I just flashed by CNN and they were discussing a Zagat survey of the best films. Number five was the Shawshank Redemption. I haven't seen it. I know little about it. I've noticed a lot of people love it. Why?
Shawshank reminds me alot of the Count of Monte Cristo. It's just an outstanding film, with great performances turned in from all. Not one weak spot in the film. JMac
Um, because it's good. By the way, the Zagat survey could be the worst list of greatest movies ever compiled.
Beats me. I mean it's pretty good, but it's no modern classic. The IMDb poll has it #2 all-time, IMO this movie is way over-rated by a lot of people
Re: Re: The Shawshank Redemption [R] I haven't seen it so I can't judge its quality. It may well be well made, but the same can be said for In the Bedroom, for example. Shawshank was well reviewed but not slobbered over, was a modest box office success but not a box office phenomenon. What chord does this film strike that puts it so highly with other films in the public mind?
It allows the audience to reflect on life, and it has a happy ending. What more could you want? Just go rent, and you'll see why everybody loves this movie.
The movie was very well done, but it's based on a Steven King short story. King's story had some differences. The most notable being Red. King does some great stuff that's not horror. The Green Mile was one of his best works, imho.
This movie has one of the worst scenes ever. When they play classical music and everyone sits with their friggin mouth open. Silly. Laugh-out-loud overdone tripe. Listen to the clown who directed it, talking about seeing Shawshank (sniff, yet another time): TIME: And did you love it? Darabont: I have to admit, I did cry again. But then, that's maybe more to do with Stephen King's writing talent. But then, I'm a bit of a sap sometimes and it got to me. Even in The Green Mile, towards the end, there were moments where I was moved and the water still turns on. Christ. Sit 'em in a dark cinema and shoot them in the head. Put 'em out of their misery. What won first place on this list: Fried Green Tomatoes?
Actually, I think King's best work, aside from stuff like 'Salem's Lot and The Shining, is not part of the horror genre. The Dark Tower series, The Stand, The Green Mile, The Body (which was made into the movie "Stand By Me"), Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption (which became "The Shawshank Redemption") -- all great stuff IMHO.
Liked the stand, still waiting for someone to turn it into a movie, allthough that would be pretty ambitious...
Movie is alright. Escape from prison type deal. A little like a intellectual Escape from Alcatraz. A little farfetched in how he escapes. I actually like the part where he plays classical music to the prisoners over the PA system. He gets busted for it, but a cool idea. Another good part is he gets his buddies a beer after working out a deal with the guards after working on top of a buidling. Be prepared for a twist at the end. The movie is above average. I dont think its one of the greatest of all time. Its all someone's opinion anyway. And every one has one.
My blue tick bitch had too many in her litter. If anyone wants me to drown their shawshank redemption loving opinions along with the excess puppies, I'd be happy to oblige...
Most of the lists I've seen have Star Wars as the greatest movie of all time which goes to show what happens when you let the riff raff legislate on matters of taste. Is the Shawshank Redemption the 5th greatest movie ever ? probably not, but I'd watch it before I watched Star Wars. It's one of those films that's very moving when you watch it once but doesn't stand up to a third or forth viewing.
An entertaining one, at that, IMO. Starred Gary Sinise and Molly Ringwald. Wouldn't have worked as anything shorter, if you ask me.
I loved it the 1st time I saw it, but it kind of takes away some of the greatness the way it's on TNT or TBS everyother day, twice a day. Kind of how the Wizard of Oz was special when I was a wee bairn 'cause it only came on once a year.