My favorite line from this movie is "Funny thing is, on the outside I was an honest man, straight as an arrow. I had to come to prison to be a crook."

Imagine Pulp fiction, Shawshank Redemption and Forest Gump all released in the same year. Hollywood used to be amazing

“These walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, you get so you depend on them. That's institutionalized.” What a genius and accurate line.

I am 61 years old and my son died in my arms over 20 years ago. I wanted to not live any more and am still here. This talk seem to me like you were talking straight to me. I am going to start to live again, because God must have a plan for me. Thank you for this message.

This is one movie I can watch repeatedly and *NEVER* get tired of it. Truly a classic.

“Get busy living or get busy dying” such a great quote in an amazing movie

I got misty eyed when Red shows up at the beach ... beautiful

My favourite part of the movie is the end scene when Andy looks up from working on his boat to see that Red has made the long journey to be reunited with his friend. Absolutely brilliant movie

One of my favorite moments in all of film is when the warden slams down the newspaper down then sees the cops coming he knew at that moment he was finished and it truly is great seeing him get what he deserved

I was still in the Army when I saw this film. My buddy actually wept openly when Andy and Red met up at the end. He wasn’t at all embarrassed about his dewy eyes either - shows what a wonderful movie it is!

"Remember, Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies"

Andy WAS thinking about himself on the roof scene. He played his cards so he could win over both sides (guards and inmates) with one move.

Fun Fact: The guy who plays Hadley, Clancy Brown, was offered to tour actual federal max security prisons to get a feel for how guards operate, but he turned them down. The reason he gave? "I'm playing an asshole guard and I don't want to tarnish the reputations of actual prison guards."

With Deniro and Pacino on screen in an epic movie, I wish you would review "Heat".......Classic movie.

"I guess I just miss my friend"

The best line in this movie: "Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies" .

I was a C/O in a prison for several years. I worked in the gang unit a lot and I never had any real problem with my guys. I respected them, and they me, and we left each other alone for the most part. I always tried to lift their spirits when I could, knowing that they were getting out one day.

"They send you here for life and that's exactly what they take." Sounds like words Michael Franzese would have come up with. Excellent review brother 🤙

This film is a masterpiece from beginning to end. My favorite part is when Andy play the opera music over the PA system for everyone at the prison to hear and enjoy. He didn’t care that he was going to get into trouble. He wanted all the inmates to feel human again on some level by hearing that music. It was fantastic.

My favourite part is when Red sees Andy dor the first time walking with the other prisoners and he narrates how he is different, how he walks different as if prison didn't affect him...

Red had been busy dying for 20 years. It was he who was redeemed in the end. “Only guilty man in Shawshank”..my favorite scene. Very powerful movie.

A Brilliant review of an amazing Movie!!

You know the one thing I love about you, Mike? You're a former mob boss but I feel at peace listening to your stories. And your stories have bloodshed. Because you are at peace with yourself. A good man who found God.

"When you give up, you got nothing". I totally agree with this. So many people give up too easily, as if there is nothing to fight for. Always look forward and believe change will come as long as you stay determined and focus on your goal(s). When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Who else thinks Michael Franzese would make a great director?

“Salvation lies within”

This is my favorite movie of all-time. I saw it in January 1995 as a 14-year-old. It was released in late 1994 but still played in the theaters being it was a Best Picture nominee. I walked out of the theater completely blown away.

“I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I SAW ANDY” Morgan freeman voice

Surely the Scene were Andy emerges from the Sewer Pipe, and looks up to Heavens & realises he's Free.!! Is most powerful&, even after seeing movie countless times, it still moves me

"You know, the funny thing is, on the outside I was an honest man, straight as an arrow, I had to come to prison to be a crook." Such a powerful line that unfortunately still holds true to this day.

"Hope is what keeps you going." Thanks, Michael. I'm working on a project right now and need that kind of advice.

One of my favorite scenes is where andy put the opera on the loud speaker, and the sight of all the inmates listening to it. Beautiful scene and narration by Freedman.

I was a county CO for 10 years. When I trained someone, I told them there is two things you should never forget, never get the John Wayne complex and never-ever make a promise you can't keep!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Michael. I LOVE "Shawshank Redemption". I must have seen it 20 times and it never gets old. I will still watch it whenever it comes on TV. I have so many favourite scenes but one that's right up there is when Andy played the opera record over the loudspeaker. The looks on the inmates' faces in the yard was absolutely priceless. I think he did 30 days in the hole for that but I'm sure he thought it was worth it. Thanks as well for reminding me to NEVER give up hope.

So many world class performances in this film, every actor played their part. Easily one of the best movies ever made in cinematic history.

“Hope is a dangerous thing, Andy.”

One of the few times where the movie was better than the book, in my opinion.

When Andy says; “You’re being obtuse” to the warden...huge cringe factor moment. One of my favorite quotes “Either get busy living or you get busy dying”. Great movie, review and message.

Red wasn’t right or wrong when he said forget about hope. The fact of the matter is he always had hope. Red was the king hustler in Shawshank, he was important and had purpose.

