I love the scene of Red being completely lost on the outside, not knowing what to do with himself, and then the subtle, beautiful shot of him revealing he chose not to buy a gun to get sent back to prison, but a compass. This movie is a masterpiece. Show, don't tell ❤
"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living, or get busy dying." Fun Fact: Raquel Welch (RIP), whose One Million Years B.C. (1966) poster plays a significant role in the film, was a big fan of this movie. Music Enthusiast Fact: The opera song that Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) plays over the loud speakers is "Canzonetta sull'aria" from "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart. It was Tim Robbins' idea for Andy to turn up the volume of the record player in the scene. Bird Timing Fact: When Andy goes to the library to begin work as Brooks' (James Whitmore) assistant and Brooks' crow, Jake, is squawking, Tim Robbins had to time his line so that the crow wouldn't squawk over him, since the bird could not be trained to squawk on cue. Robbins was able to time his line perfectly by learning the bird's squawking patterns, for which writer/director Frank Darabont praised him.
@@chippydogwoofwoofNope. Dune 2 is rated an 8.5/10..The Shawshank Redemption is rated a 9.3/10. The Shawshank Redemption is still #1 with a 9.3/10 rating with The Godfather #2 with a 9.2/10 on IMDb.
@@darthtrip7188 I am relieved to hear that but I swear I read that Dune 2 had knocked it off number one spot after 20plus years. This is one time I am happy to be wrong
@@darthtrip7188 I just went to Google and there are still plenty of articles spreading the lie that Dune 2 is top and not just little websites but national newspapers such as the daily mail.
Stephen King is an extremely gifted writer. Due to his connection to horror writing, many underestimate him; they especially underestimate his ability to craft fine drama and suspense. He also wrote The Green Mile.
@@MrValentineReacts This story came from the same Stephen King book as Stand By Me. It's called Different Seasons. If you're a reader, you should check that one out., Mr V.
Speaking of cinematography, notice that when Brooks was released the shot was from outside the prison looking in. When Red was released the shot was from the inside looking out.
Stephen King can write one hell of a story. Your reactions are among my favorites because you point things out I never noticed before. Like the Einstein picture after they discovered Andy had escaped. And the dark and the light outside scene with Red and Andy. This and The Sixth Sense are my 2 top favorite movies. Keep the content coming. You're killing it.
I found that Einstein picture uproarious! I want to watch the Sixth Sense but someone spoiled the ending for me(obviously I don't speak with them anymore) Thank you for watching along with me!
The coolest thing of this movie I didn’t learn till much later on is that Andy’s exposure of the corruption at the prison was reflected by the parole process being fair after the Warden was gone
I love your vocabulary, and your equally on point insights. Noting that "He's playing chess" at the beginning was the first of many great comments. It is a pity you'd seen the shot in the rain.
It's one of the very few films that can be spoken about being close to perfect. What would you change? It's just fabulous. The story, the acting, the pathos. It's a masterpiece.
To me, one of the most impressive aspects of Andy's escape plan is that he never breathed a word of it to anyone. Over the course of nearly two decades, he kept all the details completely to himself, not even hinting at it to Red, his best friend. And when the time came, he pulled it off perfectly, even bringing justice down on the warden and giving hope to Red.
My favorite movie! Your commentary is so insightful, loved everything about this reaction. Your love of storytelling and appreciation of the aesthetics of film are so deep. Thank you!
Eye for detail Fun fact: in the scene where Captain Hadley hets arested at the end of the movie the detective is shown reading him his Rights from a card, instead of having them memorized. This is because the real Miranda v Arizona decision that made it law to inform individuals of their rights was passed July 1965 roughly 3-4 months before Andy escapes. Most cops would still have been learning the speach at that time.
Another great example relating to a cigarette is in Apocalypse Now; when main character Captain Willard is offered a job to find a Colonel Kurtz, he's told "this job does NOT exist nor will it ever exist" & takes the cigarette as his agreement.
King wrote that final soliloquy word for word in his short novel. Add Morgan Freeman's voice and the scene as it was shot on the beach, and you have the most perfect ending to a movie ever.
Great reaction as always. I saw this at the movie theater back in the day. It was not promoted and I had no idea what it was about. After around 15 minutes, I realized it was adapted from a short story of Stephen Kings that I had read. What’s even more remarkable is that it took decades before it exploded into popularity (it failed at the box office). Now it is deservedly regarded as one of the great films of all time.
The song the warden cheerfully whistles as he walks out of his office the night Andy escapes is a famous hymn by Martin Luther from the 1500s called “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” It was used in the 60s as the theme song to the wholesome claymation children’s show, Davey and Goliath, created by the same team that made Gumby and Pokey.
Mr.Valentine, this is my favorite film. I enjoy and appreciate your reviews so much. It was a pleasure to experience this beautiful rollercoaster of emotion again with you.
