After seeing this movie probably 100 times, sometimes I forget how perfect this film is.. and then I watch it through someone's eyes for the first time, and I remember. A masterpiece.
I will never get tired of this movie. If I come across it on TV I'll sit and watch it from any point. It definitely takes you up and down emotionally and the pay off when Andy escapes is so satisfying that you can't help but be happy.
Haha, I would stumble upon this movie so many times on TV, and would always continue watching the rest of it! "Eh, there's only 2 hours left in the movie... I *guess* I'll just watch the rest of it!" 😆
Shawshank, Forrest Gump and Groundhog Day are movies you can pick up at any point of the movie and know exactly where you are and just continue watching...
Should have been the last scene. Bus disappears over hill, fade to black, roll credits. That was how the writer and director wanted it. But the shortsighted studio had to meddle and demand more.
@@meminustherandomgooglenumbers The problem was that Red said hope was dangerous. By the end, he hopes again despite the danger -- but what if he's later proven to have been right all along by having his newfound hope turn sour? Has Red learned a flawed lesson? With the new ending we see that, in this case, hope isn't dangerous after all, but is rewarded.
@@bigdream_dreambig Doesn't matter if it's dangerous in this case or not. It's either always dangerous or always not. Hindsight doesn't count. And Red had said hope has no use "ON THE INSIDE", but he was already out.
@@meminustherandomgooglenumbers The question isn't whether or not hope is dangerous, but whether that danger is worth it, which the new ending addresses. And Red has admitted that he's been "institutionalized" like Brooks, meaning his perspective and behavior isn't any different on the outside than on the inside.
A great story. All actors delivered a superb performance. Morgan Freeman's narration… Perfect. This tarnishes it for me, however. The escape would not be possible in real life. Let me explain. If he was covering up the hole with a poster, when crawled through it to escape… How did he ever cover it back up? If it was taped at the top and let fall down. When the warden pressed on it, it would have been pushed in. Instead, when he poked his finger on it, it tore just like it was taped flat against the wall.
@@paulinelambert7780 I'm right there with him! I've watched this movie so many times and I always cry during several scenes. (Beers on the roof always gets me, as well as Figaros Wedding opera scene, Brooks of course, and the hug at the end.)
@@Carrot421911 Jen, I told my bf about your comment and he replied: tell Jen, I cried thinking Andy Dufresne getting railed by the sisters all those years insensitive men...... 😑
Bob Gunton (the Warden) and Clancy Brown (Captain Hadley) are the unsung heroes of this movie. They played their roles impossibly well, and you don't just HATE them, you DESPISE them. And it's their performance that really add the grounding reality to the movie, and it makes the payoff at the end THAT much more satisfying and impactful. Full credit to Robins and Freeman and laterally EVERYONE in the movie, but Gunton's and Brown's performances are beyond legendary in this film. It wouldn't be anywhere near the same without them.
Allot of these channels just become a marketing gig with merch and what not. I get it, no judgement there, but Jen's reactions is just so sweet and genuine. Its like you get to see the movie again through her eyes, it's awesome. Thank you
Thank you Jen for your channel. I've seen these films so many times and it's a total joy to watch a young person from a younger generation experience them with fresh eyes. It brings my heart joy to know that there is somebody out there who appreciates great films and I look forward to your future videos.
Dear lady. I am a 71 year old pensioner and have watched this film many times. Really glad you undestand the meaning of this film, Friendship, love, HOPE. Released 1994 now 2024 still recognised as a Masterpiece and one of the best films ever made. Dave in Guernsey, Channel Islands.
Loved seeing you so reaction video to this movie. I am a 52 year old guy and mentioned this movie to an intern at work and she had no idea as she never heard of it. I wasn’t completely surprised and was simply reminded am getting old😊 Always nice to see a person who is younger enjoy aand appreciate a well made movie with heart like this. On a side note-I don’t like horror movies either so am not a fan or Steven King-but he is really a genius in many ways as he wrote this and a plethora of other books that have become movies. I think he has written so many books-people discount how brilliant he must be to do so… almost like paradox of someone who is a genius-if they do so much-almost becomes devalued.
As we used to do I first picked Shawshank up at the video rental store. Through the beginning I was thinking to myself as to why I was looking at this…abuse, cruelty and murder in a most dismal surrounding? Well, the ending mad up for all the awful stuff in the beginning. A wonderful tale, well done.
The score in Shawshank Redemption is so amazing. It speaks like another character in the movie. Especially during the intense dialogue moments. The single-note piano hits building to an eventual crescendo.
This is more than a film.. its a story... it makes you smile, makes you cry.. makes you think.. and it makes you remember the friends you have and have lost .. this probably my fave film... Edit... gets me every time.... 58 bloke from Manchester UK.. wonderfull watching you watch it... Peace N love...
One of my favorite movies. I watch it anytime it comes on TV, and stick in the DVD when it is not. I loved your reaction with Brooks, and it had you guessing on the ending.
My absolute favorite movie of all time! Fun Fact, when Morgan Freeman's character, "Red" first meets Andy, Red is throwing the baseball. for that scene, it took all day and Morgan Freeman blew out his arm. but, Freeman never complained about it and just kept throwing that damn ball. also for me personally, Freeman's VO work in this film is my favorite of all time. 2nd place is probably Ray Liotta in Goodfellas.
Hey Jen, In Shawshank prison, hope is such a dangerous thing. Andy made hope the best of things. "Cause you can get busy living, or get busy dying". Such a classic line. What an incredible mindset.
Fun fact: Tim Robbins (who played Andy) now works with prisons to run acting programs to help rehabilitate criminals. Apparently the recidivism rate among prisoners who participate is practically zero.
