Christy my wife and I have a special connection to this particular film. About 25 years ago I burst an aneurysm in my brain, I was not expected to live. When I did live that first night they shipped me to UCSF for a procedure they were experimenting with. After the surgery my brother was sitting next to me when I woke for the first time. They were unsure how much damage I had or how much of me would be left. He asked if he could get me anything and I told him “A picture of Rita Heyworth and a rock hammer” He thought I was gone mentally and went back to the waiting room were my wife was sleeping to tell her. She laughed and said that is his favorite movie, if he can come up with that he is doing pretty good. She was right, a decade later when my wife went though Chemo for lymphoma I waited till she was well enough to take her for a vacation on a beach for a week. I took her to Zihuantanejo.

I acted in Shawshank for two months, the summer of 93. Played a con. Best experience ever! 😮😊😊

That $370,000 in 1966 was the equivalent of $3.5 million. Andy was really good at his job.

I remember sitting in the theatre next to the biggest, toughest, biker dude you could ever imagine. At the end of the movie, we both looked over at each other, both of us wailing like babies, tears streaming down non-stop. Shawshank will always be one of the best, if not THE best, movie ever made.

When you were pouring tears at Brooks going to the park to feed the birds, my first thought was "oh no, she is in big trouble...should have got the tissues" This is, in my opinion, one of the best movies of all time.

The interesting part about the title of the movie is that the redemption in the story really isn't Andy's, it's Red's. Andy never lost hope and was always a bit more free, even in prison, but Red was redeemed by Andy and gained his freedom and hope through him.

One of the best foreshadowing line ever in cinema: "This is just shitty pipedreams". Andy proceeds to escape via the "shitty pipe" lol.

Greatest film ever made. A friend visiting me my senior year of college in the fall of 1994 dragged me to this (i didnt want to go because the title sounded weird), and I'm so glad he did. I left the theater in awe, with a sense of overwhelming feeling of happiness with a touch of sadness. I've purchased this movie probably 12+ times over the past 30 years, and i know I'll buy it many more times. Its just a perfect film.

"Get busy living or get busy dying." is one of the most profound statements every spoken IMO. Like I always say, an incredible film, a '9 or 10 out of 10' movie! A movie that gets 'Dialed up to 11' with the Morgan Freeman narration. So simple, yet so emotionally powerful. And just like Big Trouble in Little China, the "main" character (Dufrane) ISN'T who the story is truly about. It's all about the (supposed) "sidekick" (Red)! It is Red's "Redemption" not Andy's! Andy never NEEDED any Redemption. He didn't commit the crime, and he didn't lose Hope.

Hat off to Stephen King for writing this one, and The Green Mile - and to Frank Darabont for directing the movies! A good collab I would say - two of the best movies ever made probably, according to me! 🙂 Love your reactions Cristy!! Thank you!

This movie is no 1 on IMDB's Top 250 movies and has been for many years!!!

I hardly ever cry during movies. But the 2 movies that hit me the hardest were both Stephen King adaptations. Crazy to think a man known for horror could pull that off. Talented guy.

Love the channel Cristy. Frank Darabont purchased the story rights to The Shawshank Redemption from Stephen King for $5,000, King admits that he never cashed the check that he received from Darabont, King mailed the check back to Frank framed, King wrote "if you ever need bail money, Love Steve".

This and the Green Mile are the best adaptations of stories written by Stephen King.

now that's a reaction this film deserves... and the redemption wasn't Andy's it was red's he found hope again

Stephen King is SO GOOD at these slice of life character studies. He's great at horror, but ones like this, The Body, Summer Thunder, etc, are where he truly shines.

"Hope is a dangerous thing" red said. Then the last line of the movie is " I hope". He was able to see it in the end. Love that. Not to mention the beautiful soundtrack.

Appreciate your heart felt reaction. One of top 5 films ever. Morgan Freeman was not a red head white guy like the book…but he was Morgan Freeman. The perfect actor for Red ❤️

What's wild is that the movie was originally set to end with the bus driving off into the distance, leaving us to wonder if Red and Andy re-united. It didn't sit well with test audiences, so they added the iconic scene in Mexico we've all loved for 30 years.

