Universal truth about Shawshank Redemption

Rating: 10/10 (31 March 2003)

There is one simple reason why the Shawshank Redemption is the second best movie I've ever seen. It made me want to be a BETTER PERSON. It actually changed my life. I wanted to help and be kinder to others after watching it. The character of Andy defines the human spirit and how a person whose life is based on values of honesty, goodness, and freedom, will not be compromised no matter what the situation. Others may have their opinions that it isn't that great based on artistic and technical merits, but they don't understand, it is the STORY that is compelling and what that story represents. The reason it is #2 in the voting is because it resonates that universal truth of the human spirit. It also portrays how one person by being resolute in their goodness can affect others and lift them up. That is why this movie has so many emotional high points. Andy is constantly lifting those around him and making their lives better even in one of the hell holes of our society. The two most emotional points in the movie for me are when he plays the music and when Andy and Red embrace on the beach in Zihuatenejo, Mexico.
(Bye the way, my #1 favorite movie of all time is 'A Man for All Seasons' which is similar to Shashank in that it tells the story of a man who is uncompromising in his beliefs.)