25 Things You Didn't Know About The Shawshank Redemption

1. Frank Darabont Originally Wanted A More Ambiguous Ending

Darabont actually wanted to end the film in decidedly more ambiguous fashion, hoping to conclude the movie on the shot of Red sat on the bus heading towards the Mexican border, feeling that the scripted reunion between Red and Andy was too sappy.

But Castle Rock's Liz Glotzer suggested that the audience deserved to see Red and Andy meet again, and provided Darabont with money to shoot the scene regardless of his own opinion, while assuring him that he'd have the final say on whether it was included or not.

Darabont ultimately shot Red and Andy's reunion at a distance to give it some restraint, and cut some of their reunion dialogue for fear it was too cutesy. After test audiences rated it their favourite scene of the movie and both Freeman and Robbins lobbed for its inclusion, Darabont relented.

Fans still debate today whether that final scene is a sentimental step too far or not, but most will agree the film has certainly earned an indulgence or two at this point in the story.