Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Social media users have reached a consensus that a certain cult classic contains the ‘saddest character in the history of cinema’.
While many movie enthusiasts seek films for their humor and entertainment value, there’s no denying that tear-jerker movies have a significant fanbase.
The Shawshank Redemption, a highly acclaimed film, is gaining attention on social media as it is known for tugging at the heartstrings of viewers.
Premiering in 1994, The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a prosperous banker who finds himself wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of his wife and her lover.
Despite his awareness of his innocence, he is sentenced to life at Shawshank prison.
While incarcerated, Andy forges a surprising bond with Red (Morgan Freeman) and confronts the grim realities of prison life.
The audience is also introduced to Brooks Hatlen (James Whitmore), who, after spending decades in prison, finds the outside world unfamiliar and challenging upon his release.
Brooks writes a letter to his friends back in prison, expressing his shock at the changes that have occurred in the world since his youth.
He experiences profound loneliness, and his living conditions offer little solace.
Overwhelmed by his struggles, Brooks ultimately takes his own life.
“The saddest character in the history of cinema,” one person commented on Facebook’s Netflix Bangers.
“Ugh-still brings tears to my eyes after all these years,” another shared, while a third added: “Certainly heartbreaking.”
Another user remarked: “One of the Best films ever.”
Despite being released three decades ago, many assert that The Shawshank Redemption remains relevant and impactful today.
The film currently holds an impressive 89 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of 2025, indicating its sensitive handling of complex themes.
Lizzie Francke, writing for Sight & Sound, commented: “The towering Tim Robbins has a solidity and gentle interiority that occasionally reminds one here of Burt Lancaster. Of equal excellence is Morgan Freeman as Red, who holds the film together with his poetic, often quipping narration.”
Similarly, Newsday’s review highlighted: “You’ve never seen a prison movie quite like it, and I found its eccentric rhythms and the performances of co-stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman nearly irresistible.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline.