Great reaction, Alex. Don't feel bad about being 28 and not having seen this film before. I was over 40, when this movie came out and I didn't watch it until last year. It blew me away. Then I watched The Green Mile. Nuff said.
To me, its either this movie, forest gump or LOTR trilogy that takes the spot of the best movie of all time, for my taste. This movie 100% deserve the imdb score it has.
When Brooks is leaving Shawshank the camera is faced towards the prison and when Red gets out, the camera is facing away from Shawshank. I've always loved that little subtle edit.
@@owlboy-ok5mi I didn’t either. I love hearing other peoples opinions on films and music because everyone notices different things which allow us all to experience the art form more deeply. ❤️
Also, when brooks is on the outside he said “I just want them to send me home” while red said “ I just want them to send me back” symbolizing that red was never institutionalized as much as brooks.
1) Red's mug shot is actually Morgan's son. 2) Red called Andy's hope a "shitty pipe dream". Andy escaped out of a "shitty pipe". 3) The portion of the Bible where Andy hid the rock hammer was "Exodus", which means "exit".
@@Tan3l6 I heard Darabond auditioned Morgan Freeman on a whim, since he's supposed to be an redheaded Irish white guy, it seemed like a long shot. But he fell in love with the performance. And Stephen King signed of on it too. History was made.
Small detail, but when Andy tells Hayward About the Count of Monte Cristo, he is smiling because in the Count of Monte Cristo the main character, Dantes, is in prison on false charges, but after a long time he breaks out, gets a new identity, becomes wealthy and gets revenge on the ones who put him in. Kinda similar to Andy’s story: false charges, breaks out, gets rich and gets revenge on people who wronged him.
The most amazing thing about this film is it wasn't really a box office success, but when it went to VHS Video rental the word got around and it became an utter cult classic watched by millions, it is one of the the greatest films of all time. Great reaction man we could see you were genuinely moved by it. Incredible to think also that it was only a Steven King short story called Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption and became this epic film.
@@alexhefnerstvmovievault It was in the collection "Different Seasons", and was subtitled "Hope Springs Eternal". Same collection had "Apt Pupil: Summer of Corruption", filmed as "Apt Pupil" and "The Body: Fall from Innocence", filmed as "Stand By Me'
The worst thing about Brooks too is that he went through one of the largest technological gaps while in prison. He went to jail around 1900 and got out around 1950. Could you image going to jail while the horse and carriage were the main modes of transport (unless you had money for an early car), then getting out realizing you could get on a plane and fly? That would be utterly terrifying.
Not Frank Darabont's only masterpiece. While "The Shawshank Redemption" is still fresh in your mind, check out another of his masterpiece works "The Green Mile". Completely different movie, but there are some comparisons if you know where to look.
What I love about this movie they never tell you the dates, they let the characters reflect on how long a thing took, to let us know how much time has passed.
They do mention dates a couple of times in the movie. "Andy Dufresne came to Shawshank in early 1949," "In the summer of '49, the roof of the license plate factory needed resurfacing," "Tommy came to us in 1965," "In 1966, Andy Dufresne escaped from Shawshank prison." And they also mention timeframes: Andy spending his first 2 years being tormented by the Sisters ('47-'49), Brooks saying he came to prison in 1905 and characters noting that he got out after 50 years (so c. 1955), the 10 year anniversary note with the Marilyn poster ('47-'57), Tommy coming to Shawshank on a 2-year sentence and 'trying to escape' with a year left ('65-'66), Red's parole hearings at 20 years ('47, coinciding with Andy's arrival), 30 years ('57), and 40 years ('67). That said, I think your point stands: they're never on the nose about how long Andy's been there. A lesser movie would be showing the years onscreen, or having Andy periodically saying things like, "I've been here 15 years now..." to remind the audience how much time has passed. It's a testament to the quality of the writing in Shawshank Redemption that they make it easy for the audience to keep a rough timeline fresh in their heads, while still managing to make it always feel organic when it's mentioned.
I was thinking about Brooks the other day. He went into prison in 1905, and left in 1955. The changes that happened in that time are incredible. There was no broadcast radio in 1905, cars were an incredibly rare luxury. Movies were short and had titles like “man sneezing”. Records were cylinders. By 1955 cars were everywhere. Everyone listened to radio, many watched TV. The first transistor radio had just been introduced, it was small enough to fit in your pocket. Records had become flat discs. In 1905 most places didn’t even have electricity. Brooks left prison to be thrown into a completely different world, one that he had never known. It’s incredible the way things had changed. The birth of the Soviet Union, two world wars, a Great Depression. All these things happened while he was in prison.
think about how insane the changes are NOW for people who wouldve gotten out after 50 years now, 50 years ago was 1972, hell ELVIS was still alive, no computers, no cell phones, no internet, you could smoke literally anywhere the change in music from 1905 to 1955 is NOTHING compared to the change in music from 1972 to 2022, peoples ears would bleed if they heard some of the metal music thats out now (i.e. infant annihilator, suicide silence, cattle decapitation, etc), not to mention the first rap song (rappers delight) didnt even come out till 79, and the number 1 song in 72 was American pie by Don mclean
@@natalievegas he was significantly older than 50, closer to 70. Remember he went to prison in 1905, and if he was 20 when imprisoned that puts him at ~70 years old.
This movie was filmed in Mansfield prison in Mansfield Ohio. The prison shut down just before they started filming and good behavior prisoners were allowed to stay as extras and one of my uncles was actually in the movie for a quick flash in a scene. Mansfield prison is now a haunted house tour kind of thing.
@@mikes6457 I’ve never been closer than a few hours away, but I’ve had family locked up there and I think they do a haunted house there every Halloween now.
There's a reason Shawshank is almost universally acclaimed by film buffs as one of, if not the best movie they've ever seen. For me personally, of all the movies I've seen, Shawshank Redemption tops my list hands down as the best movie I've ever seen.
It's definitely up there as one of my favorite movies.. but that's subjective. Not everyone is going to agree. Some probably think " Superbad " is the best movie ever made. They are welcome to their opinion.
A few things I love about this. 1) Bob Gunton (Warden Norton) is so good at his job because he seems reasonable at the beginning, but you HATE his guts about halfway thru! 2) can't imagine anyone but Morgan Freeman narrating this... 3) Tim Robbins did other films but this is what he's known for!
They should totally do a special edition of the audiobook of Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, with Morgan Freeman reading. Same with The Body with Richard Dreyfus).
I love this movie so much, and the book is great too! Stephen King at his finest. The redemption wasn't that of Andy, as he was innocent all along. The redemption here was Red's. The Shawshank Redemption is the redemption of Red. The redemption of his hope. Having the story told from his point of view just makes so much sense.
Noticed how Andy started to speak through his teeth when he was talking to Red in the end, seeming sluggish, probably trying to prevent anyone from reading his lips. It always amazes me how the same character feature landed him in prison and got him out. Nobody could read him, not even his best friend. He was moving so slow, everyone thought he wasn't moving at all.
I love your reaction. You made me laugh and got my eyes watery. This is one of my favorite movies. I am 46 and I’ve seen this when it came out and over and over again and now seen it with you. Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. Thanks man.
Only movie that consistently brings tears to my eyes. As soon as Red says, "I hope." That's really what this movie is all about and it's brought me through some dark times
The thing about Brooks is, he first entered Shawshank in 1905, and didn't get out until 1955. So any cars he would have seen as a young man would have been vastly different from the ones he'd see as an old man. Most didn't even have a roof, let alone seat belts. And imagine hearing an airplane fly overhead, having only ever seen one in a photo or on film. It would be a complete culture shock.
