An all-time great “if it’s on, I’m watching it” movie, the Shawshank Redemption was not a massive success at the box office. Based on a novella by Stephen King, it made a modest $58 million upon release. But it became such a highly regarded film once it found a larger audience via cable and home video that it’s now ranked first all-time on the IMDB 250, their list of greatest films.
The conditions in the fictional Shawshank, if truly indicative of the time period, are considered far below current correctional standards. But they most likely color people’s impressions of what incarceration continues to be like today. The prison where the movie was filmed, Ohio State Reformatory, was built in the late 19th century and was ordered closed in 1986 due to its overcrowded, often inhumane living conditions. It actually remained in operation until 1990, when its replacement facility was finally completed. It is still used today for movie, TV, and music video shoots.
Many people believe the movie’s enduring popularity is because of its compelling narrative of maintaining hope in even the darkest of circumstances. Andy never gives up his fight even though most people around him believe he is foolish for doing so. The perseverance he had to (SPOILER ALERT) slowly chip away at a wall to allow his escape required great mental fortitude (and some luck). Andy rebels against a system designed to remove any will and freedom of action, and in the end he is rewarded.