Wanna talk about spoilers? In Norwegian, the movie is called ‘The Rain of Freedom’ and the cinema poster was that image of Andy in the rain with his arms outstretched. We were all being spoiled! 😂
When Pandora's box is opened the only 'calamity' to remain was hope, as it is both a boon and bane to humanity. It can be useful, but is still a human calamity.
Usually, but not always. Nothing ever happens to Ace Merrill in Stand By Me. Generally speaking, however, you are right. Stephen King typically deals with the antagonists at some point by the end of the movie.
@@timd.3837 Been awhile since I read it, but Ace returns in Needful Things and I'm pretty sure he dies. But his character didn't make it into the movie. Course Randell Flagg always comes back too.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so affected by a film! It is indeed a tribute to the mastery of Mr. King! He was my first favorite author as a youth and yet I was denied the opportunity to use him as the topic for my Senior Thesis in high school! I settled on J.D Salinger🙂💯
I like it when people with knowledge of filmmaking point out lighting and camera shots. These are things I don't notice until they are pointed out. Once these things are pointed out, I realize it would have been a lesser film if it lacked these components.
I refer to Mitch Hedberg's anecdote about spoilers - "Hey Mitch you want an apple? No! Eventually it will be a core!”. Just because you know the apple will be a core doesn't take away from the (please forgive) core experience of eating it.
Words cannot express my appreciation for your Mitch Hedberg reference. So apt! I think about his "I went to a pizzeria and the guy gave me the smallest slice possible" joke like once a week
The first time I saw this, I was doing soft time in work release. Obviously at a low point in my life, this movie gave me....HOPE. Made it a lot easier to go back every night after work...this too shall pass. Fucking great movie.
I appreciate your eye, you pointed out symbolism I would’ve never caught in like the resemblance of prison bars when brooks is writing on the wall or the contrast of light and dark. Thank you
This short story, titled “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption”, can be found in the book, “Different Seasons”. Three films were made from the four novellas within. This film, Stand By Me (called The Body in the book) and Apt Pupil (not a great film but the story is very good)
The actor who played Boggs did an amazing job. His character is one of the most hated in cinematic history, but I saw him interviewed and he is one of the nicest people. He reminds me very much of Neal McDonough, who is also very nice, but often plays d-bag villains.
I could never hate Neal McD after that one time as a poor young Lieutenant he got assimilated by the Borg. Admittedly turning around and stomping on Captain Picard's face plate right afterward was definitely a dbag move so maybe you're onto something!
when i was in high school my friend and i would take 4 big words we never knew and try and use them all week just to learn them and remember them. it worked. i love watching your videos bc i sometimes get to hear and learn a new one. much appreciated for keeping this art alive for us xo
The prosecuting attorney was played by the great character actor Jeffrey DeMunn. Mr. Valentine has seen him previously in “The Green Mile” as one of the prison guards. He also has a supporting role in the other Steven King movie directed by Frank Darabont, “The Mist.”
this has been my favorite film since 1997, and i’ve watched dozens of reactions to it. they never get old. i was barely 20 minutes into yours when i subscribed, first video from your channel i’ve seen. i highly appreciate your insights, your word choices, and the tone and timbre of your voice. thank you ❤
You could not have chosen a better movie to react to as this is one of the best movies ever made! I am not alone in thinking that believe me! Everything about this movie is beautifully done and so well acted and written! They really don't make movies like this anymore, which is a shame. If you haven't seen The Sixth Sense yet, that is another one that is well acted and written and is an emotional rollercoaster. Really really good movies/books end up staying with you for a while if that makes sense. What I mean is that a really good movie doesn't leave you right away due to your emotional investment that you gave to the movie! Thanks for the reaction, you do get it!
I could not agree more. Every facet of this film is conceived and actualized wonderfully! I haven't seen The Sixth Sense because someone spoiled the ending for me but I hear it is still worth the watch! thank you for re-watching this alongside me❣
This is from King's Novella collection called Different Seasons, published 1982. There were four: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption : Hope Springs Eternal which became The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Apt Pupil: Summer of Corruption adapted as Apt Pupil (1998) The Body: Fall from Innocence adapted into Stand by Me (1986) The Breathing Method: A Winter's Tale which is as yet unfilmed. One Thursday before Christmas, the elderly physician Dr. Emlyn McCarron tells a story about an episode that took place early in his long and varied career: that of a patient,, who was determined to give birth to her illegitimate child, no matter what, McCarron comes to admire her bravery and humor, and the implication is that he has even fallen a bit in love with her. She masters Dr. McCarron's unusual (for the 1930s) breathing method intended to help her through childbirth. However, when she goes into labor and is on the way to the hospital on an icy winter night, her taxi crashes and she is decapitated. McCarron arrives at the crash site and...
Once again your reaction didn’t disappoint. Your intellectual and intuitive breakdown is always enjoyable and your surprise and satisfaction with the conclusion was fantastic.
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. A film of true hope conquers all, a beautiful ending on the beach after all they had been through, with a glorious panoramic shot from above.