This movie may get me teary-eyed, but The Green Mile makes me properly cry.

Tom Hanks was offered the role of Andy Dufresne but had to turn it down due to his commitment as the lead in Forrest Gump which proved to be a blessing with both movies being amongst the best ever. Tim Robbins was absolutely brilliant in this his most iconic role.

What a wonderful reaction Cristy. I have subscribed and given you a thumbs up. “Get busy living or get busy dying” is a lesson for all of us. My own life over the last decade has brought me me to homelessness, and crippled me due to a car accident. But the simplicity and profundity of hope has kept me going. I am now renting my own place and am slowly recovering from the leg injuries.

I like to believe that the reason Red got paroled is that he told the parole board what he really thought rather than tell the board what he thought they wanted to hear.

Clancy Brown who plays Hadley the guard, is a tremendous actor. He's been 200+ shows over 45 years. He is Mr Krab on spongebob. He was in Starship Troopers, Highlander with Sean Connery, and John Wick 4. My favorite is ER for 6 years. Where he played a doctor that accidentally killed a patient played by the same actor that played the fresh fish man he kills here in Shawshank. This story was written by Steven King.

It’s my favorite movie of all time. I’m so happy that you reacted to it. Every time I watch this, I am struck with hope and joy and excitement for what life can bring. For a movie to reinvigorate my passion for life is a huge feat. I recommend watching it multiple times. The second time you watch it, knowing the ending changes the way you see it. Then every time you see it again and again you see things and notice details that just enrich the story. It’s a masterpiece. I felt so bad for you that no one warned you to bring tissues. You just came across my feed. This is the first piece of your work that I have seen. I’m excited to see more. Your incredible reaction just gained you my subscription. Great job!! Thank you darling!!

Your reaction was so genuine - seeing you react brought back all the feels. Also, the prison where a lot of the scenes were filmed is now a tourist attraction in Mansfield, Ohio. Going there was is an out of body experience for any Shawshank fan.

This movie, no matter how many times I watch it, never gets old!!!

Shawshank is one of the few perfect films to be made. Masterpiece. Thanks for the reaction.❤

Great reaction, We could see you just fall in love with this story. Loved it. For the record, Red did not just break the law twice. All the stuff he smuggled into the prison are all crimes. LOL.

10/10 Eternal Hope I've lost count of the number of times I have seen this movie, but it is more than 20. It has to be one of the best movies ever made. It made me take notice Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins like I had never noticed any actors before. I have from a very young age been a huge fan of anything Stephen King writes and had already read the short story that this movie is based on years prior to seeing this movie. Not everything Stephen King has written that gets turned into a movie comes out well, but this is as close to perfection as it gets and has everything you could ever want in a movie. Something that is outstanding is the fact that it has no real action, no special effects and no gimmicks. 99% of the movie is just men in a prison uniforms talking. Yet it absolutely hooks you almost from the beginning and has you glued to the screen to the end. For me what really makes this film one of the best is the message of eternal hope it conveys throughout. The never ever give up hope attitude of the main character so well conveyed by Tim Robbins. The ending is just spine tingling every time I see it, no matter how many times I have seen it. Brilliant, brilliant movie and a must see for everyone.

"What is freedom, really?" Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose.

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 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.

15:05 Christy: I didn't get tissues. I didn't think this was going to make me sad. Viewers: Oh boy. 😬

Great reaction Cristy like always, this is a masterpiece of cinema, A masterclass in pretty much every category. An incredible script, wonderful direction, gorgeous score and phenomenal performances by Freeman and Robbins. Some fun facts about this movie, Stephen King sold the rights for $1,000, The baseball throwing scene took 9 hours The scene where Andy and Red are standing and talking outside whilst Red is throwing a baseball back and forth took a staggering nine hours to film. Morgan Freeman threw the ball endlessly the whole time. The following day, when he arrived at work, his arm was in a sling. Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford were considered for Red, Red’s mugshot is Morgan Freeman’s son , When you see Morgan Freeman’s papers at one of his parole hearings, there are mugshots of a younger Red attached. These are actually photos of Alfonso Freeman - Morgan’s son. He also had a small part in the movie. He was one of the inmates shouting ‘Fresh fish!’ Stephen King’s novella was titled, ‘Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.’ This was shortened for the film because they didn’t want people to think it was a biopic about Rita Hayworth. This was proven to be true when several actresses applied for the ‘lead role of Rita Hayworth’. Keep up the amazing work.

