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30 years ago, the world met banker Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption.
Andy heads to Shawshank State Prison, where he will serve two consecutive life sentences.
However, that wasnt the case upon its release (more on that later).
A near-universal approval rating
An IMDB score is not the be-all and end-all for a movie.
However, The Shawshank Redemption has been thehighest-rated movie on IMDBfor 15 years with a 9.3.
Yet Shawshank continues to hold strong in the top spot.
Why is this movie so beloved?
Its a movie that crosses into multiple genres, with a story that feels like its made for everyone.
There is something for everyone.
If youre into prison dramas, Shawshank shows how life behind bars can change and rehabilitate a person.
Critics loved the film, but audiences didnt rush to the theaters to watch a prison drama.
The film was widely released on October 14, 1994, the same day Pulp Fiction hit theaters.
Shawshank only grossed $29 million worldwide.
By all accounts, thats a box office bomb.
Then, a rare thing happened.
Before streaming, films relied on home video and cable TV for extra revenue.
Turner eventually purchased the rights and began showing it on its cable networks, including TNT.
Popularity soared, as a strong word of mouth led to repeat viewings at home.
How could anyone have hope in Shawshank Prison, especially if you’re Red or Andy?
Andy comes into Shawshank, and he becomes an immediate victim of sexual assault.
Time and time again, Andy and Red are dealt bad hand after bad hand.
If this were real life, the duo would probably spend the rest of their lives in prison.
How can you not raise your hands in triumphant with Andy after he crawls his way to freedom?
Had the film ended there, its still a solid conclusion.
Shawshank is as great as it is satisfying.
No good thing ever dies, and neither will The Shawshank Redemptions legacy.
Watch"The Shawshank Redemption for free on Tubiright now
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