To be fair, this movie was competing against Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction upon its release. Not to mention people had been pretty much tired out from prison movies by this point, after so many of them in the 1970's & 80's. It wasn't until this movie started racking up award nominations that got everyone's attention, who then decided to check the movie out for themselves. Since Stephen King's name wasn't even mentioned in the marketing, no one really thought anything much of the film..... and even critics weren't raving over it (though I take that with a heavy grain of salt, since most of the time what critics like and dislike is opposite of what I like and dislike).
the problem was also how the studio advertised it. they treated it like a steven king movie like It or Cujo or pet seminary, and portrayed it like some sort of dark horror or thriller. completely misrepresenting the movie, so the initial audience reactions were pretty mid. people went in expecting some sort of supernatural horror movie and got a deep human drama so it couldn't even generate word of mouth. The failure of this movie at the box off is entirely on how it was advertised. At some point someone seemed to realize the problem and the eyecatch for the posters and the cover of the VHS became andy with his arms out in the rain, but that was even more confusing a cover then the title, so this movie was sabotaged by the studio pretty badly. almost like the ad people and studio execs didn't bother to watch the movie at all.
Young Brother, this has to be one of the BEST Reaction videos I've seen yet. You actually pointed some things out in the film I never noticed. You understood the assignment. 👍🏿 Thank you. 👌🏿
I read this is 1982. Stephen King was unknown at the time, and that title! I TV surfed onto this in 1998. I joined in at the early "fresh fish" scene. As soon as Red said "Andy Dufresne" I new I had found this lost treasure! It was a real treat to hear your terrific vocabulary Mr. V. Carry on brother.
My favorite moment in the short story that did not make it to film is that Jake the crow does come back to the prison. He’s starved and on death’s door. The ‘boys’ have a funeral for Jake. But it’s quite clear it’s a double funeral where the boys say goodbye to Brooks too.
Lol. UA-cam does not like the words I use and so I’m currently on time out from live comments, but posting here just to check in, poke the algorithm, and give an upvote. Another Stephen King? 😁 Awesome. I still highly recommend the short story collection of his, “Night Shift”
Dude, your reaction vids are the absolute best I’ve ever seen! I’m so glad you loved Shawshank; it’s been my favorite for decades! Thank you for all of your content; it truly is heartwarming, entertaining, and authentically awesome!!!
The whole movie is great, but I agree with what you said; the ending (last 45 minutes or so) is amazing, almost in a class all it’s own and is why many regard it as the best movie of all time. Just spectacular!
Red was finally released because spoke from the heart regarding his younger self. That he would talk to him and try to reason with him, but he can't he couldn't info what he had done and his life was the consequence of it.
I've seen this movie hundreds of times since a teen; & since the pandemic & so many people staying home reacting to movies is interesting. And this movie is always interesting to see other people's perceptions, especially someone so articulately insightful :3
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this reaction. Your eloquent commentary not only adds a special touch to your reactions, which I really like, but is also quite rare to find among other content creators. Keep up the good work. 👍🏻
Dude...I love your commentary. It brings me back to all the vocab during my formal education and so many years after, now decades. Big movie buff myself so I appreciate your content. It's great to hear other people's perspectives on my fav flicks. Keep it up!
@@MrValentineReacts I like when you point out the cinematography as I don't know the nomenclature for that field. I always learn something new, as one should throughout their life.
This film is a Masterpiece and recognised as the best film ever made, but not when released in 1994. Really glad you understand the meaning, Redemption, Love, Friendship and HOPE. P.S. I am a 71 year pensioner (2024) and when when you have a bad event in you life just watch the film again like I do. Dave in Guernsey, Channel Islands.
Hey man, just want to thank you for your content. I consider myself to have an extensive and colorful vocabulary but I learn a new word I can't wait to use with each video you make. I admire your outlook on life and ability to express yourself. God bless
When you said he was playing chess while they were playing checkers, I was thinking "Dude, they haven't invented the game he was playing, it was that advances."
An interesting fact is that in the original story, Jake belonged to another prisoner, not Brooks. And in the story it was mentioned that his owner released him shortly before his own release, but a few days later other prisoners found the dead body of the raven - he died of starvation, could not survive in freedom. And if this fact is canonical in the film, then this makes Brooks and Jake some kind of reflections of each other - they both spent most of their lives in captivity and couldn't survive in freedom...
May have been mentioned but didn't see it here in comments. Another bit of fun/clever writing, Red refers to Andy's "shitty pipe dreams". Andy's subsequent escape literally ends up taking that type of route.
I must've seen this film a dozen times before someone brought to my attention that it's an allegory for Jesus. Shawshank represents the world and it's full of sinners. Andy is Jesus, he comes into the world, tells people about hope and redemption and after he leaves his disciples tell his story. There's other parallels like he's punished for a crime he did not commit, the wood shop (Jesus was a carpenter), his cell is found empty the same way Jesus' tomb was. It's nice the movie doesn't beat you over the head with it. I think why Shawshank works so well is because every scene is a little story. The Brooks bit could be a film in of itself.