Prisoners read books and magazines, and airplanes fly over prisons. They show movies in prisons. It’s not like prisoners are completely cut off from the outside world. You don’t think Brooks would have access to newspapers and newsreels reporting on the World Wars?
Absolutely one of the best movies ever made. Loved watching your reaction, and how much it moved you. Sometimes it's hard to take seriously when someone says you HAVE to watch a specific movie, but this is definitely one of those few that the statement actually is correct.
the imagery in this movie is amazing. When Brooks leaves prison, the camera angle if facing the prison signifying he is too institutionalized to make it on the outside, he also holds onto the bar on the bus to amplify that more. When Red leaves prison, the camera angle is facing outward to show his hope for a future. an amazing movie
“Hacksaw Ridge”. True story about World War II, and if you want your emotions absolutely shredded, this is the movie. When it premiered at the Cannes film festival the director, Mel Gibson received a 10 minute standing ovation after it was over. It’s that good.
OH GOD YES. Hacksaw Ridge absolutely follows this same vibe we’re on lately. Incredible movie, it seriously almost feels like a movie “made in older years” of cinema.
This movie is part of a four part novella from Stephen King. Another story in that series is called "The Body" which was adapted into the movie "Stand By Me". In the very beginning of the movie there is a news report on the radio about a prison break. That was Andy breaking out of Shawshank.
@@lisathuban8969in the story, it was just a Rita Hayworth poster. The changing of the posters in the movie was a clever way, using artistic license in the adaption, to visually express the passage of time, using sex symbols of the changing eras. The escape does line up with the timing of the story "The Body".
@@chrispipes5451 I just re-read the ending of the story. Looks like Andy escaped in 1967, and Raquel Welch was hanging on the wall in the book as well as in the movie. I misremember things too. No worries. So, yes, the escape in "Stand By Me" could well be referring to another Stephen King character, because he does that a lot, but it wasn't Andy. Also, it would of been weird for Rita Hayworth to hang on his wall in the 1950's. She was popular in WWII, which was a decade and a half earlier. He definitely would of changed the poster to fit the times.
If you enjoyed this movie you have to watch: - Mystic River (It's a Thriller with Tim, Kevin Bacon and Sean Penn) - Murder in the First (it's a movie where Kevin Bacon is a prisonor in Alkatraz for a crime (you will loose your mind) and basically tortured. It will break you. Emotionally. It's sensational acting.)
The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile were both directed by Frank Darabont. AND, both movies were written by Stephen King. Both teamed up together for both movies also. They also did the same with the movie The Mist, which King also wrote. But that movie is in a different class than Shawshank and Green Mile. If you haven't seen it already, I would suggest The Green Mile. It AND Shawshank are 2 of the GREATEST movies I have ever seen. And both are FULL of GREAT ACTORS. Great Post, Alex. Thank you for sharing this with us.
If you haven't seen Good Will Hunting, I can't encourage you enough to do so. It's just as satisfying as Shawshank, and Robin Williams delivers a phenomenal performance.
the book this is based on reveals the reason Red's in jail: He took out an insurance policy on his wife, then cut the brakes on her car. By bad luck he chose the day she picked up a neighbor and her baby for a ride into town. So, he killed three people.
You're comment about Veteran's missing the structure of the military is absolutely true. I'm a Navy vet and I've had a lot of trouble finding a job that I enjoy, or that I can hold for more than a year because none of the civilian jobs I've had, have had the structure of the military or the hierarchy in place to assist their employees imo. It's honestly been a struggle at times. Thanks for your time. Love your videos Alex!
I agree! Forest Gump won Best Picture and Tom Hanks won Best Actor the year Shawshank was nominated. (Morgan Freeman got robbed) I guarantee that if both movies came out now... Shawshank would win every award! The movie is flawless! Also, it probably has the best ending any movie ever had! Such a bittersweet end to a brutal and tragic story!
I knew about Shawshank for decades and had seen some clips but never watched the entire movie. I finally watched it last Christmas when I was visiting dad and it was one of the last movies we watched before he died a few months later.
From Stephen King's novella "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" Red murdered his wife, but accidentally also killed a neighbor and her daughter, which is why he was in Shawshank for so long. The reason for the line "maybe it's because I'm Irish" is that the Red from the story (which is written as his memoirs) is a red-haired Irishman, Morgan Freeman just has such a fabulous voice for narration and is a very good actor. This movie is not that far away from Stephen's story, with just a few Hollywood changes for added drama and a few more for simplicity.
It's not just that Brooks is institutionalized, as Red points out, or that he's important inside the prison and nothing outside. Andy goes to prison in 1949. Assuming it's been 2-3 years, Brooks is (at most) released in 1952; Red tells us he's been at Shawshank for 50 years. Which means the outside world he remembers is from 1902. Before either world war, before airplanes, before automobiles were everywhere, before radio (much less television), etc.; it's like Brooks was sent to another planet.
This movie was out in the theater. I drove by and it reads SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. And, i was one of those dummies (at the time) that didn't see it cuz i was judgy of the title. Fast-forward a year or so, and it becomes the movie i would play until the VHS tape broke. There was always something my soul would find re-watching it. GREAT MOVIE!
I have a custom writing pen made from the wood of the tree in the hayfield towards the end of the movie. It's one of my most prized possessions. The tree was damaged in a few storms and the man saved some wood. It's so cool to have a piece of something so great.
First time I saw this I was serving 9 months in work release. After seeing this, it was hard to go back every night. But I did. A number of things happened to me in those six months that taught me well. This movie was a huge part of that.
I'm proud of you for living your life and learning to be better from your experiences. Keep living, keep learning. @charliemac64 ? I don't know you, but I love you. Keep shining
There are so many great movies but I’ve always felt lucky to experience watching this movie at a young age. It is about hope. It is about friendship and bounds in a very tragic tumultuous time. It’s my favorite movie ever. So many great movie. It is one of the best. Get busy living or get busy dying.
And based on a book by Steven King, one of the greatest movies ever..no car chases or explosions, just tremendous acting...another equally amazing movie is "The Green Mile", also a book written by Steven King
When Andy asks why they call him Red and the response is: "Maybe it's because I'm Irish". This line is easter egg from the book this movie is based on. In the book, Red is a white irishmen with red hair and beard. It's funny because they kept the line even though they made the character black.
I am sure it has already been said since this reaction has been out for over a year but just in case... Morgan Freeman's character's name is Red and he says because I'm Irish. This is a bit of an inside joke because the character in the book was an Irish man. Morgan Freeman was given the role because of the badass that he is. They chose not to change a thing. Leaving the dialogue added to the richness of the character. Love it!
One of the so many bits that got me is when the warden unknowingly holds Andy’s bible with the rock hammer inside and almost took it with him and then said “almost forgot to give this back to you”. Also goes over to the poster Andy knowing there’s a massive hole hidden behind it and thinking the wardens will probably rip it down but doesn’t, Andy must of been absolutely shitting his pants, balls of Steele!
Something to consider if Andy had been caught. Since the warden was keeping him as a slave despite his innocence, Andy might as well have killed him. If he gotta stay in prison for life for murder, he might as well commit a murder.
The movie isn't Andy's story, it's Red's, the redemption was his. Watch Stand by Me next. It's another Stephen King film that will get you right in the feels.
