re: Does Shawshank Redemption Have The Best Ending In Movie History?

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Does Shawshank Redemption Have The Best Ending In Movie History?

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When it comes to the greatest endings in movie history, an ending that truly satisfies and rewards the viewers, one particular movie that always comes to my mind is Shawshank Redemption. I won’t say too much as to not spoil the magnificent ending for those who haven’t seen it, but I wanted to ask those who have if you agree with me that it is one of, if not the best, movie endings of all time?

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I upvoted, but would add that the question you’re really asking in your subject line is “does Shawshank have the most satisfying/rewarding ending”.

As others have mentioned, you take the ending to a film like Casablanca which is considered great - though it may not be “rewarding” for the audience that wanted Rick and Ilsa to wind up together. Gone With the Wind is another with an iconic ending - though some may have wanted Rhett and Scarlet to live happily ever after….or have a different result in the war.

While the back story of the characters is different - there are some similarities with the rough adjustment to prison life to becoming a heroic figure narratives with Shawshank and Cool Hand Luke. Personally, I’ve always felt like that ending was extremely depressing - to the point where I can’t really say if it’s “good” or not. Shawshank is the exact opposite end of the spectrum with (spoilers) the warden going down, Andy escaping and Red eventually joining him…that’s certainly the ending we “wanted” and is happy.