You did a really nice job with this, Jen. “The Shawshank Redemption” has stuck with me since the first time I saw it in 1994. As you point out, it is about hope. “Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’. That’s God-damned right. For the second time in my life, I’m guilty of committing a crime. Parole violation. ‘Course, I don’t think they’ll put up any roadblock for that. Not for an old crook like me. I find I’m so excited I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it’s the excitement only a free man can feel. A free man at the start of a long journey, whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope I can see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.”
Red in the book was Irish which is why it is funny when Morgan Freeman answered Andy's question about his name with "Maybe it's because I'm Irish." Also, the "younger Red" in Red's mugshot is actually Morgan Freeman's son.
@@itt23r And Marilyn. That scene with Rita Hayworth flipping her hair back I mean that is smokin' today, I can imagine back in the day how great that was.
5:00 "So this is in 1947. I'm wondering... how... different things are now, today." I feel pretty confident in saying that, nowadays, the law requires that the infirmary keep medical personnel on hand, round the clock. At least one physician, at least one nurse. Otherwise, I couldn't tell you.
I sobbed through the whole film. I'd read the book before which was called "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption " and bawled through the book. The film didn't disappoint on any front
This movie and "The Green Mile" are like peanut butter and jelly to all movie reactors. They are both seen almost one after the other and everyone (including me) end up loving both films tremendously. Your reaction is so genuine and sincere that it brings a smile to my face. ☺ Red's freedom was more heartfelt because he was locked up for 40 years, doubled that of Andy. I'm glad that they both ended up happy. 🎥❤
This film has some really hard hitting, emotional, and outright ugly moments, but the way the characters hold on to the truth they know of, the hope that can set them free, the humanity they must hold onto in the face of a brutal prison system, makes this my favourite feel good movie, all worth it for that ending where Andy and Red unite and embrace as free men on the beach at the edge of that beautiful deep blue sea. Then the credits soundtrack kicks in and swells, and a big smile comes across my face and tears run. I love this movie. Best reveal shot in cinema history too when the warden pulls back the poster, and you just go “Ohhhh MAN!”
Jen, today you were fortunate enough to pick the uplifting movie that defines uplifting movies. I'll never forget how people were sobbing in the theater went it was released. IT's a tough act to follow. Continued kudos to you on your continued exquisite palette in movies you choose. Just stay away from the bad ones
Seeing it the first time in the theater: an experience very few people had, since it was such a box office flop. I didn’t see it back then (and I don’t know whether 14-year-old me would have appreciated it the same way). So like most people, my first time seeing it was at home on DVD or VHS. I did finally see it in a theater a few years ago, after it being my favorite movie for 15 years by that point. It was at a film festival where Frank Darabont was a featured guest, with an audience Q&A session after the screening. I actually got to shake his hand. (It’s not often you get to personally thank the director of your favorite movie.)
Rewatching My all time favourite movie with my favourite reactor is a wonderful thing 🔥it's close to 100k views now , it's a travesty it hasn't reached that number yet so adding another view . Just like your ponytail Jen you've leveled up to elite , majestic, awesome status and you were just amazing in this one and the way you live every scene is one of the most wonderful things about you and wow this movie brings out every emotion. Just brilliant storytelling and amazing acting cheers Jen you're the best 🔥💙🔥💙
26:29 I want to point something out about _this_ scene. It illuminates the most _extraordinary_ fact. I mean, aside from the fact that Andy escaped. Look at Warden Norton. He's astonished. He had no idea. Look at Captain Hadley. He's _also_ astonished. He, _too,_ had no idea. But take a look at Red. Seriously, take a look at Red for a moment. He's astonished, too. Andy's best friend in the entire world and he shares Warden Norton and Captain Hadley's surprise. Off and on, good times and bad, Andy has worked on this tunnel since he received that rock hammer. That's about 19 years, now. It makes perfect sense that he would keep Warden Norton and Captain Hadley in the dark about it. They have to be among the _last_ people he wanted to catch word. But he has made it a point to keep Red in the dark as well, because there was absolutely no part of the plan that would benefit from Red knowing about it. Now I feel pretty confident in saying he _wanted_ to tell Red, but he didn't dare. He couldn't afford to and he understood that. He acted against that inclination for _19 years._
28:32 And I don't know why, but I failed to connect with _this_ part, when I first saw this movie. Andy did not expose the corruption at Shawshank to another authority, higher up the hierarchy. He exposed the corruption at Shawshank to the _Press._ The Press has its problems, but they are the watchdogs of democracy.
Red: 17:13 "Hope is a dangerous thing." 31:59 "I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope." Thanks for a great reaction! 👍
That last scene where Red and Andy see each other wasn't originally in the movie, but the test audience threw such a fit about wanting to see the two reunite the director shot that last scene, and I just can't imagine this movie without it! :) Another movie starring Tim Robbins that you really need to see is The Hudsucker Proxy. It's fantastic! :D X) Loved your reaction to this movie! Exactly how I felt the first time I saw it.
A great little nugget that gets missed by a lot of people is that, when the warden finds the Bible in the safe after Andy's escape, the hollowed-out place where the rock hammer was hidden is right at the book of Exodus. Nice touch.
Great reaction! I really enjoyed it. I've watched this film many, many times over the last 25 years. I've also just watched it in reaction form about 20 times in the last few days. One thing I noticed is that we never see Andy smile showing his teeth until the very end. There are a few subtle smiles with his lips at various points, but even when the other inmates are laughing Andy never shows his teeth until he's a free man in Mexico and he sees Red. That's what transforms his face and helps make him look like a young man who has no memory of the hell he endured. Edit: I missed Andy's smile when he got the $200 from the state Senate--he does smile with his teeth then for a brief moment. I'll have to watch the full movie again to see if I missed any other occurrences...
So glad you reacted to and enjoyed this film. Red walking up the beach and not caring that his hat flew off because he was so happy to see Andy...whew! The camera pulling back as they walked toward each other and then the embrace...I still tear up! I like to imagine that they sat there on that beach till almost dark getting caught up.