Yes, but not only Red's redemption. I think the title actually refers to the prison itself being redeemed. Meaning the corruption and abuse have finally been removed.
@@turc1656 agreed. But the monologue is Red's, he's telling the story, which is why we never see the prison again or find out what happens to anyone else.
It's fundamentally about Red finding hope. As others have said, in the novella you don't actually know if he gets over the border and finds Andy but - in some ways - that doesn't matter. What matters is that he hope he does. He hopes.
I actually disagree because while Red narrated it, the focus is on Andy. It’s his trial, incarceration, assaults, prison projects, escape. I love that they showed Red at the end but the whole movie focuses on Andy
When Stephen King wrote "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" he put it in his book "Different Seasons under the heading "Hope Springs Eternal". The Fall story was "The Body", which became the movie "Stand by Me".
Watched this movie 100 times but your reaction made me relive it and made me emotional. I got tears at the end from your reaction. You are such an amazing reactor ❤
Dang it, Alex. You're a good egg. I'm enjoying watching movies with you. You have a very good heart. Have a wonderful day, all. I hope and pray that you're all doing well today and that tomorrow will be better if not.
This is an excellent movie, so much character depth and detail. Great story, thank Stephen King for that. The only thing that threw me for a loop was how did Andy get the poster taped down tight enough for a rock to go through it? Well, nothings perfect but this one is damn near.
One of my favorite movies of all time. IMO, one of the best movies of all time. PHENOMENAL acting...and that HOPE quote in Andy's letter to Red at the end? That quote is one I repeat often.
When I was 13 my uncle and best friend on the planet died. He had been about a decade into a 35 year prison sentence when he found out he had cancer, but despite his good behavior and our best efforts, he ended up dying in prison. He had always loved this movie and around the time we knew he was about to die, I watched it for the first time with my mom. This movie will always remind me of him and it is one of my absolute favorites. “Sometimes it makes me sad, though... Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up DOES rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend.”
I'm reading and re-reading your comment. But it's not making sense that you are 13. And he's a decade into a prison sentence. And then you lose him yet. He was also your best friend. So he was last out when you were around 3 years old and that's when he was your best friend?
The parole board wanted to hear honesty. That "I have learned my lessons and am now no longer danger to society", is what everyone says and no one means it. The third time for Red was different, because he was finally honest about his feelings and experiences, and was open in expressing genuine guilt.
It’s just not true that nobody means it. Lots of people are no longer a danger to society but stay in prison. And the other way around. Parole hearings are tricky now but back then? Especially for African Americans in the 40s - they would have NEVER let them out on parole.
@Alex Hefner's TV & Movie Vault: @14:16 - Duh! Rita Hayworth WAS the lady on the screen. The movie "Red" ( Morgan Freeman ) was watching when "Andy" ( Tim Robbins ) asks him ( "Red" ) to get him ( "Andy" ) a Rita Hayworth poster was 'Gilda' ( 1946, starring Hayworth, Glenn Ford, and George Macready. ) Rita Hayworth was a big movie star and pin-up poster girl from that era ( the 1940's. ) [ remember - "Red's" voice over narration says, "Andy Dufresne came to Shawshank in 1947..." so it is very possible that they would be watching a movie from 1946 by the time "Andy" came to "Red" to ask for a poster. ] @30:22: Duh! That was another very well known actress and pin-up poster girl - Raquel Welch. The poster is the best-selling poster of her in her famous doe-skin bikini costume from the movie 'One Million Years B.C.' ( 1966. )
Easily one of the best reactions I've ever watched, arguably the greatest film of all time. This movie has everything you want in it and more. Morgan Freeman should have won the academy award for best supporting actor, just for his narration alone. Thank you alex for making my day better. 😊🤘.
Great movie that I’m glad you finally experienced. I consider Shawshank part of the Stephen King triple crown. The other two movies are Stand By Me and The Green Mile.
The Shining is totally great. But I'm with Brian...it's like you must watch The Grean Mile and Shawshank together. Once you watch one you gotta watch the other. Their a pair.😄
@@trumphatesyou I respectfully disagree. I read the book, saw the film, saw the bts...Yes, Kubrick made major changes & King refused to watch it...What I will say is that Kubrick’s version is iconic. What I will say is that the majority of the approved, by King, film adaptations were b-movies @ best, with the exception of 2 or 3. I enjoyed the majority of them, but they’re Saturday afternoon popcorn movies. The Shining is a masterpiece.
I love your honesty, intelligence, compassion, and inquisitive nature. As the wife of a man who has spent decades doing time for a crime he didn't commit, I just want to thank you for being part of humanity that actually considers how truly difficult it is to stay alive and stay sane.
Most of Stephen King's movie adaptations have been crap, but this one and The Green Mile are brilliant. You want goosebumps, the Green Mile will cover you with them even more than Shawshank.
I was only in prison for 3 years and getting out was difficult. Traffic was insanely fast. I also woke up in a panic. I was so used to feeling my bunk shake from my bunkie moving around that I swear my normal bed was shaking. And you start over from zero. I had to take my driver's test again to get my license. I was homeless, didn't have a job or money, and even McDonald's does background checks. One of the guys who had been in for 20 years asked me what Facebook was and why all these men were commenting on his wife's bikini photo. It's like being frozen in time. I can't imagine 50 years. Imagine getting out today when the last time you saw society it was 1972.
I went to see this movie in the theater when I was 18. Three of my friends were with me and another couple was there in a theater that sat probably 150. No one went to see it. It gained popularity through word of mouth, video rental and the awards season when it was up against two other huge movies; Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump. To this day it could be my favorite movie of all time.
The ending where they reunite is a change from the book. In the book it ends with Red’s monologue on hope as he rides the bus south. I almost like it more where we don’t know if he finds Andy. We just have to hope
This is the best movie I've ever seen. When I was younger I used to hang out at the movie rental place and became friends with the ones who worked there. One of the always kept recommending this movie, but it didn't seem like something I'd be into. One day I was told that if I don't like it, I will get a refund, great. Only one problem; the movie was so damn good. I must've rented it (on VHS) close to ten times, until one christmas one of the workers gave me the DVD as a present. Ever since then it's been my #1 movie and was amazing to see it now, abridged, and witnessing you seeing it for the first time. My favourite part is the bible with the rockhammer in it, imagine, when they were raiding his cell earlier in the movie, the hammer was inside the bible, luckily the Warden didn't open it.
The Green Mile is another must react to movie. Prison movie based on a story by Stephen King and directed by Darabont. Staring Tom Hanks and Michael Clark Duncan.
The Green Mile actually breaks my heart. The performances are outstanding - John Coffey, Paul, Brutus, and even Percy (who I really disliked). I cry so hard I get a headache.
Superbly written, directed, and acted. No matter how many times I see this movie it still brings tears to my eyes. I don’t think I’ve hated a movie character more than I do Percy. If this movie doesn’t make you emotional you gotta be dead inside.
It was fun watching this with you. We don't have a lot of movies or tv in common, but the ones we do are awesome. ~ Regarding the HOPE you talk about. My dad would say that if everything looks it's darkest, you should be a light. That started nearly 60 years ago and I still tell people that when I have a chance. I'm probably more trusting of people simply because of the difference in when we were raised. There's a lot of great people out there. Meet people's eyes, say hello, pick up what someone drops, hold a door open and talk to people. Face to face contact! I believe you are a light! Keep shining! ✌
one of my favourite films as a teenager, which is funny to say when I realize I will be 40 in November. glad you enjoyed the film, keep your reactions coming. But STILL waiting for that Lawyer Reacts to My Cousin Vinny video, it's got Joe Pesci, Marissa Tomei, and Mr Herman Munster himself Fred Gweyne in his final role.
