Top 25 Movies Countdown — No. 25


Today I start my countdown of my top 25 favorite movies of all time. During these weekly posts I'll countdown from 25 to 1. To make the list, a movie has to resonate with me, has to be one I've seen many times, and has to be at least five years old. Why the five year requirement? Sometimes movies strike a chord with you right away but fade after a matter of months. If a movie stayed with you at least five years, then you know it's one that will stick. I try to re-evaluate this list every few years, so I'm sure it will change over time. This list is a big change from the last time I did this in 2010.

No. 25 — The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and Bob Gunston
Director: Frank Darabont
Quote: "Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." — Andy
About: 1994 was an exceptional year for movies. Now 21 years since its release, "The Shawshank Redemption" was part of an incredible list of Best Picture nominees. It didn't win, nor did Quentin Tarantino's opus "Pulp Fiction" or the Robert Redford film "Quiz Show." That honor went to "Forrest Gump." Yet, all these years later, all those four films are still noted and have devoted fans. You could quibble about what should have won Best Picture. I think "Forrest Gump" is a worthy choice, but with the benefit of time I think "The Shawshank Redemption" is better. It's on this list because it ticks a lot of my boxes. It has an incredibly powerful story, one of hope. It's also a great story of friendship in unlikely circumstances. It's not always a fair story, and it's not always an easy story. But it's a beautiful story, and it's beautifully told. I love the performances from Robbins and Freeman, and I love many of the iconic scenes in the film. This isn't the kind of story you'd think would come from Stephen King, but it's based on his novella and it's a beautiful and moving story. There are so many great aspects of this film, and it's one that just works for me, too. If you haven't seen it, give it a try and I think you'll see why it's on so many lists of the best film of all time.
Rated: R for language and prison violence

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