If just one person cries over my death the way that you cried over Brooks', I'll consider myself fortunate and missed. Unfortunately, no one will even know that I'm gone.

“Anything that includes the blueprint of a building” is one of the greatest lines I’ve ever heard. Comedy genius

Can’t hide a hood and loving heart….thanks for not hiding yours and being vulnerable with this reaction!

People are sometimes surprised at the emotional punches that Shawshank and The Green Mile pack, but that's the mark of excellent writing. Movies used to be a lot more like this. There are compilation videos of people being sideswiped by Brooks.......

Great reaction Christy! Don't worry, I was crying along with you...and I've seen this movie dozens of times - it all starts with Brooks... My wife and I have this as one of our all-time favourite movies. As serious, dramatic & at times humourous a story this is, it's soooooo well written, acted...it's perfect! We probably watch this at least once a year. Cheers.

When Red leaves his room in The Brewer (the boarding house), Brooks is no longer by himself; a friend from Shawshank is now with Brooks 'til The Brewer is knocked down. A wonderful bromance!

One of my favorite movies of all time. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins both deserve honarary Oscars for this. The movie was nominated for many, but unfortunately it came out the same year as Forrest Gump and that won all the awards. Can't take anything away from Tom Hanks' performance in that, but that should have been a year where the Academy made an exception and given them all an award. We would all understand lol.

Honest reaction to a truly exceptional film. Of all the great acting jobs here, imho, James Whitmore, a Hollywood Legend of earlier decades, absolutely slays it as Brooks, the sad, lovable, terrified old man. You can watch this film again and again and it never really gets old. Nice choice... I'll watch more.

This is definitely one of the better adaptations of a Stephen King story (or others, for that matter). Great acting, story, directing, and filmography. It's a great reaction from an awesome reactor, too! 😉 Thanks, Cristy!

This is one of my top 5 all time favorite movies. A cinematographic masterpiece.

That's one of three Frank Darabont adaptations of a Stephen King story. IMO - the greatest movie of all time. Darabont also did another fantastic turn with King's - The Green Mile. Another prison story but very different - and a much more emotional film. Finally there is Darabont's adaptation of The Mist which is a straight out horror story. Also worthy to watch are Rob Reiner's two adaptations - Stand by Me and Misery. Then there's Mike Flanagan' s - of The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass Netflix fame - Dr Sleep. It is a sequel to The Shining and you must watch that one first. Finally there is the overlooked Dolores Claiborne.

Stephen King is a master of horror, but my favorite stories of his are the dramatic stories about friendship and the human spirit. This one, The Green Mile, and The Body (Stand by Me was the movie adaptation.

Thank you for this wonderful reaction and for crying for Brooks. ❤

One of the greatest movies ever made. Everyone in the cast is a solid actor. The writing is top notch.

Just goes to show what a fantastic writer Stephen King is! What a story! Great reaction Cristy, now buckle up and try another King masterpiece 'The Green Mile'.

I've watched 100 reaction video's for Shawshank, and yours is one of the best! Love your reaction! Thanks for making my day!

"it's a wonderful life" Best Christmas movie of all time!

The prison where this was filmed was torn down years ago. That beautiful Oak tree where Red found Andy's letter was destroyed by lightning or wind a few years back. It makes me sad to think these things are gone, but I'm so glad that they were captured in this amazing movie.

Terrific reaction to a gem of a movie. I loved the novelette written by Stephen King. This is one of the very few movies that live up to the book.

Let me start by saying I absolutely Love this movie, and I have since the first time I watched it in 1995. The one thing I didn’t think about or realize was how desensitized I have become to the emotional aspects of this movie because I’ve seen it so many times. Watching your reaction to this amazing movie and the emotions you experienced really made me feel them again. I found myself tearing up right along with you. Thank you for posting this, and I look forward to seeing more of your reactions!