I see other reactors who show little to no emotions to incredibly moving scenes in movies and I'm left feeling that they are either not very invested in what they are watching or that they just don't have the emotional maturity. It's one of the reasons that I always enjoy your reactions.
Bit of symbolism for you when Brooke's leaves prison the shot looks back into the prison showing he has no hope and wants to return but when Red leaves the shot goes through the gate showing Red is ready to move on since Andy gave him purpose, it's the same with the bus scenes Brooke's is holding the bars where Red is holding his bag. For a fun Tim Robbins film you would probably like Nothing to Lose (1997) it also stars Martin Lawrence.
Argh, that Brook's scene gets me every time. I remember the first time I saw this was when it was on TV one evening, had no idea what the movie was and just started watching it without plans of finishing - I could not leave it. And every time it was on TV again, I had to watch it. great movie, great reaction!
This movie is just amazing, remember seeing it and thanks to so many reruns, one of the movies I know pretty well. Such a classic. Another great review Jen!!
Stephen King hit it out of the park with The Shawshank Redemption and the Green Mile, both were not his normal Genre of writings, but both wound up being his best works.
Jen, I just watched your video. This is a wonderful movie. Your reaction and commentary were great and emotional. This movie does say much about our judicial system. It is not perfect and never will be. Part of this story is of those who lost hope. Not in being free but in living day to day. It is also the story of those who keep hope alive when the odds are against you. You never know who you will influence just by living with hope. Great ending. Thank you for making my day brighter Jen. Looking forward to your next reaction, Take care. 🙂
What a lovely reaction Jen! Such a roller coaster of emotions! It was even better that you started out thinking Andy was guilty. When his innocence was revealed, that changed everything for you. Brooks was so sad, but you could see how, after 50 years in prison, he wasn't able to cope with life outside. Very ironic and tragic that for him, prison was "home" and when he was on the outside, he was constantly afraid. Your tears of joy at the end made me tear up as well. That ending is just so satisfying! Keep doing what you're doing. You're a natural!
I hope. Those two words from Red at the ending are so strong, his 40 years are behind him and he's got hope again, something he lost in there (or ever had).
Easily one of the best Shawshank Redemption reactions, nay best movie reactions period. Well done. So much emotion and passion. Looking forward to many more from your channel.
14:17 I want to take a moment to illustrate the tragedy of Brooks Hatlen. At his release from Shawshank Prison, in 1954, he was 72 years old. That was at the end of a 50-year sentence, so he was locked up in 1904 when he was 22. Consider the man we're seeing, right here. Consider all the changes that have happened between the beginning of his sentence and the end. I think we're pretty well justified in presuming that this is the first motorized vehicle he's ever ridden in. He was taken from a world without radio or TV transmissions, and in which indoor plumbing was a bit of a novelty. While he was locked up, the nation had two world wars and the Great Depression. The first transmissions for both media happened, and now he's being released back into a world in which everyone has at least one radio and at least one TV in their home. As he explains in the narrative, before he was locked up, he saw _one_ single car, which I can only figure had to have seemed like about the greatest possible novelty. While he was locked up, 50 model years came and went. Now that he's being released, _everybody_ has a car, and the cars they have are very different. When he was locked up, nobody had electric lighting. Not in the outside world nor in the prison. Now, _everybody_ has it. When he was locked up, most people didn't have indoor, powered refrigeration units. The closest they could come was iceboxes, named for the daily shipments of ice they depended on. Clearly, the world into which he is being released is _profoundly_ different from the one from which he was taken. He would probably be able to adapt if he still had his youth, but he's in his 70's, now. He's retirement age. They have _no_ business expecting him to reintegrate by bagging _groceries,_ of all things. Personally, I sure hope _this_ part has changed, nowadays. Personally, it is my hope that, _nowadays,_ people released from prison in their 70's are set up with comfortable pensions and moved into retirement homes.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time, and I like seeing folks on UA-cam experience it for the first time. Thanks for uploading this reaction! Your tears are our tears!
When I was 16 and worked at my local grocery store, my coworkers who were of older years were convicts and a lot of them just felt that they needed to work to be like it was inside prison. It made me feel kinda sad because one of our best guys would always decline promotions because he just wanted to be around people so the position was what he enjoyed. The Brooks scene always gets me.
Brooks (with the bird) was played by James Whitmore, who was born in 1921 and was 73 when the movie came out in 1994. He had a long stage, movie and tv career, going back to the 40's and was probably best known for playing Harry Truman in the one man show Give 'Em Hell, Harry. He kept performing until a couple of year before his death in 2009 at the age of 87.
Was looking through your reactions and even though ive seen this one i had to watch it again seeing as its my all time favourite and all 🙂 as much as i loved your hill house reactions i believe it was this one that made me realise how wonderful you are so wholesome and such a gentle voice , kinda dumb of me not to join your patreon back then what was i thinking 🤦 . Anyways this movie wrecks me every single time brooks and the end ofc tears are shed but man what an epic movie eh 🙌✨
It's amazing how a movie can make you feel compassion for convicted criminals. You find yourself crying over Brooks and rooting for Red and hoping beyond hope that Andy is innocent. And their friendship ranks right up there with Sam and Frodo. Love your reactions, Jen. I'm so happy that you enjoyed this movie. I'm excited for what you have coming next.
One night, in the summer of 2005, during a solo backpacking trip through Europe, I was staying at a hostel in La Spezia Italy, which is near the Cinque Terre. Me and a group of about 12 other guests from various parts of the world ate dinner together and after a few bottles of wine, we decided to rummage though the DVD collection they had there. This was in there and nobody except me had seen it - nobody had even heard of it. I convinced everyone that it was the one we had to watch and guaranteed that they would all love the movie. I was right.
