Is The Shawshank Redemption the BEST movie of all time? According to the users of the Internet Movie Database web site it is. I know what you’re thinking, “online computer nerds didn’t join forces and elect Star Wars as the best movie?” Unbelievable as it seems, they didn’t. IMDB put it to a vote, and the gritty prison movie with the surprising touch of humanity actually came out on top! Holy friggin’ Obi Wan Kenobi!
Who would believe Shawshank as the best movie ever? Not a bad distinction for a movie that was a flop at the box office when it had its original theatrical run in 1993. Some might argue that it wasn’t even the best movie to come out that year. Pulp Fiction kicked ass in 1993, and Forrest Gump picked up nearly all of the awards that same year too.
IMDB had classic films like Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Sunset Boulevard and The Third Man ranked comparatively low in the same poll. Maybe that says something about younger movie fans who have a tendency to resist older films on the basis that they’re shot in black and white. There seems to be that prejudice that way, but who knows.
Quite possibly, Shawshank’s high ranking might be due to the movie’s great acting performances, great script, great direction, great cinematography, great musical score and it’s great “escapist” twist ending. Frankly, I love the movie! Most men I know feel the exact same way. In fact, in all my years, I have NEVER met a single man who doesn’t enjoy The Shawshank Redemption. It’s the kind of movie that compels men to stop what they’re doing, sit down and watch it every time it’s on. Interesting, huh? What could be the reason? Maybe it has something to do with the prison movie genre. Movies set in prison have always been a longtime favorite for men in general. Let’s face it, you going to argue with Steve McQueen going vertical on his Triumph motorcycle in The Great Escape? Don’t even think about it!
Nevertheless, that’s not the reason The Shawshank Redemption beats them all and wins in the poll. At first glance, it’s a prison movie that deals with the big themes of despair, hope, abuse of authority, institutionalism and freedom, but in the end the movie works because of the strong friendship between its two main characters. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman play two lifers who become loyal, trustworthy friends, and that is something not seen very often in movies about men. Competition and opposition usually define the relationships that men have in most movies. Shawshank is so uniquely special in that way. The characters of Andy and Red are best friends. No bullshit.
As far as the IMDB poll, everybody needs to decide for themselves. The Shawshank Redemption was voted the best movie of all time, and it probably deserves it. For me, it’s just the best movie of all time for friendship.
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