Hope and the Shawshank Redemption
…just bits of mutterings about hope in my favorite movie.

That there are things in this world not carved out of gray stone. That there’s a small place inside of us they can never lock away, and that place is called hope.

-Andy

Hope is a dangerous thing. Drive a man insane. It’s got no place here. Better get used to the idea.

-Red, replying to Andy

…later, when Red has found Andy’s letter in the field:

Remember, Red. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. I will be hoping that this letter finds you, and finds you well. Your friend. Andy.

-Andy, in Voice Over

…Red’s commentary as he journeys to find the escaped Andy in a beach in Mexico:

I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams.
(beat)
I hope.

–Red, in Voice Over

Categories: philosophical