That movie was basically Rocky but with MMA and not as good. Decent watch, but not AMAZING.

Syrupy pastiche, calculated crowd pleaser. It's not hate but it's imdb #1 which just doesn't resonate with me. Seen it four times the past ten years: Iirc something like 9/10, 5/10, 3/10, 3.7/10

Because it was full-retard.

An American prison with only one black guy in it?

All of the principle prisoner characters are portrayed as "good guys" who just made some mistakes.

The film wants you to feel sorry for Brooks, who did something(s) so shitty he was in prison half a century.

The film ridiculously portrays convicts as caring, appreciative, and loyal.

In short, the movie was so absurdly over-the-top with fantasy bullshit.

It has redemption in the title, Brooks was in prison for as long as he was, it's very possible he was absolutely nothing like the person who originally committed the crime. It makes a good point about prison's role, is it to punish the individuals inside (as they clearly did in the film) or to rehabilitate them, as Andy attempted to do via his efforts to bring a library, teach the kid with the sideburns, etc. There's an underlying sense of anti-authority to it which I'll admit I am biased in favor even if it can be juvenile at times (my view, not necessarily the film).

As for the film portraying them as "caring, appreciative, and loyal", the film shows that after the main character somehow earned their respect. They are still human beings and would probably form friendships, cliques, have values, etc., even if they are in a prison.

I think the film is incredible.

EDIT -- Regarding the bold, most blacks were merely executed before they made it to Shawshank.



Had to Google the word "pastiche", never seen it before. I'll say this, I don't know if I'd say it is a stunning piece of art that offers something new or innovative but I will say it is inspiring. Had multiple likable characters, had excellent use of music, incredible narration, was very quotable and iconic, etc.

I can throw this bitch on any time and watch it all the way through and enjoy almost every part of it.

This post was edited by Kamahl16 on Aug 24 2013 02:42am

There are no shortage of prison documentaries on TV. MSNBC airs them weekly. Check a few out to see what convicts are like in the real world. It isn't like the syrup-fest fantasy caricature of Shawshank Redemption.

More importantly and even worse is that the movie is predictable and utterly sophomoric.

Doves, baby.. I know you're right on this one, but you're wasting your time. I think I might be the biggest advocate for the death of "overrated" and "underrated." By saying something is overrated, you're underrating something other people love. It's like the most annoying way imaginable to pontificate an opinion. Not only does it undermine others opinions, it gives people who use such ratings the impression their opinion somehow matters.



Quite down, child. You couldn't possibly have enough insight, or whit, to change a single mind. Do us all a favor and go far away. The movies you've chosen to chastise are simple flicks, and were mostly devised as mindless vehicles for entertainment. It's like you think the criterion collection is banging on the door of Troy Duffy.




I feel like most movies will at least try to appease the audience one way or another. I agree that Shawshank's imdb rating seems off, and not because it's terrible, just that it's not the best. It's impossible to say any movie is the best... I think any movie with the distinction of "imdb #1" will ultimately fall short with many many critics.

gtfo