Love this movie also had the experience of looking at someone shoes on accident because I had stop to look at mine and found out my co worker had prosthetic leg and then I heard Morgan Freeman's line of how often do you look at someone's shoes like if I hadn't looked at my own shoe and noticed theirs I probably would never realize they had a prosthetic leg
My introduction to this film was during a high school summer scholars program back in '95. There we were in an old stone lecture hall watching this thing and just as the film approached its climax a thunder storm rolled through. It couldn't have worked out better--although it didn't have to start raining again as soon as we headed back to our dorms. Soaked the lot of us.
Hi Alex, so happy to see you react to this wonderful movie. I would like to recommend another movie by Director Frank Darabont and also an adaptation of a Stephen King Book: The Green Mile, it is truly a must see as well. Happy 4th weekend!!
The whole time watching you react to this movie (of which I've watched beyond count!) has made me smile, laugh, from your genuine heart! You had a ton of stuff figured out from the beginning, too!! Surprisingly this movie is based on the novella by Stephen King that is titled "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption". Another few Stephen King adapted movies that I think you'd like would be: "Stand By Me", "The Green Mile", "Misery". Thanks so much for making my day! I really needed this.
Funny thing, when they were working on this movie they had piles of agents calling them up to say that they had the perfect actress to play Rita Hayworth! That’s why they changed the title to Shawshank Redemption, people kept thinking there’d be somebody playing Rita Hayworth.
23:02 fun fact the place that scene was filmed the writing "brooks was here" is still there in the room. Kind of a tourist attraction because it was such a famous powerful scene so the owners just left it alone.
this is such a great movie, this popped up in my recomendations and i thought, "Why not? i can watch this again!" (i have lost count how many times i have seen this movie) there is a reason it is #1 on IMDB
Frank Darabont the director of this movie directed 3 movies based on Stephen King stories. In addition to Shawshank he also did "The Green Mile", which is also an incredible movie which you should definitely watch and react to if you haven't already. The third one is a movie called "The Mist". It is more horror oriented, but with an ending that will rip your heart out of your chest, stomp on it, set it on fire and burn it to ashes before being eaten by fire ants and run over by a steamroller.
It's completely different in the short story. For a horror novelist King is really big on hope. Really bugged me that they changed the ending to the mist.
Just now watched this video because Shawshank is my favorite movie ever. And the last little statement you made I really needed. Such a phenomenal movie!
Thanks for sharing a honest reaction to such a heavy movie. ** King sold the film rights to Frank Darabont for $5,000. Out of his friendship with Darabont, he never cashed the check. Years later, he sent the framed check to Darabont with the inscription, "In case you ever need bail money. Love, Steve."
Need some poll options for Patreon please! Hope y’all enjoyed this reaction ❤️ love you guys!
Have to throw “The Prestige” into the ring, then!
Great reaction, Alex. Don't feel bad about being 28 and not having seen this film before. I was over 40, when this movie came out and I didn't watch it until last year. It blew me away. Then I watched The Green Mile. Nuff said.
The Green Mile!
The conjuring 2, Annabelle creation, and the nun
Frailty. Best movie you've never heard of hands down. Saw it shrooming and I'll never forget it lol
Still ranked as the best film of all time on IMDB.
Still 100% deserved.
To me, its either this movie, forest gump or LOTR trilogy that takes the spot of the best movie of all time, for my taste. This movie 100% deserve the imdb score it has.
@@jimmiekarlsson4458i personally dont think foreest gump is near as good as LOTR or Shawshank, but i guess i respect your opinion
@@theofreres1882 Well if i where to rank the movies in order, to me it would be LOTR>Shawshank>Forest gump
You clearly haven't seen Gladiator.@@jimmiekarlsson4458
When they looked at it by gender apparently it was more popular with women which did initially shock me when it's basically an all male cast
When Brooks is leaving Shawshank the camera is faced towards the prison and when Red gets out, the camera is facing away from Shawshank. I've always loved that little subtle edit.
Also Brooks was clutching the seat bar in front of him, Red was clutching his luggage.
Yeah great cinematography
Oh my god. I have never noticed that. Now I have another reason to love this movie :D
@@owlboy-ok5mi I didn’t either. I love hearing other peoples opinions on films and music because everyone notices different things which allow us all to experience the art form more deeply. ❤️
Also, when brooks is on the outside he said “I just want them to send me home” while red said “ I just want them to send me back” symbolizing that red was never institutionalized as much as brooks.
1) Red's mug shot is actually Morgan's son.
2) Red called Andy's hope a "shitty pipe dream". Andy escaped out of a "shitty pipe".
3) The portion of the Bible where Andy hid the rock hammer was "Exodus", which means "exit".
4) Morgan's son also appears in the beginning of the movie, "fishing" for fresh fish.
5) Red was actually irishman in the book
Red's last name was Redding. "Red" Redding is a natural contraction.
@@Tan3l6 I heard Darabond auditioned Morgan Freeman on a whim, since he's supposed to be an redheaded Irish white guy, it seemed like a long shot. But he fell in love with the performance. And Stephen King signed of on it too. History was made.
And gave a second breath to Morgan Freeman's career. Deservedly so.
Small detail, but when Andy tells Hayward About the Count of Monte Cristo, he is smiling because in the Count of Monte Cristo the main character, Dantes, is in prison on false charges, but after a long time he breaks out, gets a new identity, becomes wealthy and gets revenge on the ones who put him in. Kinda similar to Andy’s story: false charges, breaks out, gets rich and gets revenge on people who wronged him.
The most amazing thing about this film is it wasn't really a box office success, but when it went to VHS Video rental the word got around and it became an utter cult classic watched by millions, it is one of the the greatest films of all time. Great reaction man we could see you were genuinely moved by it. Incredible to think also that it was only a Steven King short story called Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption and became this epic film.
Really?!
The movie poster confused people bc it didn’t really show much which affected attendance.
@@alexhefnerstvmovievault It was in the collection "Different Seasons", and was subtitled "Hope Springs Eternal".
Same collection had "Apt Pupil: Summer of Corruption", filmed as "Apt Pupil" and "The Body: Fall from Innocence", filmed as "Stand By Me'
I still have my VHS copy. It is my brother's favorite film. Surprised we never completely wore the tape thin for how much we watched it.
It should of really won first place in the box office
The worst thing about Brooks too is that he went through one of the largest technological gaps while in prison. He went to jail around 1900 and got out around 1950. Could you image going to jail while the horse and carriage were the main modes of transport (unless you had money for an early car), then getting out realizing you could get on a plane and fly? That would be utterly terrifying.
Not Frank Darabont's only masterpiece. While "The Shawshank Redemption" is still fresh in your mind, check out another of his masterpiece works "The Green Mile". Completely different movie, but there are some comparisons if you know where to look.
The fact that The Mist (a very good old-school SF/Horror in its own right) is by far the least of the Darabont/King adaptations is just incredible.
The Green Mile must absolutely be seen. Note: you *will* cry. Everybody does.
Nah. Not feeling the Green Mile. AT ALL.