"I don't suppose it would help if I told them I wasn't homosexual". "Neither are they.....you have to be human for that" Those Sisters were a bad bunch!

But Michael, you forgot the Elmo Blatch scene!!! That scene was pivotal for when Andy finally had a chance to get out of prison with Tommy Williams's testimony, but the warden wouldn't have it. Such a great scene!!!

I feel at times that Mr. Michael Franzese is like one badass grandpa who you love to chat with and hear stories of. Absolutely brilliant. Love from India.

This movie was beautiful. Fantastic supporting cast. Very moving. I’ve seen it half a dozen times. I can’t imagine anyone other than Tim Robbins in that role.

I would like to see a review of “The Town”... I know it isn’t technically a mob movie but has mob influence and is def a great crime movie.

I visited the prison in Mansfield, Ohio, where this movie was shot. Man, what a creepy place. On a lighter note, they had the prop tunnel that Andy escaped out of on display, they even let my nephew crawl through it

The most amazing part of Mr Franzese's story for me is his redemption through Christ. When he speaks you can feel the peace, and clarity thats upon him. I hope to reach that point someday, but for now, I gotta tip my cap to this man for travelling so far, and standing tall all the way through. God bless you and the family Mr Franzese, and thanks for the amazing content.

Me introducing Michael's youtube channel to someone: you're gonna like this guy, he's alright he's a goodfella

Really surprised you haven't done Hoodlum(1997) yet. Desperately underrated

I remember watching this movie when it first came out with my father I was very young maybe 9-10years old and I didn't really understand much of the message behind it. A couple months back I decided to re-watch it mainly because of the nostalgic feeling that it brought me and the memories of being with my father. The hidden message that I found in this movie was that even though times get hard and all has been lost. You must never give up

Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction and Forest Gump in ONE YEAR!! We would be lucky today to get three movies of that caliper in a decade.

Always well done, Michael. If I may suggest. I would really like to see Mob Monday do Once Upon A Time In America. (The early 80s DeNiro one)... Great film that a lot of people have never seen.

I feel like Cool hand Luke influenced this movie a lot. Both are timeless classics

I think you'd really like the 3-season HBO show "Deadwood." Lotta heart, and reminds me of the spirit of this movie. It's a Western, but a lot of characters qualify as gangsters.

You turned your life around and became an honest human being. Good on you Michael.

Mike Fully Understand Where Your Going & Point"s Makeing Throughout The Movie, 1 Major Part You Left Out Is When The Kid Come"s In & Is Able To Prove Andy"s Innocence & How It Went Threw The Rank"s To The Warden Where He Had The Guy Killed Cause He"s Worth So Much To The Warden & Pulled Rug Of Hope Out From Under Andy !!!! Stay Strong....Peace

Awesome Movie!! You’re not a Coen Brother Movie guy are you? “No Country For Old Men” is a Masterpiece IMO. Figured I’d try! Have a great week Mike!

You should do movie review on Training Day

Shawshank Redemption is a beautiful movie, the majority of the film was shot here in Ohio at the old Mansfield reformatory, which is now a museum and a super natural sight that has been featured on history channel, they offer a "Shawshank" tour of the prison where you can see the various movie sets used in filming

As a 24 year old Former British Mafia Member I love the way your changing your life brother and helping people..you helped me step away from the Mafia Life😛

Brilliant movie, a masterpiece in fact. Brilliant review also 👏

You are a compelling individual to hear stories from. I love your channel!

In the original script, the movie ends with Red on the bus on his way to [hopefully] find Andy, with the bus disappearing into the horizon, and that's the way Darabont planned for it to end. The studio itself balked at that ending, and practically begged Darabont to show Red actually finding Andy. Obviously, Darabont gave in, and added the one scene on the beach.

My favorite line in the movie is when Andy is telling Red how clean he was on the outside and he says, "I had to go to prison to learn how to be a crook." Loved that line.

Fave Channel on YT

"Without hope, well, you might as well be blind" -Flogging Molly in their song "Tomorrow comes a day too soon"

"Get busy living or get busy dying!" An incredible reminder to never give up and to cherish the true friendships I have in life. Exactly what I needed to hear as I live in "exile" in a city I will never call home. Thank you for helping me to retain what few threads of hope I still hang onto. Life does have meaning, but now it is within the Kingdom of God and not whatever sinful vision I had for life. All that will go up in the fire as only what counts for eternity will be left standing. Mr. Franzese's faith in Jesus helps me to refocus on what really matters.

The Shawshank Redemption is one of my all-time favourite movies, I was interested to hear your thoughts on it Michael, and I wasn't disappointed - intelligent, engaging and uplifting as always.

Also, if you’re looking for movie ideas I’d love to see a review of “Shot Caller”. Fantastic gang movie involving the Aryan Brotherhood and prison life..

I have literally watched this movie.. probably 20 times. This and the Godfather quite literally never gets old.

Hope is a Good thing, Maybe the Best of Things, and No Good Thing Ever Dies..

Anybody else notice Andy driving on the right side of his fabulous car?

"Crawled through a river of **** to come out clean on the other side!"