I'm from Ohio. Shawshank AKA Mansfield prison Ohio is now a haunted mansion Halloween attraction. I spent the night there last year. It's very haunted. 1000s of ppl died there. It's quite a place
Hey Jen! 🙂….This is by far my favorite movie reaction on your channel. Your reaction to Brooks was so genuine and heartfelt, and how surprised you were when you found out Andy escaped. This movie is one of my favorites and can you imagine how the tone of this movie would have been if Tom Hanks hadn’t of turned down the roll bc he was already committed to Forest Gump? Great reaction to a great movie!
Really wish I can go back and experience this for the first time again. Absolutely epic movie. The story of the urge and need of the human spirit to survive in hell on earth, never gets old. A beautiful reaction Jen.
For me, reactions are all about recreating that experience. It’s so wonderful to know that the viewer is in the process of having the same great movie experience I did long ago, and to “be there” for it.
I never get bored rewatching this masterpiece. This and Green Mile are the best movies I've ever seen in my life, I notice Stephan Kings non horror stories are actually the better ones due to their more realistic take. The irony about this movie is most first time viewers think Andy would kill himself but instead the Warden was the one who ultimately committed suicide after Andy exposed him
Being a Banker in prison at the time and laundering dirty money for the warden was a privilege to have. I mean screwing over the warden would also put the banker in a dangerous situation, but Andy being Andy, thought of everything.
So glad you watched this one. The cast and writing are amazing. Ultimately I think the star is the story itself. The journey of these two unlikely friends to an unexpected happy reunion and ending. I think once you've seen The Shawshank Redemption it stays with you.....always.
Bob Gunton, who played the warden, was the body double stand-in for Harold Ramis in the Ghostbusters Afterlife movie. Just gave that final ghostly scene some extra feels.
So glad you finally watched Shawshank Jen, i remember clearly the first time i watched it and next day told pretty much everyone i knew who hadnt seen it to watch it ASAP. Shawshank will always be in my best and fav movies of all time, the plot, the cast, the twist and turns in the movie is just so well put together that i never tire watching it at least once a year. Glad you enjoyed it Jen and keep the great movie reactions coming lovely.
I've watched this movie a few hundred times in my life. It is different each time, as I try to fill in the blanks in different ways. Brooks for example, they never tell us why he was in prison. My feeling to his ending is different depending on that circumstance. For instance, if he was in prison for robbing a bank or if he was in prison for beating a baby to death with a baseball bat. If you're in prison for 50 years, usually you did something violent.
"Are we going to have a bromance here?"
Only one of the best in film history.
After seeing this movie probably 100 times, sometimes I forget how perfect this film is.. and then I watch it through someone's eyes for the first time, and I remember. A masterpiece.
I've watched this masterpiece ONLY about 30 times. I guess I have some work to do, to catch up to you, Good Sir.
"Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" is a novella that appeared in the Stephen King collection "Different Seasons"
green mile was also a king book/novel/story series
Loved when Andy was telling Haywood about The Count of Monte Cristo. That sly little smile has a whole different meaning when you know the ending.
I will never get tired of this movie. If I come across it on TV I'll sit and watch it from any point. It definitely takes you up and down emotionally and the pay off when Andy escapes is so satisfying that you can't help but be happy.
Haha, I would stumble upon this movie so many times on TV, and would always continue watching the rest of it! "Eh, there's only 2 hours left in the movie... I *guess* I'll just watch the rest of it!" 😆
Same. This movie, The Green Mile and Forrest Gump are movies I’m watch over and over again.
Shawshank, Forrest Gump and Groundhog Day are movies you can pick up at any point of the movie and know exactly where you are and just continue watching...
I've seen this movie countless times, and yet I'm always moved to tears. Brooks' suicide and the movie's ending always get me.
It's actually Red's story, not Andy's. The redemption was Red's. He dismissed hope and his last line in the film is "I hope..."
Should have been the last scene. Bus disappears over hill, fade to black, roll credits. That was how the writer and director wanted it. But the shortsighted studio had to meddle and demand more.
@Frank Leni Disgusting
@@meminustherandomgooglenumbers The problem was that Red said hope was dangerous. By the end, he hopes again despite the danger -- but what if he's later proven to have been right all along by having his newfound hope turn sour? Has Red learned a flawed lesson? With the new ending we see that, in this case, hope isn't dangerous after all, but is rewarded.
@@bigdream_dreambig Doesn't matter if it's dangerous in this case or not. It's either always dangerous or always not. Hindsight doesn't count. And Red had said hope has no use "ON THE INSIDE", but he was already out.
@@meminustherandomgooglenumbers The question isn't whether or not hope is dangerous, but whether that danger is worth it, which the new ending addresses. And Red has admitted that he's been "institutionalized" like Brooks, meaning his perspective and behavior isn't any different on the outside than on the inside.
I cannot count how many times i have seen this film, everytime tears.We all can relate to the feeling of despair,injustice, hope and friendship.
One of the best reveals of all time. Such a good movie.
“Pressure and time.”
If only Forrest Gump was released in a different year, this should have swept the awards shows.
"Pressure and time"... and a sewege pipe that luckily didn't have a grating at its end... 😀
A great story. All actors delivered a superb performance. Morgan Freeman's narration… Perfect. This tarnishes it for me, however. The escape would not be possible in real life. Let me explain. If he was covering up the hole with a poster, when crawled through it to escape… How did he ever cover it back up? If it was taped at the top and let fall down. When the warden pressed on it, it would have been pushed in. Instead, when he poked his finger on it, it tore just like it was taped flat against the wall.
7:43 "Are we gonna have a bromance here?" Yes, yes we are. The best bromance in movie history IMO.
the best bromance in movie history that made millions of grown men sob like a lil girl, including my bf
@@paulinelambert7780 I'm right there with him! I've watched this movie so many times and I always cry during several scenes. (Beers on the roof always gets me, as well as Figaros Wedding opera scene, Brooks of course, and the hug at the end.)
