My friend Matt just left to move to North Carolina for a new job, and this movie is my Matt's absolute favorite. He was waiting and waiting for me to watch it on my list, and often told me how upset he was that it was only #72.
I was embarrassed to tell him that I had never really seen the whole movie before, but I really loved it. It really is one of the best movies I have ever seen, and I am not just saying that for Matt's sake.
I think my favorite story in the movie is Brooks Hatlen, one of the oldest prisoners in Shawshank who is eventually released on parole. He had been in the prison for so long, he was in shock when he left. He is famous for the line, "the world went and got itself in a big damn hurry."
This quote really does remind me of my friend Matt. He is one of the most laid back people I have ever met, and really does like to slow down and appreciate the world. He is going to be appreciating the world a lot more with his new job where he will travel and meet amazing people.
Like Matt, and Andy from Shawsank, would say "Get busy living, or get busy dying."