I love that this is a Stephen King. He is so well known for his horror novels that before this and The Green Mile came out, not a lot of people knew that he wrote stuff that wasn’t horror. It really shows what a phenomenal writer he really is.
Stephen King, man, my favorite writer! Can scare the poop out of you in many different ways (IT is the one that recent kids would know) but also write these kinds of stories that is on the other side of the spectrum with feels. To this day my favorite is "The Stand." So many times read that 1,153 page book. Recommend to look up the miniseries made. Believe me that Covid in the beginning made me 🥺 because of that book!!!.
I love the scene of Red being completely lost on the outside, not knowing what to do with himself, and then the subtle, beautiful shot of him revealing he chose not to buy a gun to get sent back to prison, but a compass. This movie is a masterpiece. Show, don't tell ❤
Thanks to Andy to make him promise to find the spot in Buxton.
a touching detail! Expertly crafted
I’ve seen this movie so many times and that part always gives me chills 💜
"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living, or get busy dying."
Fun Fact: Raquel Welch (RIP), whose One Million Years B.C. (1966) poster plays a significant role in the film, was a big fan of this movie.
Music Enthusiast Fact: The opera song that Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) plays over the loud speakers is "Canzonetta sull'aria" from "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart. It was Tim Robbins' idea for Andy to turn up the volume of the record player in the scene.
Bird Timing Fact: When Andy goes to the library to begin work as Brooks' (James Whitmore) assistant and Brooks' crow, Jake, is squawking, Tim Robbins had to time his line so that the crow wouldn't squawk over him, since the bird could not be trained to squawk on cue. Robbins was able to time his line perfectly by learning the bird's squawking patterns, for which writer/director Frank Darabont praised him.
Just to point out, this is the highest rated movie on IMDB. Storyline, acting, cinematography, directing, music, etc. All top notch.
what! that tracks though. across the board, it is a masterclass in actualizing a story!
I actually hate that I have to say this but I believe Dune 2 took the top spot although I really cannot say why.
@@chippydogwoofwoofNope. Dune 2 is rated an 8.5/10..The Shawshank Redemption is rated a 9.3/10. The Shawshank Redemption is still #1 with a 9.3/10 rating with The Godfather #2 with a 9.2/10 on IMDb.
@@darthtrip7188 I am relieved to hear that but I swear I read that Dune 2 had knocked it off number one spot after 20plus years. This is one time I am happy to be wrong
@@darthtrip7188 I just went to Google and there are still plenty of articles spreading the lie that Dune 2 is top and not just little websites but national newspapers such as the daily mail.
Stephen King is an extremely gifted writer. Due to his connection to horror writing, many underestimate him; they especially underestimate his ability to craft fine drama and suspense. He also wrote The Green Mile.
He has a penetrating sense of tone and mood. A gift to cinema lovers!
I love his drama stories better than the horror. He really understands how to write compelling characters.
@@gpk1982 I love The Gunslinger series. Please don't watch the Dark Tower movie adaptation, though. They ruined it.
@@MrValentineReacts This story came from the same Stephen King book as Stand By Me. It's called Different Seasons. If you're a reader, you should check that one out., Mr V.
Be prepared to have a new favorite movie
#facts
There are only a few perfect movies and this is one of them
Speaking of cinematography, notice that when Brooks was released the shot was from outside the prison looking in. When Red was released the shot was from the inside looking out.
That was an excellent comment 🙂💯
Also in the outside, the shots of Brooks are wide, making him seem small and afraid in the big world, while Red's are close up.
ahhh!!! that is glorious
Stephen King can write one hell of a story.
Your reactions are among my favorites because you point things out I never noticed before.
Like the Einstein picture after they discovered Andy had escaped.
And the dark and the light outside scene with Red and Andy.
This and The Sixth Sense are my 2 top favorite movies.
Keep the content coming.
You're killing it.
I found that Einstein picture uproarious! I want to watch the Sixth Sense but someone spoiled the ending for me(obviously I don't speak with them anymore)
Thank you for watching along with me!
@@MrValentineReactsaw man !!!! Who does something like that !!!?? That’s just plain mean !!
One of the most satisfying endings I've ever seen. "His judgement cometh and right soon!"
such a pleasing turn of events. this is an EXPERIENCE
With the rock hammer at Exodus ... =D
The coolest thing of this movie I didn’t learn till much later on is that Andy’s exposure of the corruption at the prison was reflected by the parole process being fair after the Warden was gone
Good point. I also think it has to do with the fact that he didn't give a scripted disingenuous answer. He was honest and expressed sincere remorse.
yowza! this film his such an incredible complexity about it
I love your vocabulary, and your equally on point insights. Noting that "He's playing chess" at the beginning was the first of many great comments. It is a pity you'd seen the shot in the rain.