Green mile isn't as good as Shawshank though
He also did Fear The Walking Dead Season 1.
Alex: “I wonder if people miss prison when they get out”
Brooks: “hold my beer”
😥
If they are institutionized then yes, yes they probably do.
Brooks was here.
So was Red
"hold my bird"
The fact that they dedicated so much time to tell Brooks' story is brilliant and admirable.
What I love about this movie they never tell you the dates, they let the characters reflect on how long a thing took, to let us know how much time has passed.
They do mention dates a couple of times in the movie. "Andy Dufresne came to Shawshank in early 1949," "In the summer of '49, the roof of the license plate factory needed resurfacing," "Tommy came to us in 1965," "In 1966, Andy Dufresne escaped from Shawshank prison." And they also mention timeframes: Andy spending his first 2 years being tormented by the Sisters ('47-'49), Brooks saying he came to prison in 1905 and characters noting that he got out after 50 years (so c. 1955), the 10 year anniversary note with the Marilyn poster ('47-'57), Tommy coming to Shawshank on a 2-year sentence and 'trying to escape' with a year left ('65-'66), Red's parole hearings at 20 years ('47, coinciding with Andy's arrival), 30 years ('57), and 40 years ('67).
That said, I think your point stands: they're never on the nose about how long Andy's been there. A lesser movie would be showing the years onscreen, or having Andy periodically saying things like, "I've been here 15 years now..." to remind the audience how much time has passed. It's a testament to the quality of the writing in Shawshank Redemption that they make it easy for the audience to keep a rough timeline fresh in their heads, while still managing to make it always feel organic when it's mentioned.
I was thinking about Brooks the other day. He went into prison in 1905, and left in 1955.
The changes that happened in that time are incredible. There was no broadcast radio in 1905, cars were an incredibly rare luxury. Movies were short and had titles like “man sneezing”. Records were cylinders.
By 1955 cars were everywhere. Everyone listened to radio, many watched TV. The first transistor radio had just been introduced, it was small enough to fit in your pocket. Records had become flat discs. In 1905 most places didn’t even have electricity.
Brooks left prison to be thrown into a completely different world, one that he had never known. It’s incredible the way things had changed. The birth of the Soviet Union, two world wars, a Great Depression. All these things happened while he was in prison.
think about how insane the changes are NOW for people who wouldve gotten out after 50 years now, 50 years ago was 1972, hell ELVIS was still alive, no computers, no cell phones, no internet, you could smoke literally anywhere
the change in music from 1905 to 1955 is NOTHING compared to the change in music from 1972 to 2022, peoples ears would bleed if they heard some of the metal music thats out now (i.e. infant annihilator, suicide silence, cattle decapitation, etc), not to mention the first rap song (rappers delight) didnt even come out till 79, and the number 1 song in 72 was American pie by Don mclean
He was only 50 years old? Wow sorry to say I thought he was much older
@@natalievegas he was significantly older than 50, closer to 70. Remember he went to prison in 1905, and if he was 20 when imprisoned that puts him at ~70 years old.
@@natalievegas 70 years old. He did 50 years in prison
@@wackyvorlon ohhh oops my bad. Thanx 😃
This movie was filmed in Mansfield prison in Mansfield Ohio. The prison shut down just before they started filming and good behavior prisoners were allowed to stay as extras and one of my uncles was actually in the movie for a quick flash in a scene. Mansfield prison is now a haunted house tour kind of thing.
Also home to inkcarceration which is an amazing music festival :)
A few movies and music videos have been made there like tango and cash and godsmack
Been there. You can see the new prison next store.
I feel privileged to live near where they filmed.
@@mikes6457 I’ve never been closer than a few hours away, but I’ve had family locked up there and I think they do a haunted house there every Halloween now.
There's a reason Shawshank is almost universally acclaimed by film buffs as one of, if not the best movie they've ever seen. For me personally, of all the movies I've seen, Shawshank Redemption tops my list hands down as the best movie I've ever seen.
I absolutely believe that this is the best movie ever made.
It just sounds so boring to me...gonna have to force myself to watch it
It's definitely up there as one of my favorite movies.. but that's subjective. Not everyone is going to agree. Some probably think " Superbad " is the best movie ever made. They are welcome to their opinion.
@@stillnessspeaks4080 Well for me it's Dumb and Dumber
@@LN-Lifer congrats.
A few things I love about this.
1) Bob Gunton (Warden Norton) is so good at his job because he seems reasonable at the beginning, but you HATE his guts about halfway thru!
2) can't imagine anyone but Morgan Freeman narrating this...
3) Tim Robbins did other films but this is what he's known for!
1) that’s interesting. I hated him from the second he opened his mouth. I thought Gunton was amazing
They should totally do a special edition of the audiobook of Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, with Morgan Freeman reading. Same with The Body with Richard Dreyfus).
I love this movie so much, and the book is great too! Stephen King at his finest. The redemption wasn't that of Andy, as he was innocent all along. The redemption here was Red's. The Shawshank Redemption is the redemption of Red. The redemption of his hope. Having the story told from his point of view just makes so much sense.
Noticed how Andy started to speak through his teeth when he was talking to Red in the end, seeming sluggish, probably trying to prevent anyone from reading his lips. It always amazes me how the same character feature landed him in prison and got him out. Nobody could read him, not even his best friend. He was moving so slow, everyone thought he wasn't moving at all.
I never noticed that until just now! Omg! 😮
I love your reaction. You made me laugh and got my eyes watery. This is one of my favorite movies. I am 46 and I’ve seen this when it came out and over and over again and now seen it with you. Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. Thanks man.
Always ❤️❤️👊🏼
And good things never die
I love seeing people experiencing this movie for the first time. It's almost like witnessing their life changing.
Only movie that consistently brings tears to my eyes. As soon as Red says, "I hope." That's really what this movie is all about and it's brought me through some dark times
I've seen this movie easily 100 times, I still get those same goosebumps.
They’ll never go away!
I have to watch it every single time its playing on tv!
My favorite movie of all time
The thing about Brooks is, he first entered Shawshank in 1905, and didn't get out until 1955. So any cars he would have seen as a young man would have been vastly different from the ones he'd see as an old man. Most didn't even have a roof, let alone seat belts. And imagine hearing an airplane fly overhead, having only ever seen one in a photo or on film. It would be a complete culture shock.
Prisoners read books and magazines, and airplanes fly over prisons. They show movies in prisons. It’s not like prisoners are completely cut off from the outside world. You don’t think Brooks would have access to newspapers and newsreels reporting on the World Wars?
Most people don't realize Stephen King ever did anything but horror. This, and The Green Mile, are his best works, IMO.
He also did a fantasy titled The Eye of the Dragon.
Don't forget about Stand by Me
And Stand By Me!!
Delores Claiborne is pretty great as well.
...with Stand by Me, pretty sick trio. King is a King ;)
Absolutely one of the best movies ever made. Loved watching your reaction, and how much it moved you. Sometimes it's hard to take seriously when someone says you HAVE to watch a specific movie, but this is definitely one of those few that the statement actually is correct.
the imagery in this movie is amazing. When Brooks leaves prison, the camera angle if facing the prison signifying he is too institutionalized to make it on the outside, he also holds onto the bar on the bus to amplify that more. When Red leaves prison, the camera angle is facing outward to show his hope for a future. an amazing movie
Also, when Red first see the tree, you can hear a little bit of harmonica pick up in the music.