Once Upon a time in America

I am a movie buff and this is by far my most favorite movie ever! It's one of the most underrated movies and they just don't make them like this anymore. I tend to watch this movie during Sundays for some reason lol. I do love mob movies like the classics, Good Fellas, Casino, Godfather, Bronx tale, and many other mob movies. I know The Shawshank Redemption is not a mob movie but it was made with such a high level of detail and acting just like the mob movies. it's a timeless movie!

Michael was made for the camera. Great voice sharp mind & a talented production & design crew backing him up. Michael & Sammy are bringing it strong. A stunning tour de force#

Oddly enough the actor for the Prison Guard is the same guy who voices the Cartoon character from Spongebob known as Mr Krabs

As usual, penetrating, astute, and superbly presented. Your reviews -- whether I agree or disagree -- are unfailingly reasoned, sound, and well expressed. You do do nice work. Next stop, 500 K.

“Salvation lies within.”

Brooks was here. So was Red.

"I hope that pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams" This line just hits differently.

Greatest movie of all time. Is dark, funny, witty and perfectly casted and acted.

I was introduced to this movie in a summer criminal justice class at East Tennessee State University. The professor Dr. Braswell had us watch the film and we had to write a paper on it. I made an A on my paper and more over the follow up discussion of the movie and cratiques of our papers/reviews left me with the fact that even though my chosen profession was law enforcement and I would be dealing with criminals that these people have some good qualities even though they may have done wrong! In 23 years now I've dealt with many of the same persons over and over again. If you take a moment to listen to them some if not most are good people deep down but had things happen to them in life that but them on a different track. One in particular is a man named Robert. He's the same age I am. Had a great job as a machinist in a local wheel factory. That factory suddenly was closed in the late 90's and moved to Mexico. He was on the hook for his home and other material things he bought (like many of us have done). His income was gone and even though he found other work it wasn't enough to cover the debt burden he took on. This lead him to a bad choice and he started helping deal cocaine. He was caught and for 20 years this ruined his life. I've arrested him myself on probation/parole violations and he was always a hand full in jail. I moved from patrol back into the corrections aspect of my agency. I took a shot with him, stuck my neck out and got him a work detail position in our facility. He wound up working with our maintenance staff and they could see he had potential. He was supposed to be moved to prison, but we managed to keep him in our custody. He did 10 years in our county jail. He can fix anything! He can do electrical, plumbing, etc. He finally made parole and I'm proud of him! I got a friend who has a auto repair business to take a shot on letting him work there. Randy, the shop owner, now considers him his number 1 employee. Trusts him with keys to the business and most ever aspect of it! Robert likes to say I saved him, but I tell him repeatedly I just provided you an opportunity, you made good on the rest. I stress to young judgmental officers don't consider everyone you deal with a throw away person! If you see good qualities in someone hound them on that! You might make a difference in at least one of their lives and you'll most likely never see them here again incarcerated! That's a great thing in my book!

Ill b 70 in june, bk in the late 60s i did 3 yrs there ( Mansfield ), mmy P O got me released to the Marine Corps. That was my saving grace 🇺🇸

There are many good movies, but this is one those that’s above that! This is a most see!

I remember hearing John Wayne in an interview when I was a kid and he said you got to have hope because without it you have nothing.

When you where in the life back in the day you ever think you’d be making money talking about movies lol you the man Mr. Franzese!

Here’s some movies I’d like to see reviewed: Miller’s Crossing, Eastern Promises, Heat, The French Connection, There Will Be Blood, King of New York, the Irishman, Gangs of New York, No Country for Old Men, Mystic River, Shotcaller, The Town, Mean Streets

It is a great movie. Just curious, did you ever have any other dealings with the guard who gave you that bible? It seems that this was a huge turning point in your life. Thanks!

I've never been told, "thank you for your loyalty" by a made man! 🥰

Zihuatanejo, Mexico. That's where Andy and Red met again, a beautiful place, on the shores of the Pacific, quiet and simple.

One of the best lines hit me hard ,...get busy living or get busy dying....in my opinion it's much better living and facing life head on as long as I have my loving family I can take on anything. My grandmother always told me god will never throw more than you can handle at you

Most people dont realize it's a Stephen King novel. Legendary movie.

I have to say I appreciate your Love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

thing that got me the most about this movie was that inmate that was just going to tell the truth about what he knew and was shot for it

Mr. Franzese, whether you see this or not, what the final shot of Shawshank Redemption is for me is a metaphor for Heaven. My best friend passed in his youth. He trusted Christ. I look foward to crossing that border and seeing his face. And I endure this life to see our King on his throne. That's what gets us through. Our blessed hope.

"ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA!"

*"Hey...anybody come at you yet?... Did anybody get to you yet?....We all need friends in here....I can be a friend to you...."*

It’s been like less than a year since you started this youtube thing & you blew up compared to other channel’s that take years to reach where you are.. been here since day one, i know you are officially going to be 70 in several months. I hope you live another 30 something years like your father, you’re literally a living legend. A walking Relic of the past & History itself.. keep it coming mikey

The contrast in colours the whole way through the movie it’s dark and grey and then that scene at the end when they are both free. Bright blue beautiful. That was amazing.