It's one of the very few films that can be spoken about being close to perfect. What would you change? It's just fabulous. The story, the acting, the pathos. It's a masterpiece.
The rock hammer was hidden in the book of Exodus, the story of a people becoming free.
*mind blown* (no pun intended)
To me, one of the most impressive aspects of Andy's escape plan is that he never breathed a word of it to anyone. Over the course of nearly two decades, he kept all the details completely to himself, not even hinting at it to Red, his best friend.
And when the time came, he pulled it off perfectly, even bringing justice down on the warden and giving hope to Red.
did you notice, when Brooks was set free, the camera was facing in, towards the prison, but when Red got out, it was facing outwards.
I think Morgan Freeman's narration made this movie a classic, and your elegant commentary is truly special.
Yes, to both.
My favorite movie! Your commentary is so insightful, loved everything about this reaction. Your love of storytelling and appreciation of the aesthetics of film are so deep. Thank you!
Eye for detail Fun fact: in the scene where Captain Hadley hets arested at the end of the movie the detective is shown reading him his Rights from a card, instead of having them memorized.
This is because the real Miranda v Arizona decision that made it law to inform individuals of their rights was passed July 1965 roughly 3-4 months before Andy escapes.
Most cops would still have been learning the speach at that time.
such authenticity of filmmaking! love that tidbit
Brookes reading his letter breaks me every time.
He gives him his last cigarette, then stomps out his fire to signal to kill him. I’ve always liked that subtle symbolism.
Interesting...I never interpreted that as anything other than the signal they decided to use...wonder if that was intentional...
That's a bit sick 😂😮
Not what happened but I admire your imagination.
@@tempsitch5632 😂😂😂
Another great example relating to a cigarette is in Apocalypse Now; when main character Captain Willard is offered a job to find a Colonel Kurtz, he's told "this job does NOT exist nor will it ever exist" & takes the cigarette as his agreement.
When Red tells Andy going to Mexico is "shi**y pipe dreams", it foreshadows Andy crawling through a pipe of sh*t to escape.
ahhhh! that's phenomenal.
😂😂😂
King wrote that final soliloquy word for word in his short novel. Add Morgan Freeman's voice and the scene as it was shot on the beach, and you have the most perfect ending to a movie ever.
"He's playing 3-D chess; everybody else is playing checkers..." 👍👍
Great reaction as always. I saw this at the movie theater back in the day. It was not promoted and I had no idea what it was about. After around 15 minutes, I realized it was adapted from a short story of Stephen Kings that I had read. What’s even more remarkable is that it took decades before it exploded into popularity (it failed at the box office). Now it is deservedly regarded as one of the great films of all time.
going into this film BLIND? now that is a worthwhile trip to the cinema if ever I've heard of it
The song the warden cheerfully whistles as he walks out of his office the night Andy escapes is a famous hymn by Martin Luther from the 1500s called “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” It was used in the 60s as the theme song to the wholesome claymation children’s show, Davey and Goliath, created by the same team that made Gumby and Pokey.
After seeing this movie probably a hundred times, I didnt think I could despise the Warden character more. Thank for the info, I hate him even more😂
to add to the malevolence lol. perfect!
Mr.Valentine, this is my favorite film. I enjoy and appreciate your reviews so much. It was a pleasure to experience this beautiful rollercoaster of emotion again with you.
much obliged! thank you for taking the time to imbibe this delightful story again
Wanna talk about spoilers? In Norwegian, the movie is called ‘The Rain of Freedom’ and the cinema poster was that image of Andy in the rain with his arms outstretched. We were all being spoiled! 😂
lol
😯😯😯🫣😭😬
When Pandora's box is opened the only 'calamity' to remain was hope, as it is both a boon and bane to humanity. It can be useful, but is still a human calamity.
I enjoyed your reaction and your attention to detail. I’ve seen this movie many times and learned something new by your commentary.
grateful you viewed this lovely film with me!
"he's playing 3D chess, everyone else is playing checkers" great line
♛ >🏁 . Andy freaking Dufresne!
It was a pleasure watching this with you.
When watching a Stephen King film, one never need worry if the "bad guy" or Bully will get their comeuppance.
Death, Taxes, and a Stephen King antagonists' comeuppance. love it
Usually, but not always. Nothing ever happens to Ace Merrill in Stand By Me. Generally speaking, however, you are right. Stephen King typically deals with the antagonists at some point by the end of the movie.
@@timd.3837 Been awhile since I read it, but Ace returns in Needful Things and I'm pretty sure he dies. But his character didn't make it into the movie. Course Randell Flagg always comes back too.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so affected by a film! It is indeed a tribute to the mastery of Mr. King! He was my first favorite author as a youth and yet I was denied the opportunity to use him as the topic for my Senior Thesis in high school! I settled on J.D Salinger🙂💯
I hold those responsible for your King Senior Thesis in low regard! The audacity lol. Appreciate you watching this spectacular piece of cinema with me
I like it when people with knowledge of filmmaking point out lighting and camera shots. These are things I don't notice until they are pointed out. Once these things are pointed out, I realize it would have been a lesser film if it lacked these components.
cinema is one of the densest artistic mediums. So much happening in a single frame!