At the very end, when Red is walking towards Andy on the beach, and you can vaguely see them embracing,always did me in. Tearsss dude😪😪
“Hacksaw Ridge”. True story about World War II, and if you want your emotions absolutely shredded, this is the movie. When it premiered at the Cannes film festival the director, Mel Gibson received a 10 minute standing ovation after it was over. It’s that good.
Yes, please react to this!
OH GOD YES. Hacksaw Ridge absolutely follows this same vibe we’re on lately. Incredible movie, it seriously almost feels like a movie “made in older years” of cinema.
Emotions are not the only thing getting shredded in this movie
Yes! Hacksaw!
The Vince Vaughn intro in the movie was great lol. MOVE YOUR PRIVATES PRIVATE PARTS!
One of my favorite movies of all time. Also Freeman's character was named Red because in the Stephen King book he was Irish and a redhead.
I'm glad they still used Freeman instead. Amazing performance.
FFS, his character’s name is Ellis Redding!
This movie is part of a four part novella from Stephen King. Another story in that series is called "The Body" which was adapted into the movie "Stand By Me". In the very beginning of the movie there is a news report on the radio about a prison break. That was Andy breaking out of Shawshank.
Wow.
I'll have to look that one up. "Stand by Me" was set in the 1950's. For Raquel Welch to be hanging on Andy's wall, it would have to be the mid-1960's.
@@lisathuban8969in the story, it was just a Rita Hayworth poster. The changing of the posters in the movie was a clever way, using artistic license in the adaption, to visually express the passage of time, using sex symbols of the changing eras. The escape does line up with the timing of the story "The Body".
@@chrispipes5451 I just re-read the ending of the story. Looks like Andy escaped in 1967, and Raquel Welch was hanging on the wall in the book as well as in the movie.
I misremember things too. No worries.
So, yes, the escape in "Stand By Me" could well be referring to another Stephen King character, because he does that a lot, but it wasn't Andy.
Also, it would of been weird for Rita Hayworth to hang on his wall in the 1950's. She was popular in WWII, which was a decade and a half earlier. He definitely would of changed the poster to fit the times.
If you enjoyed this movie you have to watch:
- Mystic River (It's a Thriller with Tim, Kevin Bacon and Sean Penn)
- Murder in the First (it's a movie where Kevin Bacon is a prisonor in Alkatraz for a crime (you will loose your mind) and basically tortured. It will break you. Emotionally. It's sensational acting.)
The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile were both directed by Frank Darabont. AND, both movies were written by Stephen King. Both teamed up together for both movies also. They also did the same with the movie The Mist, which King also wrote. But that movie is in a different class than Shawshank and Green Mile. If you haven't seen it already, I would suggest The Green Mile. It AND Shawshank are 2 of the GREATEST movies I have ever seen. And both are FULL of GREAT ACTORS. Great Post, Alex. Thank you for sharing this with us.
And he helped develop the Walking Dead comics into the tv show.. You can definitely tell in the first seasons by the way it was filmed.
@@courtneymoore3177 I did not know that. Thanx.
@@donnilloyd1355 no problem.
@@donnilloyd1355 the actor who played the lawyer at the start and a few people in The Mist were in the walking dead too.
If you haven't seen Good Will Hunting, I can't encourage you enough to do so. It's just as satisfying as Shawshank, and Robin Williams delivers a phenomenal performance.
Absolutely! That and Dead Poet’s Society. Please do a deep dive on any and all Robin Williams projects. Please!
Yea how hasnt he seen this yet.
Shoot Robin Williams marathon! Patch Adams was another that really hits ya in the feels.
the book this is based on reveals the reason Red's in jail: He took out an insurance policy on his wife, then cut the brakes on her car. By bad luck he chose the day she picked up a neighbor and her baby for a ride into town. So, he killed three people.
Had no idea wow
Very interesting, it's one of my fave movies and haven't read the book. Thanks for the info 😀
@@catherinefisher8534 Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption is the name of the novella. It's one of Stephen King's short stories.
The other crazy part is Red never makes it to Andy. The book is open at the end with Red on his way to find Andy.
I forgot he had killed more than one person, kind of surprising he'd ever see life outside of a cell.
You're comment about Veteran's missing the structure of the military is absolutely true. I'm a Navy vet and I've had a lot of trouble finding a job that I enjoy, or that I can hold for more than a year because none of the civilian jobs I've had, have had the structure of the military or the hierarchy in place to assist their employees imo. It's honestly been a struggle at times. Thanks for your time. Love your videos Alex!
This movie was shot in my hometown. It's part of who we are here. I'm so happy to see the effect on you ❤
It's simply a superb piece of cinema, from the soundtrack, sets, acting, dialogue, etc. There is hardly a flaw in the movie.
I agree! Forest Gump won Best Picture and Tom Hanks won Best Actor the year Shawshank was nominated. (Morgan Freeman got robbed) I guarantee that if both movies came out now... Shawshank would win every award! The movie is flawless! Also, it probably has the best ending any movie ever had! Such a bittersweet end to a brutal and tragic story!
@@tysonthomas7094 Agreed!
I knew about Shawshank for decades and had seen some clips but never watched the entire movie. I finally watched it last Christmas when I was visiting dad and it was one of the last movies we watched before he died a few months later.
From Stephen King's novella "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" Red murdered his wife, but accidentally also killed a neighbor and her daughter, which is why he was in Shawshank for so long.
The reason for the line "maybe it's because I'm Irish" is that the Red from the story (which is written as his memoirs) is a red-haired Irishman, Morgan Freeman just has such a fabulous voice for narration and is a very good actor.
This movie is not that far away from Stephen's story, with just a few Hollywood changes for added drama and a few more for simplicity.
It's not just that Brooks is institutionalized, as Red points out, or that he's important inside the prison and nothing outside. Andy goes to prison in 1949. Assuming it's been 2-3 years, Brooks is (at most) released in 1952; Red tells us he's been at Shawshank for 50 years. Which means the outside world he remembers is from 1902. Before either world war, before airplanes, before automobiles were everywhere, before radio (much less television), etc.; it's like Brooks was sent to another planet.
This movie was out in the theater. I drove by and it reads SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION.
And, i was one of those dummies (at the time) that didn't see it cuz i was judgy of the title. Fast-forward a year or so, and it becomes the movie i would play until the VHS tape broke. There was always something my soul would find re-watching it. GREAT MOVIE!
17:33 "I actually don't hate the warden" Ah, but you will, man, you will.
17:33 "I don't hate the warden"
in the words of Red, " wait a while"
I have a custom writing pen made from the wood of the tree in the hayfield towards the end of the movie. It's one of my most prized possessions. The tree was damaged in a few storms and the man saved some wood. It's so cool to have a piece of something so great.
How much will you part with me that pen for?
that's so beautiful
One of the movies I can watch over and over again and still get the same goosebumps and teary eyed as you did. Great reaction!
I love how the guards stood up for Andy against Bogs....
First time I saw this I was serving 9 months in work release. After seeing this, it was hard to go back every night. But I did.
A number of things happened to me in those six months that taught me well. This movie was a huge part of that.
I'm proud of you for living your life and learning to be better from your experiences. Keep living, keep learning. @charliemac64 ? I don't know you, but I love you. Keep shining
I adore this movie so much. I’d love to suggest The Usual Suspects for you. It’s so hard a fantastic movie and it’ll definitely give you chills.
"I actually like the warden. Something about him seems not that bad. Maybe it's foolish of me to think that."