@@Carrot421911 Jen, I told my bf about your comment and he replied: tell Jen, I cried thinking Andy Dufresne getting railed by the sisters all those years
insensitive men...... 😑
Bob Gunton (the Warden) and Clancy Brown (Captain Hadley) are the unsung heroes of this movie. They played their roles impossibly well, and you don't just HATE them, you DESPISE them. And it's their performance that really add the grounding reality to the movie, and it makes the payoff at the end THAT much more satisfying and impactful. Full credit to Robins and Freeman and laterally EVERYONE in the movie, but Gunton's and Brown's performances are beyond legendary in this film. It wouldn't be anywhere near the same without them.
The music when Red is going to find the big tree/black obsidian......that music is so atmospheric.
The whole soundtrack is awesome.
Someone pointed out that they add the harmonica to the film theme to represent Red's hope returning.
Allot of these channels just become a marketing gig with merch and what not. I get it, no judgement there, but Jen's reactions is just so sweet and genuine. Its like you get to see the movie again through her eyes, it's awesome. Thank you
"Can you imagine being innocent, in prison that long..." It is actually a rather common occurrence in the United States.
Thank you Jen for your channel. I've seen these films so many times and it's a total joy to watch a young person from a younger generation experience them with fresh eyes. It brings my heart joy to know that there is somebody out there who appreciates great films and I look forward to your future videos.
Dear lady. I am a 71 year old pensioner and have watched this film many times. Really glad you undestand the meaning of this film, Friendship, love, HOPE. Released 1994 now 2024 still recognised as a Masterpiece and one of the best films ever made. Dave in Guernsey, Channel Islands.
Loved seeing you so reaction video to this movie. I am a 52 year old guy and mentioned this movie to an intern at work and she had no idea as she never heard of it. I wasn’t completely surprised and was simply reminded am getting old😊 Always nice to see a person who is younger enjoy aand appreciate a well made movie with heart like this.
On a side note-I don’t like horror movies either so am not a fan or Steven King-but he is really a genius in many ways as he wrote this and a plethora of other books that have become movies. I think he has written so many books-people discount how brilliant he must be to do so… almost like paradox of someone who is a genius-if they do so much-almost becomes devalued.
As we used to do I first picked Shawshank up at the video rental store. Through the beginning I was thinking to myself as to why I was looking at this…abuse, cruelty and murder in a most dismal surrounding? Well, the ending mad up for all the awful stuff in the beginning. A wonderful tale, well done.
The score in Shawshank Redemption is so amazing. It speaks like another character in the movie. Especially during the intense dialogue moments. The single-note piano hits building to an eventual crescendo.
The sound of the harmonica when Red finds the tree is such a great touch. Thomas Newman is brilliant.
The opening score with the looping overhead shot over the prison is amazing.
This masterpiece deserves to be top ..and watching your reaction to it makes me want to watch it again.. great video..glad you enjoyed it 😊
Brooks' death breaks everyone. It's one of the most harsh "Life isn't fair" moments in movie history.
This is more than a film.. its a story... it makes you smile, makes you cry.. makes you think.. and it makes you remember the friends you have and have lost .. this probably my fave film... Edit... gets me every time.... 58 bloke from Manchester UK.. wonderfull watching you watch it... Peace N love...
I never get tired of this film. Anyone who can watch this or "The Green Mile" without shedding tears is a sociopath. Such great films.
What do you do in the business?
cringe
I find that that movie's purpose is to make ppl cry, so i don't find it as profound as they tried to sell it.
I woulda put a poster of a bible quote or cross or something instead of a half nude woman that the warden did not like
Greatest bromance in the history of movies.
One of my favorite movies. I watch it anytime it comes on TV, and stick in the DVD when it is not. I loved your reaction with Brooks, and it had you guessing on the ending.
My absolute favorite movie of all time! Fun Fact, when Morgan Freeman's character, "Red" first meets Andy, Red is throwing the baseball. for that scene, it took all day and Morgan Freeman blew out his arm. but, Freeman never complained about it and just kept throwing that damn ball. also for me personally, Freeman's VO work in this film is my favorite of all time. 2nd place is probably Ray Liotta in Goodfellas.
RIP Ray
Hey Jen, In Shawshank prison, hope is such a dangerous thing. Andy made hope the best of things. "Cause you can get busy living, or get busy dying". Such a classic line. What an incredible mindset.
15:33 THE PERFECT REACTION, CUZ WE ALL HAD THE SAME REACTION WHEN WE SAW IT 1ST.
Fun fact: Tim Robbins (who played Andy) now works with prisons to run acting programs to help rehabilitate criminals. Apparently the recidivism rate among prisoners who participate is practically zero.
You did a really nice job with this, Jen.
“The Shawshank Redemption” has stuck with me since the first time I saw it in 1994. As you point out, it is about hope.
“Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’. That’s God-damned right.
For the second time in my life, I’m guilty of committing a crime. Parole violation. ‘Course, I don’t think they’ll put up any roadblock for that. Not for an old crook like me.
I find I’m so excited I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it’s the excitement only a free man can feel. A free man at the start of a long journey, whose conclusion is uncertain.
I hope I can make it across the border.
I hope I can see my friend and shake his hand.
I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams.
I hope.”
Red in the book was Irish which is why it is funny when Morgan Freeman answered Andy's question about his name with "Maybe it's because I'm Irish." Also, the "younger Red" in Red's mugshot is actually Morgan Freeman's son.
Was waiting for this one, Jen. For me, and I imagine many others, this one ranks in my top five all time movies.
@@itt23r And Marilyn. That scene with Rita Hayworth flipping her hair back I mean that is smokin' today, I can imagine back in the day how great that was.
More RAMBO!
Top 3 for me
its in my top 1
I always get emotional at the last words of the movie..."I hope to see my friend..and shake his hand"...it means more n more the older you get..👍
5:00 "So this is in 1947. I'm wondering... how... different things are now, today."