This is one of my favorite movies. It used to come on TV all the time and I would always watch it no matter where in the story I came across it while flipping thru channels. My wife started rolling her eyes when it would come on. I still get teary watching it. Even watching this video got to me

It’s amazing how many reactors are just acting, and seem to know ahead of time what twist will happen next, but like bad actors they are easily recognized. I’ve loved your channel for some time, but watched a few of those fake reactions to this and then saw yours…it’s a damn tough emotional movie, but know you were feeling it same way we did the first time we watched it. Thank you.

For me, the best part of watching this film for the first time was life imitating art. I was in a scholars program over the summer many years ago and we had access to the main lecture hall for films in the evening after classes. The hall was in a large, old stone building and I happened to walk in one night when this film was playing. Right near the climax of the film a major thunderstorm rolled through so it really set the mood. When the film was over and we were walking back to the dorm the sky opened up again and we were soaked. Excellent reaction, Cristy.

Lovely heartfelt reaction Cristy! I'm here to also cast my vote for you to react to The Green Mile. It's an amazing film and one of my favorites. Keep doing what you're doing. You're a natural. Subscribed.

It's so crazy how close Andy got to being caught when the warden came to his cell that time. He definitely played it cool.

Now you have to see the other Frank Darabont film, "The Green Mile". People usually see these two movies together. Another great movie.

its interesting that you thought Hanks was in Shawshank. he was meant to play Andy but he turned it down to play Forrest Gump. no doubt he wouldve nailed it in Shawshank as Andy (taking nothing away from Robbins' Andy, of course) but im glad he chose Forrest Gump, which i highly recommend, if you havent already seen it. 34:50 thisis why i watch reaction videos! "some birds arent meant to be caged, their feathers are just too bright" is my favourite movie quote. beautiful.

Yay! I’m glad that you were able to re-upload this and share it with everyone. Like a bunch of other people here, I have to say that The Green Mile is another must-see movie (similar vibe, like you said, and yet very different at the same time) but maybe schedule a couple of comedies in-between, lol. And now me and the rest of your subscribers (I like to think of us as “Cristy’s Crew”) will be anxiously awaiting to see what movie we get to watch along with you next. ❤

My favorite film. It's one of those films where, if you're flipping channels and stumble on it, you just have to stop and watch.

So nice to see people cry over something that should be cried over. This way we feel connected.

This is without doubt one of the most underrated movies of all time and I’m so happy that it’s now being recognized as the masterpiece that it’s… another great film is “million dollar baby” also narrated by Morgan Freeman

Your reaction was exactly like mine on my first watch. One of the best films of all time.

One of my favorite lines of dialog not shown/seen in this reaction is when Brook's says"Maybe I'll get me a gun and rob the Foodway, I could shoot the manager as kind of a bonus".

Sean (or Shaun) has got superb taste in movies. One of the best.

I’m sure you’re going to hear this a thousand times but…. THE GREEN MILE!! Another amazing movie on the same level, also by Stephen King… bring the tissues!!

Frank Darabont plus Stephen King equals cinematic gold. Minimum 3 cry movie for me - 'Brooks was here' 😭 'I guess I just miss my friend' 😢 Beach reunion 😢😭

Yes this is one of the saddest movies of all time. You’re right to be emotional

If that ruined you, you aren't prepared for the green mile.

I sadly have no memory of watching Shawshank for the first time. I would absolutely love to be able to forget about it and then watch it again for the first time. Watching your reactions was as close as I think I'll get and they were absolutely brilliant. Thanks for that!