Oh, you sweet summer child.
I did some conversion, the 1966 370K are worth 3.6 Million USD today.
Yep, he deserved it.
Absolutely incredible movie.
There are so many great movies but I’ve always felt lucky to experience watching this movie at a young age. It is about hope. It is about friendship and bounds in a very tragic tumultuous time. It’s my favorite movie ever. So many great movie. It is one of the best. Get busy living or get busy dying.
If you haven’t seen the green mile. You will love it. Same director, same writer, just as good.
Don't tell people what they'll love bro, it's insulting
@@sparksdrinker5650 don’t be a douche bro. It’s annoying
It's not as good as Shawshank.. but you are welcome to your opinion.
@@stillnessspeaks4080 that’s just your opinion. Which you are welcome to :)
@@stuntcock8921 well you are saying people will love it and that's not necessarily true because I didn't 😅
I watch this movie at least once a year. It's very easy to watch multiple times. Never gets old
And based on a book by Steven King, one of the greatest movies ever..no car chases or explosions, just tremendous acting...another equally amazing movie is "The Green Mile", also a book written by Steven King
When Andy asks why they call him Red and the response is: "Maybe it's because I'm Irish". This line is easter egg from the book this movie is based on. In the book, Red is a white irishmen with red hair and beard. It's funny because they kept the line even though they made the character black.
I am sure it has already been said since this reaction has been out for over a year but just in case... Morgan Freeman's character's name is Red and he says because I'm Irish. This is a bit of an inside joke because the character in the book was an Irish man. Morgan Freeman was given the role because of the badass that he is. They chose not to change a thing. Leaving the dialogue added to the richness of the character. Love it!
One of the so many bits that got me is when the warden unknowingly holds Andy’s bible with the rock hammer inside and almost took it with him and then said “almost forgot to give this back to you”. Also goes over to the poster Andy knowing there’s a massive hole hidden behind it and thinking the wardens will probably rip it down but doesn’t, Andy must of been absolutely shitting his pants, balls of Steele!
I laugh so hard at that
Something to consider if Andy had been caught. Since the warden was keeping him as a slave despite his innocence, Andy might as well have killed him. If he gotta stay in prison for life for murder, he might as well commit a murder.
The movie isn't Andy's story, it's Red's, the redemption was his.
Watch Stand by Me next. It's another Stephen King film that will get you right in the feels.
Yes, but not only Red's redemption. I think the title actually refers to the prison itself being redeemed. Meaning the corruption and abuse have finally been removed.
@@turc1656 agreed. But the monologue is Red's, he's telling the story, which is why we never see the prison again or find out what happens to anyone else.
It's fundamentally about Red finding hope. As others have said, in the novella you don't actually know if he gets over the border and finds Andy but - in some ways - that doesn't matter. What matters is that he hope he does. He hopes.
I actually disagree because while Red narrated it, the focus is on Andy. It’s his trial, incarceration, assaults, prison projects, escape. I love that they showed Red at the end but the whole movie focuses on Andy
Well… your speech at the end gave me chills. So much fun rewatching this on your channel. Thank you!
When Stephen King wrote "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" he put it in his book "Different Seasons under the heading "Hope Springs Eternal". The Fall story was "The Body", which became the movie "Stand by Me".
Watched this movie 100 times but your reaction made me relive it and made me emotional. I got tears at the end from your reaction. You are such an amazing reactor ❤
Dang it, Alex. You're a good egg. I'm enjoying watching movies with you. You have a very good heart.
Have a wonderful day, all. I hope and pray that you're all doing well today and that tomorrow will be better if not.
This is an excellent movie, so much character depth and detail. Great story, thank Stephen King for that. The only thing that threw me for a loop was how did Andy get the poster taped down tight enough for a rock to go through it? Well, nothings perfect but this one is damn near.
This movie is and has been in my top 3 all time since it came out in ‘94 and I don’t see anything removing it anytime soon. It is a masterpiece.
One of my favorite movies of all time. IMO, one of the best movies of all time. PHENOMENAL acting...and that HOPE quote in Andy's letter to Red at the end? That quote is one I repeat often.
Great reaction... so glad you loved it too! 😘😘thanks!!
When I was 13 my uncle and best friend on the planet died. He had been about a decade into a 35 year prison sentence when he found out he had cancer, but despite his good behavior and our best efforts, he ended up dying in prison. He had always loved this movie and around the time we knew he was about to die, I watched it for the first time with my mom. This movie will always remind me of him and it is one of my absolute favorites.
“Sometimes it makes me sad, though... Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up DOES rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend.”
I'm reading and re-reading your comment. But it's not making sense that you are 13. And he's a decade into a prison sentence. And then you lose him yet. He was also your best friend. So he was last out when you were around 3 years old and that's when he was your best friend?
Stephen King is an amazing story teller. This movie is a fabulous adaptation
The parole board wanted to hear honesty. That "I have learned my lessons and am now no longer danger to society", is what everyone says and no one means it. The third time for Red was different, because he was finally honest about his feelings and experiences, and was open in expressing genuine guilt.
It’s just not true that nobody means it. Lots of people are no longer a danger to society but stay in prison. And the other way around. Parole hearings are tricky now but back then? Especially for African Americans in the 40s - they would have NEVER let them out on parole.
It’s a brilliant movie. It’s violent and cruel, poor Tommy. But Red and Andy that’s a friendship that will be worth a following.
@Alex Hefner's TV & Movie Vault: @14:16 - Duh! Rita Hayworth WAS the lady on the screen. The movie "Red" ( Morgan Freeman ) was watching when "Andy" ( Tim Robbins ) asks him ( "Red" ) to get him ( "Andy" ) a Rita Hayworth poster was 'Gilda' ( 1946, starring Hayworth, Glenn Ford, and George Macready. ) Rita Hayworth was a big movie star and pin-up poster girl from that era ( the 1940's. ) [ remember - "Red's" voice over narration says, "Andy Dufresne came to Shawshank in 1947..." so it is very possible that they would be watching a movie from 1946 by the time "Andy" came to "Red" to ask for a poster. ]
@30:22: Duh! That was another very well known actress and pin-up poster girl - Raquel Welch. The poster is the best-selling poster of her in her famous doe-skin bikini costume from the movie 'One Million Years B.C.' ( 1966. )
Easily one of the best reactions I've ever watched, arguably the greatest film of all time. This movie has everything you want in it and more. Morgan Freeman should have won the academy award for best supporting actor, just for his narration alone. Thank you alex for making my day better. 😊🤘.
I love this movie! I can almost recite this movie word for word. Another great movie is "The Green Mile"
Did u hear anyone saying " What Not SHOVEL" in this movie????
Great movie that I’m glad you finally experienced. I consider Shawshank part of the Stephen King triple crown. The other two movies are Stand By Me and The Green Mile.
Not The Shining?!!? 🙀🙀🙀
@@Lestat13 not your opinion. It's his
The Shining is totally great. But I'm with Brian...it's like you must watch The Grean Mile and Shawshank together. Once you watch one you gotta watch the other. Their a pair.😄
@@Lestat13 Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is not good in relation to the book. It's actually pretty awful
@@trumphatesyou
I respectfully disagree. I read the book, saw the film, saw the bts...Yes, Kubrick made major changes & King refused to watch it...What I will say is that Kubrick’s version is iconic. What I will say is that the majority of the approved, by King, film adaptations were b-movies @ best, with the exception of 2 or 3. I enjoyed the majority of them, but they’re Saturday afternoon popcorn movies. The Shining is a masterpiece.
there is a reason this movie is number 1 on imdb's top 250 movies of all time. good stuff
I love your honesty, intelligence, compassion, and inquisitive nature. As the wife of a man who has spent decades doing time for a crime he didn't commit, I just want to thank you for being part of humanity that actually considers how truly difficult it is to stay alive and stay sane.