I feel pretty confident in saying that, nowadays, the law requires that the infirmary keep medical personnel on hand, round the clock. At least one physician, at least one nurse. Otherwise, I couldn't tell you.
This video made me realize that despite having seen this movie many times on TV over the past few decades, I've never actually seen the beginning.
I sobbed through the whole film. I'd read the book before which was called "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption " and bawled through the book. The film didn't disappoint on any front
This movie and "The Green Mile" are like peanut butter and jelly to all movie reactors. They are both seen almost one after the other and everyone (including me) end up loving both films tremendously. Your reaction is so genuine and sincere that it brings a smile to my face. ☺ Red's freedom was more heartfelt because he was locked up for 40 years, doubled that of Andy. I'm glad that they both ended up happy. 🎥❤
I agree, I find the movie's "Sixth Sense" & "Signs" go hand in hand with each other too.
Oh I never saw Signs!
@@jenmurrayxo I saw it and thought it was just 'OK'; just average. Others may differ in opinion. 🙂
This film has some really hard hitting, emotional, and outright ugly moments, but the way the characters hold on to the truth they know of, the hope that can set them free, the humanity they must hold onto in the face of a brutal prison system, makes this my favourite feel good movie, all worth it for that ending where Andy and Red unite and embrace as free men on the beach at the edge of that beautiful deep blue sea. Then the credits soundtrack kicks in and swells, and a big smile comes across my face and tears run.
I love this movie.
Best reveal shot in cinema history too when the warden pulls back the poster, and you just go “Ohhhh MAN!”
Jen, today you were fortunate enough to pick the uplifting movie that defines uplifting movies. I'll never forget how people were sobbing in the theater went it was released. IT's a tough act to follow. Continued kudos to you on your continued exquisite palette in movies you choose. Just stay away from the bad ones
Seeing it the first time in the theater: an experience very few people had, since it was such a box office flop. I didn’t see it back then (and I don’t know whether 14-year-old me would have appreciated it the same way). So like most people, my first time seeing it was at home on DVD or VHS.
I did finally see it in a theater a few years ago, after it being my favorite movie for 15 years by that point. It was at a film festival where Frank Darabont was a featured guest, with an audience Q&A session after the screening. I actually got to shake his hand. (It’s not often you get to personally thank the director of your favorite movie.)
Rewatching My all time favourite movie with my favourite reactor is a wonderful thing 🔥it's close to 100k views now , it's a travesty it hasn't reached that number yet so adding another view . Just like your ponytail Jen you've leveled up to elite , majestic, awesome status and you were just amazing in this one and the way you live every scene is one of the most wonderful things about you and wow this movie brings out every emotion. Just brilliant storytelling and amazing acting cheers Jen you're the best 🔥💙🔥💙
Thanks Ian! You're the best 👍
26:29 I want to point something out about _this_ scene. It illuminates the most _extraordinary_ fact. I mean, aside from the fact that Andy escaped.
Look at Warden Norton. He's astonished. He had no idea.
Look at Captain Hadley. He's _also_ astonished. He, _too,_ had no idea.
But take a look at Red. Seriously, take a look at Red for a moment. He's astonished, too. Andy's best friend in the entire world and he shares Warden Norton and Captain Hadley's surprise.
Off and on, good times and bad, Andy has worked on this tunnel since he received that rock hammer. That's about 19 years, now. It makes perfect sense that he would keep Warden Norton and Captain Hadley in the dark about it. They have to be among the _last_ people he wanted to catch word. But he has made it a point to keep Red in the dark as well, because there was absolutely no part of the plan that would benefit from Red knowing about it.
Now I feel pretty confident in saying he _wanted_ to tell Red, but he didn't dare. He couldn't afford to and he understood that. He acted against that inclination for _19 years._
28:32 And I don't know why, but I failed to connect with _this_ part, when I first saw this movie. Andy did not expose the corruption at Shawshank to another authority, higher up the hierarchy. He exposed the corruption at Shawshank to the _Press._ The Press has its problems, but they are the watchdogs of democracy.
Red:
17:13 "Hope is a dangerous thing."
31:59 "I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."
Thanks for a great reaction! 👍
Another great job of editing! Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed it
That last scene where Red and Andy see each other wasn't originally in the movie, but the test audience threw such a fit about wanting to see the two reunite the director shot that last scene, and I just can't imagine this movie without it! :) Another movie starring Tim Robbins that you really need to see is The Hudsucker Proxy. It's fantastic! :D X)
Loved your reaction to this movie! Exactly how I felt the first time I saw it.
Hadley's $35k inheritance from his brother sounds moderate, but in 1949 money that is equivalent to more than 10x as much today.
A great little nugget that gets missed by a lot of people is that, when the warden finds the Bible in the safe after Andy's escape, the hollowed-out place where the rock hammer was hidden is right at the book of Exodus. Nice touch.
Great reaction! I really enjoyed it. I've watched this film many, many times over the last 25 years. I've also just watched it in reaction form about 20 times in the last few days. One thing I noticed is that we never see Andy smile showing his teeth until the very end. There are a few subtle smiles with his lips at various points, but even when the other inmates are laughing Andy never shows his teeth until he's a free man in Mexico and he sees Red. That's what transforms his face and helps make him look like a young man who has no memory of the hell he endured. Edit: I missed Andy's smile when he got the $200 from the state Senate--he does smile with his teeth then for a brief moment. I'll have to watch the full movie again to see if I missed any other occurrences...
So glad you reacted to and enjoyed this film. Red walking up the beach and not caring that his hat flew off because he was so happy to see Andy...whew! The camera pulling back as they walked toward each other and then the embrace...I still tear up!
I like to imagine that they sat there on that beach till almost dark getting caught up.
Anyone notice what book the hammer started being his in exodus
I decided to rewatch a few more of your film reactions tonight, Jen. I hope that it helps your channel too.