It's such a cliche thing to say but this is truly the greatest film ever made, it is literally perfect

Christy, I am a 70 year pensioner and this film is one of the best ever made. Have watched it many times. You understand the meaning of the film, sadness, hope and love. You truely understand the meaning so don't feel upset just goes to show how human you are. Peace. Dave in Guernsey, Channel Islands.

the last 10 minutes of this movie is an absolute masterpiece

Simply best film ever made. Fabulous storyline, exceptional acting, lots of stuff hidden from the audience, totally emotional rollercoaster, sad, funny, anger, happiness the lot with ultimately uplifting experience. Great analysis

Love the reaction vid to one of the greatest films ever made. My favorite part is that no matter how many times you watch it, you will still get that same feeling. This movie is the closest thing to Hollywood perfection.

This is the movie that launched the universal law that states "Any movie Morgan Freeman narrates must be top notch." Also has one of the greatest quotes in human history: "Get busy livin', or get busy dyin'. That's goddamn right."

I always cry at the end of this movie! ALWAYS!! Thank you for this reaction............

You'll notice most of the shots of Brooks on the outside was facing him, where you could see behind him where he came from, while Red's shots were looking at his back metaphorically suggesting that he is still going forward. The only reason why the movie didn't receive Oscars was because it came out at the same year as Forrest Gump.

This in my (and many others) all time favorite movie. I saw it in the theater back in 1994 and many many times since, and still makes me cry in all the scenes you cried. It's a perfect storm of excellent writing, acting, directing and cinematography...hard to believe it won ZERO Oscars (although 1994 has a ton of amazing movies).

"SpongeBob, me boy ...I ever tell you about the time I was in charge of the guards at Shawshank? Hyuk hyuk hyuk..."

You can NOT dismiss, the beauty and thought put into this. hope. Lives forever

One thing I love about this film is the interesting variations of the overarching theme of freedom and imprisonment. Brookes wanted Jake to be free when he himself couldn't be. The idea of institutionalization shows that you can feel more free imprisoned than being "actually" free. Then there's Andy and Brookes, one showing you don't need to be outside prison to be free, and the other showing you don't need to be in prison to be a prisoner, with Red being on a tightrope between those two worlds, ultimately making the choice to be free, ironically done by breaking the law one last time. It's not a coincidence there are frequent idioms, cultural phrases, and metaphors spoken several times throughout the film referring to birds, feathers and wings, all of which bring up the feeling of freedom by being unbound and able to travel freely, and of cages, especially bird cages. In my martial arts school, my teacher and I had a few interesting conversations about how subtlety is a mark of a master, being able to accomplish a lot with just a little, and we've both found this concept applicable to almost all arts. This script uses those very subtle allusions to great emotional, but not easily consciously noticed, effect.

Get busy living...... The ending is beautiful One of my favorites

Stephen King knows how to tell a story.

It really is a great movie and one you would not think going in would make you cry, but it has that ability.

I must admit I really admired watching your reaction to this film. Such a genuine soul you are. I have grown weary of fake reaction videos, but yours is clearly the real deal.

I like movies but I'm not the biggest movie fan ever. I'm old and I've lost enough friends (16 in 1 day once) that real life hasn't made me cry in 31 years. But this movie, even reactions to it, can still make tears drip from both side of my jaw onto my shirt. There are a couple of other films that can do that but not many and none better.

My favorite movie of all time, even got a copy of it in my phone.

Shawshank Redemption and LOTR Trilogy are absolutely my favourite movies. I watch every year.

This was the best sincere reaction to this movie..I have seen.. I’m a fan and subscriber! Keep it up

That Morgan Freeman’s son hailing “ fresh fish, reeling them in”’ . They also used his photo for the parole photo of a young Red. This is nearly the perfect movie. Acting, directing, the movie score.

OUTSTANDING this is my first time here but not my last . Great work and God bless you

loved your reaction you're real and a lovely person. Thanks❤️

Everyone is emotional about this movie, you did great. We should cherish Stephen King... Thank you

It has never ceased to amaze me that Clancy Brown can play such a vicious character as Captain Hadley in this movie, and also voice characters Mr. Krabs in Spongebob Squarepants!

'HOPE' is what we have in this world when going thru life challenges. When you think there is no way out, just HOPE. There might be some light at the end of the tunnel.

Andy stole what would be the equivalent of over 3 million dollars today from Warden Norton. I can't help but tear up every time I watch this movie. It is one of the greatest films of all time👍🏼