This is one of those movies where I would like to be able to wipe it from memory so I could watch it again and again!!! Greatest movie ever made!
Most of Stephen King's movie adaptations have been crap, but this one and The Green Mile are brilliant. You want goosebumps, the Green Mile will cover you with them even more than Shawshank.
The Stand was a mini series on TV that followed the book almost exactly as it was written. It was great but too long for a movie.
I love The Shining adaptation tho
Stand By Me is one of my all-time favorite Stephen King books
I was only in prison for 3 years and getting out was difficult. Traffic was insanely fast. I also woke up in a panic. I was so used to feeling my bunk shake from my bunkie moving around that I swear my normal bed was shaking. And you start over from zero. I had to take my driver's test again to get my license. I was homeless, didn't have a job or money, and even McDonald's does background checks. One of the guys who had been in for 20 years asked me what Facebook was and why all these men were commenting on his wife's bikini photo. It's like being frozen in time. I can't imagine 50 years. Imagine getting out today when the last time you saw society it was 1972.
I don’t have this experience but it seems like prison is in necessarily cruel and brutal. And then just SUCH long prison terms. Makes me sick.
I went to see this movie in the theater when I was 18. Three of my friends were with me and another couple was there in a theater that sat probably 150. No one went to see it. It gained popularity through word of mouth, video rental and the awards season when it was up against two other huge movies; Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump. To this day it could be my favorite movie of all time.
The ending where they reunite is a change from the book. In the book it ends with Red’s monologue on hope as he rides the bus south. I almost like it more where we don’t know if he finds Andy. We just have to hope
This is the best movie I've ever seen. When I was younger I used to hang out at the movie rental place and became friends with the ones who worked there. One of the always kept recommending this movie, but it didn't seem like something I'd be into. One day I was told that if I don't like it, I will get a refund, great. Only one problem; the movie was so damn good. I must've rented it (on VHS) close to ten times, until one christmas one of the workers gave me the DVD as a present. Ever since then it's been my #1 movie and was amazing to see it now, abridged, and witnessing you seeing it for the first time.
My favourite part is the bible with the rockhammer in it, imagine, when they were raiding his cell earlier in the movie, the hammer was inside the bible, luckily the Warden didn't open it.
The Green Mile is another must react to movie. Prison movie based on a story by Stephen King and directed by Darabont. Staring Tom Hanks and Michael Clark Duncan.
The Green Mile actually breaks my heart. The performances are outstanding - John Coffey, Paul, Brutus, and even Percy (who I really disliked). I cry so hard I get a headache.
Superbly written, directed, and acted. No matter how many times I see this movie it still brings tears to my eyes. I don’t think I’ve hated a movie character more than I do Percy. If this movie doesn’t make you emotional you gotta be dead inside.
IMO one of the best movies ever made in the past 100 years. Legendary.
It was fun watching this with you. We don't have a lot of movies or tv in common, but the ones we do are awesome. ~ Regarding the HOPE you talk about. My dad would say that if everything looks it's darkest, you should be a light. That started nearly 60 years ago and I still tell people that when I have a chance. I'm probably more trusting of people simply because of the difference in when we were raised. There's a lot of great people out there. Meet people's eyes, say hello, pick up what someone drops, hold a door open and talk to people. Face to face contact! I believe you are a light! Keep shining! ✌
One of my FAVORITE of your reactions. Your expression at the reveal of the poster was EVERYTHING.
one of my favourite films as a teenager, which is funny to say when I realize I will be 40 in November. glad you enjoyed the film, keep your reactions coming. But STILL waiting for that Lawyer Reacts to My Cousin Vinny video, it's got Joe Pesci, Marissa Tomei, and Mr Herman Munster himself Fred Gweyne in his final role.
Hilarious film, and also a great courtroom drama.
Love this movie also had the experience of looking at someone shoes on accident because I had stop to look at mine and found out my co worker had prosthetic leg and then I heard Morgan Freeman's line of how often do you look at someone's shoes like if I hadn't looked at my own shoe and noticed theirs I probably would never realize they had a prosthetic leg
I’m the type of guy who never looks at shoes.
My introduction to this film was during a high school summer scholars program back in '95. There we were in an old stone lecture hall watching this thing and just as the film approached its climax a thunder storm rolled through. It couldn't have worked out better--although it didn't have to start raining again as soon as we headed back to our dorms. Soaked the lot of us.
6:42 ....."What are they doing?"..... Making sur he doesn't bring any parasite from the outside....
Hi Alex, so happy to see you react to this wonderful movie. I would like to recommend another movie by Director Frank Darabont and also an adaptation of a Stephen King Book: The Green Mile, it is truly a must see as well. Happy 4th weekend!!
The whole time watching you react to this movie (of which I've watched beyond count!) has made me smile, laugh, from your genuine heart! You had a ton of stuff figured out from the beginning, too!! Surprisingly this movie is based on the novella by Stephen King that is titled "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption". Another few Stephen King adapted movies that I think you'd like would be: "Stand By Me", "The Green Mile", "Misery". Thanks so much for making my day! I really needed this.
Funny thing, when they were working on this movie they had piles of agents calling them up to say that they had the perfect actress to play Rita Hayworth! That’s why they changed the title to Shawshank Redemption, people kept thinking there’d be somebody playing Rita Hayworth.
@@wackyvorlon I remember hearing that before!
You have to watch "The Green Mile" next. It's equally well done, and is also based on a novel by Stephen King.
23:02 fun fact the place that scene was filmed the writing "brooks was here" is still there in the room. Kind of a tourist attraction because it was such a famous powerful scene so the owners just left it alone.
this is such a great movie, this popped up in my recomendations and i thought, "Why not? i can watch this again!" (i have lost count how many times i have seen this movie) there is a reason it is #1 on IMDB
Frank Darabont the director of this movie directed 3 movies based on Stephen King stories. In addition to Shawshank he also did "The Green Mile", which is also an incredible movie which you should definitely watch and react to if you haven't already. The third one is a movie called "The Mist". It is more horror oriented, but with an ending that will rip your heart out of your chest, stomp on it, set it on fire and burn it to ashes before being eaten by fire ants and run over by a steamroller.
The ending of The Mist destroyed me. Really. It really hit hard and I think about it a lot.
It's completely different in the short story. For a horror novelist King is really big on hope. Really bugged me that they changed the ending to the mist.
IIRC, when King saw "The Mist", he confessed that he liked the film's ending more than the book's. High praise!
The "shower' is to make sure new inmates come in clean and the delousing powder is so they don't bring in lice, fleas, ticks, bedbugs, etc.
This is as perfect as a movie gets in my opinion
Just now watched this video because Shawshank is my favorite movie ever. And the last little statement you made I really needed. Such a phenomenal movie!
Thanks for sharing a honest reaction to such a heavy movie. ** King sold the film rights to Frank Darabont for $5,000. Out of his friendship with Darabont, he never cashed the check. Years later, he sent the framed check to Darabont with the inscription, "In case you ever need bail money. Love, Steve."