is a significant part of its emotional punch