Thanks Adam!
@@jenmurrayxo My pleasure, Jen, thank you too. I'm about to do my fourth before I go to bed, it's 'The Green Mile'.
This is one of my favorite films. I cry every time. The photo of young Red in his file is actually Morgan Freeman’s son.
I see other reactors who show little to no emotions to incredibly moving scenes in movies and I'm left feeling that they are either not very invested in what they are watching or that they just don't have the emotional maturity. It's one of the reasons that I always enjoy your reactions.
Oh thanks Michael! I definitely get invested in movies
"A beautiful mind" with russel crow is another happy sad movie
Here's a piece of trivia: The room they give Brooks and later Red, is actually in one of the buildings within the prison they filmed in.
Bit of symbolism for you when Brooke's leaves prison the shot looks back into the prison showing he has no hope and wants to return but when Red leaves the shot goes through the gate showing Red is ready to move on since Andy gave him purpose, it's the same with the bus scenes Brooke's is holding the bars where Red is holding his bag.
For a fun Tim Robbins film you would probably like Nothing to Lose (1997) it also stars Martin Lawrence.
You have a comforting tone to your voice. I find your reactions to be relaxing. I wish you well!
Norton wasn’t gonna try and get out of it, his plan was to take many officers down with him. But in the end just chose to take himself out.
"I hope."
Best line in the movie. It brings a tear to my eye. 😢 😊
And there is reason why it's the highest rated movie on IMDB.
And has been for many, many years!
This is one of the only movies that is actually a better story than the book. Easily a top 5 movie of all time.
Shawshank is on my top 5. And your reactions are adorable ❤
I've seen this movie over 100 times. Watching with you was like the first time all over again; I cried with you. Wonderful reaction!
Oh awesome, that's so nice to hear! I loved this movie! 👍
@HC-sb1ru Yes, I've seen many movies over 100 times. This, Fight Club, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rocky Horror Picture Show just to name a few.
Argh, that Brook's scene gets me every time. I remember the first time I saw this was when it was on TV one evening, had no idea what the movie was and just started watching it without plans of finishing - I could not leave it. And every time it was on TV again, I had to watch it.
great movie, great reaction!
Brooks murdered his wife and daughter
This movie is just amazing, remember seeing it and thanks to so many reruns, one of the movies I know pretty well. Such a classic. Another great review Jen!!
i like her sunflowers
1984 was the last one moved
"that is what i mean your sky is all flat." -Vincent
*THAT IS THE WAY IS SEE IT FLAT!* -Paul
Stephen King hit it out of the park with The Shawshank Redemption and the Green Mile, both were not his normal Genre of writings, but both wound up being his best works.
I love how the rock hammer was carved in to Chapter 2 of the bible, Exodus.
15:41 only time I think I've seen Jen swear.
Interesting Jen, I never heard that theory about a gun shown in the first act will be used in the third before.
Jen, I just watched your video. This is a wonderful movie. Your reaction and commentary were great and emotional. This movie does say much about our judicial system. It is not perfect and never will be. Part of this story is of those who lost hope. Not in being free but in living day to day. It is also the story of those who keep hope alive when the odds are against you. You never know who you will influence just by living with hope. Great ending. Thank you for making my day brighter Jen. Looking forward to your next reaction, Take care. 🙂
A must watch for everybody I think. The twist we probably didn’t see coming but was being built before our eyes. What a masterpiece.
What a lovely reaction Jen! Such a roller coaster of emotions! It was even better that you started out thinking Andy was guilty. When his innocence was revealed, that changed everything for you. Brooks was so sad, but you could see how, after 50 years in prison, he wasn't able to cope with life outside. Very ironic and tragic that for him, prison was "home" and when he was on the outside, he was constantly afraid. Your tears of joy at the end made me tear up as well. That ending is just so satisfying! Keep doing what you're doing. You're a natural!
Thanks John!
I hope. Those two words from Red at the ending are so strong, his 40 years are behind him and he's got hope again, something he lost in there (or ever had).
Brooks monologue makes me weep large tears. Every. Single. Time.
Easily one of the best Shawshank Redemption reactions, nay best movie reactions period. Well done. So much emotion and passion. Looking forward to many more from your channel.
Thank you Stewart! I loved this movie & really enjoying making these videos 👍
14:17 I want to take a moment to illustrate the tragedy of Brooks Hatlen. At his release from Shawshank Prison, in 1954, he was 72 years old. That was at the end of a 50-year sentence, so he was locked up in 1904 when he was 22.
Consider the man we're seeing, right here. Consider all the changes that have happened between the beginning of his sentence and the end. I think we're pretty well justified in presuming that this is the first motorized vehicle he's ever ridden in.
He was taken from a world without radio or TV transmissions, and in which indoor plumbing was a bit of a novelty. While he was locked up, the nation had two world wars and the Great Depression. The first transmissions for both media happened, and now he's being released back into a world in which everyone has at least one radio and at least one TV in their home.
As he explains in the narrative, before he was locked up, he saw _one_ single car, which I can only figure had to have seemed like about the greatest possible novelty. While he was locked up, 50 model years came and went. Now that he's being released, _everybody_ has a car, and the cars they have are very different.
When he was locked up, nobody had electric lighting. Not in the outside world nor in the prison. Now, _everybody_ has it.
When he was locked up, most people didn't have indoor, powered refrigeration units. The closest they could come was iceboxes, named for the daily shipments of ice they depended on.
Clearly, the world into which he is being released is _profoundly_ different from the one from which he was taken. He would probably be able to adapt if he still had his youth, but he's in his 70's, now. He's retirement age. They have _no_ business expecting him to reintegrate by bagging _groceries,_ of all things.
Personally, I sure hope _this_ part has changed, nowadays. Personally, it is my hope that, _nowadays,_ people released from prison in their 70's are set up with comfortable pensions and moved into retirement homes.