I refer to Mitch Hedberg's anecdote about spoilers - "Hey Mitch you want an apple? No! Eventually it will be a core!”. Just because you know the apple will be a core doesn't take away from the (please forgive) core experience of eating it.
Words cannot express my appreciation for your Mitch Hedberg reference. So apt!
I think about his "I went to a pizzeria and the guy gave me the smallest slice possible" joke like once a week
That's a great analogy, lol
I was today years old when I realized the lawyer is the guard GREEN MILE
And the father of the 2 girls in The Green Mile was fellow inmate con Heywood (William Sadler) in this movie.
The first time I saw this, I was doing soft time in work release. Obviously at a low point in my life, this movie gave me....HOPE. Made it a lot easier to go back every night after work...this too shall pass. Fucking great movie.
the power of cinema. more than just moving images and sound
I appreciate your eye, you pointed out symbolism I would’ve never caught in like the resemblance of prison bars when brooks is writing on the wall or the contrast of light and dark. Thank you
thank YOU for sharing your time with me
Imagine at the end when they reunite, Andy says "if you'd taken much longer we'd look like brothers" 😂
😅
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. So, get busy living, or get busy dying, that's Goddam right!
This short story, titled “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption”, can be found in the book, “Different Seasons”. Three films were made from the four novellas within. This film, Stand By Me (called The Body in the book) and Apt Pupil (not a great film but the story is very good)
You didn't mention it but the camera shot of Brooks leaving is the opposite of Red leaving.
The actor who played Boggs did an amazing job. His character is one of the most hated in cinematic history, but I saw him interviewed and he is one of the nicest people. He reminds me very much of Neal McDonough, who is also very nice, but often plays d-bag villains.
oh brother, Neal McDonough in Desperate Housewives rubbed me the wrongest of ways haha.
p.s- Yes I watch Desperate Housewives
I could never hate Neal McD after that one time as a poor young Lieutenant he got assimilated by the Borg.
Admittedly turning around and stomping on Captain Picard's face plate right afterward was definitely a dbag move so maybe you're onto something!
I have seen this movie at least 30 times. It never gets old. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼✊🏼😘💜💜💜
I have seen it twice since. It is evergreen!
when i was in high school my friend and i would take 4 big words we never knew and try and use them all week just to learn them and remember them. it worked. i love watching your videos bc i sometimes get to hear and learn a new one. much appreciated for keeping this art alive for us xo
💙
@51:55 Hahaha! The look on your face when APPROVED was stamped on there, priceless.
I was gobsmacked lol
great reaction, it was great watching you piece together the parts of the movie and i was thinking "oh interesting but its better than that"
The prosecuting attorney was played by the great character actor Jeffrey DeMunn. Mr. Valentine has seen him previously in “The Green Mile” as one of the prison guards. He also has a supporting role in the other Steven King movie directed by Frank Darabont, “The Mist.”
my mom told me to watch "the mist" many a moon ago! I'll take this as a sign to finally scratch that off my list
I always have to spend about 5 min in a thesaurus watching your reactions, but I love it. Thanks for covering this very memorable movie. 😎👊🔥
I am so happy to see you finally watched this glorious movie! Your reaction didn’t disappoint!
🧡
this has been my favorite film since 1997, and i’ve watched dozens of reactions to it. they never get old. i was barely 20 minutes into yours when i subscribed, first video from your channel i’ve seen. i highly appreciate your insights, your word choices, and the tone and timbre of your voice. thank you ❤
You finally get around to watching this masterpiece! I know you'll love it! It's one of my favorites! ❤
You could not have chosen a better movie to react to as this is one of the best movies ever made! I am not alone in thinking that believe me! Everything about this movie is beautifully done and so well acted and written! They really don't make movies like this anymore, which is a shame. If you haven't seen The Sixth Sense yet, that is another one that is well acted and written and is an emotional rollercoaster. Really really good movies/books end up staying with you for a while if that makes sense. What I mean is that a really good movie doesn't leave you right away due to your emotional investment that you gave to the movie! Thanks for the reaction, you do get it!
I could not agree more. Every facet of this film is conceived and actualized wonderfully! I haven't seen The Sixth Sense because someone spoiled the ending for me but I hear it is still worth the watch!
thank you for re-watching this alongside me❣
THE SHINING light that this movie is, ...
