Rajah's Top 20 Movies of the 90s (Drama)

[Fro]

I don't think Shawshank is that great a movie as such, just that it strongly resonated with Gen X/millennial men because of it's portrayal of a positive male adult friendship not based on competition with each other, which was rare as rocking horse shit in the 80s and early 90s.

I think it is objectively a great movie. Now is it better than all these other movies on the list which are also great? That’s a matter of preference. Maybe your theory on why it resonates so much (even compared to other classics) is valid, but that doesn’t take anything away from it being a wonderful story with good acting, rich characters and a super satisfying ending.

[Fro]

And if I had the theorize on why it resonates, I think it's because of its substance over flash. Pulp Fiction is great but it's so intense, there are all these charged moments of intensity or surprise. Good Will Hunting - you're waiting for that moment when Will finally has his big breakdown and then it's pretty much over. Forrest Gump - so many absurdly over the top mini plot points packed into one movie. These other movies on the list are great but in terms of replayability, those big moments don't lend themselves to as many repeat viewings (to be clear I think those other movies are also highly replayable, but this is why Shawshank is the most replayable). Shawshank is more even keel, more steadily paced. It is a fundamentally strong movie throughout that earns all of its moments. Even after the big climax, it has the wonderful final piece with Red getting paroled.

[Simmo Fortyone]

Fro I agree with all of that. And that's because you and I are both firmly entrenched in that demographic.

If you surveyed 40 women our age about their favourite 90s dramas, Shawshank would barely rate a mention, let alone be near the top of the list.

It does not have universal appeal.

[Romford Pele]

Been away so apologies for late response on this.

Am totally stunned I was the only one who put Usual Suspects in! Just such a good film, with possibly the best plot twist there is. Delighted Shawshank is No.1, well deserved. Just incredibly well acted, directed, produced and written. It is probably tied with Godfather Part I for my favourite ever film.

[Romford Pele]

This was my list:-

Best Dramatic Movies of the 90s

1. The Shawshank Redemption
2. Heat
3. Pulp Fiction
4. American History X
5. Schlinders List
6. Goodfellas
7. American Beauty
8. Terminator 2
9. The Rock
10. Casino
11. Falling Down
12. Forest Gump
13. The Fugitive
14. Trainspotting
15. The Usual Suspects
16. Seven
17. Crimson Tide
18. Leon
19. Die Hard with a Vengance
20. Boyz In the Hood