Glad you liked this, Jen... and this should have won the Oscar for Best Picture
Over Forrest Gump? That's hard to agree with...
@@bigdream_dreambig on the contrary, Shawshank is aging better than Forest Gump
This is one of my favorite movies of all time, and I like seeing folks on UA-cam experience it for the first time.
Thanks for uploading this reaction! Your tears are our tears!
When I was 16 and worked at my local grocery store, my coworkers who were of older years were convicts and a lot of them just felt that they needed to work to be like it was inside prison. It made me feel kinda sad because one of our best guys would always decline promotions because he just wanted to be around people so the position was what he enjoyed. The Brooks scene always gets me.
It's hard to put into words what this movie means to many of us. It's a nearly perfect movie, and really glad you discovered it finally.
Brooks (with the bird) was played by James Whitmore, who was born in 1921 and was 73 when the movie came out in 1994. He had a long stage, movie and tv career, going back to the 40's and was probably best known for playing Harry Truman in the one man show Give 'Em Hell, Harry. He kept performing until a couple of year before his death in 2009 at the age of 87.
I cry alot watching this movie but its just perfect xx
Was looking through your reactions and even though ive seen this one i had to watch it again seeing as its my all time favourite and all 🙂 as much as i loved your hill house reactions i believe it was this one that made me realise how wonderful you are so wholesome and such a gentle voice , kinda dumb of me not to join your patreon back then what was i thinking 🤦 . Anyways this movie wrecks me every single time brooks and the end ofc tears are shed but man what an epic movie eh 🙌✨
We sat there watching Jen's movie reaction while drinking beer with the sun on our shoulders, and we felt like Free Men!
Nice! This wins the comment of the year on UA-cam.
It's amazing how a movie can make you feel compassion for convicted criminals. You find yourself crying over Brooks and rooting for Red and hoping beyond hope that Andy is innocent. And their friendship ranks right up there with Sam and Frodo.
Love your reactions, Jen. I'm so happy that you enjoyed this movie. I'm excited for what you have coming next.
Thanks Mel!
One night, in the summer of 2005, during a solo backpacking trip through Europe, I was staying at a hostel in La Spezia Italy, which is near the Cinque Terre. Me and a group of about 12 other guests from various parts of the world ate dinner together and after a few bottles of wine, we decided to rummage though the DVD collection they had there. This was in there and nobody except me had seen it - nobody had even heard of it. I convinced everyone that it was the one we had to watch and guaranteed that they would all love the movie. I was right.
I'm from Ohio. Shawshank AKA Mansfield prison Ohio is now a haunted mansion Halloween attraction. I spent the night there last year. It's very haunted. 1000s of ppl died there. It's quite a place
Hey Jen! 🙂….This is by far my favorite movie reaction on your channel. Your reaction to Brooks was so genuine and heartfelt, and how surprised you were when you found out Andy escaped. This movie is one of my favorites and can you imagine how the tone of this movie would have been if Tom Hanks hadn’t of turned down the roll bc he was already committed to Forest Gump? Great reaction to a great movie!
Thanks Jeremy! Oh it would've been such a different movie with Tom Hanks
Wow!! I learn so much about these movies from you guys 🤗 thank you 🤯🥳🤗
The warden is the epitome of the old adage ‘power corrupts’. And don’t worry, Brooks’ demise breaks down even the hardest heart…
😢 im not crying Jenn's crying
So glad you've seen and enjoyed. Retroactive hug for when you dealt with Brooks.
Thank you!
Really wish I can go back and experience this for the first time again. Absolutely epic movie. The story of the urge and need of the human spirit to survive in hell on earth, never gets old. A beautiful reaction Jen.
lol ... This is why I watch reaction videos. It is the closest you can get to watching a movie again for the first time.
For me, reactions are all about recreating that experience. It’s so wonderful to know that the viewer is in the process of having the same great movie experience I did long ago, and to “be there” for it.
Thanks Josh! I really loved this movie
I agree!
It's like watching a good movie with a good friend 🤓
first Ally McBeal reference i have heard in years lmao. that got me good
I never get bored rewatching this masterpiece. This and Green Mile are the best movies I've ever seen in my life, I notice Stephan Kings non horror stories are actually the better ones due to their more realistic take. The irony about this movie is most first time viewers think Andy would kill himself but instead the Warden was the one who ultimately committed suicide after Andy exposed him
Yea! Shawshank. My favorite background UA-cam channel strikes again.
Being a Banker in prison at the time and laundering dirty money for the warden was a privilege to have. I mean screwing over the warden would also put the banker in a dangerous situation, but Andy being Andy, thought of everything.
So glad you watched this one. The cast and writing are amazing. Ultimately I think the star is the story itself. The journey of these two unlikely friends to an unexpected happy reunion and ending. I think once you've seen The Shawshank Redemption it stays with you.....always.
Bob Gunton, who played the warden, was the body double stand-in for Harold Ramis in the Ghostbusters Afterlife movie. Just gave that final ghostly scene some extra feels.
So glad you finally watched Shawshank Jen, i remember clearly the first time i watched it and next day told pretty much everyone i knew who hadnt seen it to watch it ASAP. Shawshank will always be in my best and fav movies of all time, the plot, the cast, the twist and turns in the movie is just so well put together that i never tire watching it at least once a year. Glad you enjoyed it Jen and keep the great movie reactions coming lovely.
Thanks Dave ☺
No eye remains free of tears when Brooks's story ends.
I've watched this movie a few hundred times in my life. It is different each time, as I try to fill in the blanks in different ways. Brooks for example, they never tell us why he was in prison. My feeling to his ending is different depending on that circumstance. For instance, if he was in prison for robbing a bank or if he was in prison for beating a baby to death with a baseball bat. If you're in prison for 50 years, usually you did something violent.
This has been the highest audience rated film on IMDB for as long as I can remember.