👏🏽 well played
This is from King's Novella collection called Different Seasons, published 1982. There were four:
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption : Hope Springs Eternal which became The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Apt Pupil: Summer of Corruption adapted as Apt Pupil (1998)
The Body: Fall from Innocence adapted into Stand by Me (1986)
The Breathing Method: A Winter's Tale which is as yet unfilmed. One Thursday before Christmas, the elderly physician Dr. Emlyn McCarron tells a story about an episode that took place early in his long and varied career: that of a patient,, who was determined to give birth to her illegitimate child, no matter what, McCarron comes to admire her bravery and humor, and the implication is that he has even fallen a bit in love with her. She masters Dr. McCarron's unusual (for the 1930s) breathing method intended to help her through childbirth. However, when she goes into labor and is on the way to the hospital on an icy winter night, her taxi crashes and she is decapitated. McCarron arrives at the crash site and...
Loved The Breathing Method the most when I read it. Thanks for spoiling it for everyone.
@@tempsitch5632 “Sarcastic people tend to be marshmallows underneath the armor”
― Stephen King, 11/22/63
Once again your reaction didn’t disappoint. Your intellectual and intuitive breakdown is always enjoyable and your surprise and satisfaction with the conclusion was fantastic.
🙏🏾 grateful for your generosity
I'm always awed by a movie's ability to be so affecting. thank you for watching!
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. A film of true hope conquers all, a beautiful ending on the beach after all they had been through, with a glorious panoramic shot from above.
To be fair, this movie was competing against Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction upon its release. Not to mention people had been pretty much tired out from prison movies by this point, after so many of them in the 1970's & 80's. It wasn't until this movie started racking up award nominations that got everyone's attention, who then decided to check the movie out for themselves. Since Stephen King's name wasn't even mentioned in the marketing, no one really thought anything much of the film..... and even critics weren't raving over it (though I take that with a heavy grain of salt, since most of the time what critics like and dislike is opposite of what I like and dislike).
the problem was also how the studio advertised it. they treated it like a steven king movie like It or Cujo or pet seminary, and portrayed it like some sort of dark horror or thriller. completely misrepresenting the movie, so the initial audience reactions were pretty mid. people went in expecting some sort of supernatural horror movie and got a deep human drama so it couldn't even generate word of mouth. The failure of this movie at the box off is entirely on how it was advertised. At some point someone seemed to realize the problem and the eyecatch for the posters and the cover of the VHS became andy with his arms out in the rain, but that was even more confusing a cover then the title, so this movie was sabotaged by the studio pretty badly. almost like the ad people and studio execs didn't bother to watch the movie at all.
Young Brother, this has to be one of the BEST Reaction videos I've seen yet. You actually pointed some things out in the film I never noticed. You understood the assignment. 👍🏿 Thank you. 👌🏿
I read this is 1982. Stephen King was unknown at the time, and that title! I TV surfed onto this in 1998. I joined in at the early "fresh fish" scene. As soon as Red said "Andy Dufresne" I new I had found this lost treasure! It was a real treat to hear your terrific vocabulary Mr. V. Carry on brother.
The ending near fails to make me cry. friendship is a powerful thing man
You called it on the Brooks Library. I even said that out loud watching your reaction 😂
it was so fitting haha
SK and Darabont have an amazing collaborative trifecta of films: Shawshank, The Green Mile, and The Mist.
All must be watched, all must be read.
My favorite moment in the short story that did not make it to film is that Jake the crow does come back to the prison. He’s starved and on death’s door. The ‘boys’ have a funeral for Jake. But it’s quite clear it’s a double funeral where the boys say goodbye to Brooks too.
Lol. UA-cam does not like the words I use and so I’m currently on time out from live comments, but posting here just to check in, poke the algorithm, and give an upvote.
Another Stephen King? 😁
Awesome.
I still highly recommend the short story collection of his, “Night Shift”
Dude, your reaction vids are the absolute best I’ve ever seen! I’m so glad you loved Shawshank; it’s been my favorite for decades!
Thank you for all of your content; it truly is heartwarming, entertaining, and authentically awesome!!!
moved by your kindness. thanks for watching with me!!
Stephen King is the goat
🐐no doubt
Fantastic reaction as always, brother! Such an incredible film
🙌🏽 appreciate you my guy!
The whole movie is great, but I agree with what you said; the ending (last 45 minutes or so) is amazing, almost in a class all it’s own and is why many regard it as the best movie of all time. Just spectacular!
such exquisite pacing and pay off. A hoot and a half!
Red was finally released because spoke from the heart regarding his younger self. That he would talk to him and try to reason with him, but he can't he couldn't info what he had done and his life was the consequence of it.
Phenomenal critique. I've always wished for a lighthearted part 2 of Andy & Red's life in Mexico. Somebody write that script please. 💕
My favorite movie of all time.
This movie had no business being this beautiful. Loved your interpretation and insight! ❤
Top 3 movie, for so many reasons
I've seen this movie hundreds of times since a teen; & since the pandemic & so many people staying home reacting to movies is interesting.
And this movie is always interesting to see other people's perceptions, especially someone so articulately insightful :3
I've seen many people react to that great movie, but your reaction was a delight to witness, thanks so much ☺
thank you , kindly!
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this reaction.
Your eloquent commentary not only adds a special touch to your reactions, which I really like, but is also quite rare to find among other content creators.
Keep up the good work. 👍🏻
your kind words are not lost on me. appreciate your viewership!
Dude...I love your commentary. It brings me back to all the vocab during my formal education and so many years after, now decades. Big movie buff myself so I appreciate your content. It's great to hear other people's perspectives on my fav flicks. Keep it up!
thank you, kindly. Glad to cross paths with a fellow movie enthusiast 🤙🏽
@@MrValentineReacts I like when you point out the cinematography as I don't know the nomenclature for that field. I always learn something new, as one should throughout their life.
This film is a Masterpiece and recognised as the best film ever made, but not when released in 1994. Really glad you understand the meaning, Redemption, Love, Friendship and HOPE. P.S. I am a 71 year pensioner (2024) and when when you have a bad event in you life just watch the film again like I do. Dave in Guernsey, Channel Islands.
0:55 "See you on the other side of Shawshank (Redemption)" 😅
Oh yes, you will ❤
💙
Hey man, just want to thank you for your content. I consider myself to have an extensive and colorful vocabulary but I learn a new word I can't wait to use with each video you make. I admire your outlook on life and ability to express yourself. God bless
we are cut from the same cloth. thank you for watching with me! Godspeed
@@MrValentineReacts you're too kind, sir
Brooks is no longer alone in the boardinghouse room; an old friend is there visiting him!
I could be wrong, but I don't think "Do you trust your wife?" is a very good conversation starter....😆
Back in the day, driver's licenses didn't have pictures.
The meaning of AF is forever changed in my mind, thank you! 😊🌸
Andy just made everyone and everything around him better
a bright force!
When you said he was playing chess while they were playing checkers, I was thinking "Dude, they haven't invented the game he was playing, it was that advances."
Love this reaction. That's a friendship that will last a lifetime. ♥
everlasting solidarity for sureeeeeeee. thanks for watching!
The book and the film are virtually identical. I listen to the audiobook like last year
I might have to delve
Frank F*cking Darabont! What a great screenwriter.
Mr valentine. I absolutely love your voice. It's so soothing and calm. U r the perfect narrator of any movie
Best movie ever. Emotional rollercoaster with a very satisfying ending. Superb story about true friendship, excellent acting and directorship.
An exceptional artistic creation across the board
"Aww snap I'm all outta puns." Well Red did walk a decent Green Mile to find that rockwall in Buxton 😁
*chef's kiss* ☝🏽
An interesting fact is that in the original story, Jake belonged to another prisoner, not Brooks. And in the story it was mentioned that his owner released him shortly before his own release, but a few days later other prisoners found the dead body of the raven - he died of starvation, could not survive in freedom. And if this fact is canonical in the film, then this makes Brooks and Jake some kind of reflections of each other - they both spent most of their lives in captivity and couldn't survive in freedom...
May have been mentioned but didn't see it here in comments. Another bit of fun/clever writing, Red refers to Andy's "shitty pipe dreams". Andy's subsequent escape literally ends up taking that type of route.
Red throughout the film told Andy that hope was dangerous.
Andy told Red that hope was a good thing.
And the very last words of the film is "I hope"
Another fantastic reaction by one of my favorite reactors!
Btw, "concupiscence" has the stress on the second syllable, not the 3rd. :D
Absolutely brilliant movie and super satisfying reaction. One of the best I’ve seen. Congrats on a new sub- keep em coming!!
I must've seen this film a dozen times before someone brought to my attention that it's an allegory for Jesus.
Shawshank represents the world and it's full of sinners. Andy is Jesus, he comes into the world, tells people about hope and redemption and after he leaves his disciples tell his story.
There's other parallels like he's punished for a crime he did not commit, the wood shop (Jesus was a carpenter), his cell is found empty the same way Jesus' tomb was.
It's nice the movie doesn't beat you over the head with it. I think why Shawshank works so well is because every scene is a little story. The Brooks bit could be a film in of itself.
subtle symbolism par excellence
Red was probably safer having no knowledge of Andy's plans, but Andy knew he'd be out and he'd leave materials for Red, lovely....
Did you notice the sound of a harmonica when Red is moving along that rock wall towards the tree?
I love that this is a Stephen King. He is so well known for his horror novels that before this and The Green Mile came out, not a lot of people knew that he wrote stuff that wasn’t horror. It really shows what a phenomenal writer he really is.
He has remarkable range!
Stand By Me was another great one.
@@toddwynn3397 I forgot about about that one!!!! Another masterpiece!
Stephen King, man, my favorite writer! Can scare the poop out of you in many different ways (IT is the one that recent kids would know) but also write these kinds of stories that is on the other side of the spectrum with feels. To this day my favorite is "The Stand." So many times read that 1,153 page book. Recommend to look up the miniseries made. Believe me that Covid in the beginning made me 🥺 because of that book!!!.