People agree cult classic probably has the 'saddest character in the history of cinema'

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

People on social media have come to the agreement that this cult classic has the 'saddest character in the history of cinema'.

While many film fanatics will watch movies for the comedy and even enjoyment factor, there's no doubt films that provide a tear or two have their fair share of fans.

The Shawshank Redemption, a much-loved iconic movie, has become the talk of the town on social media, and it will for sure make viewers get emotional.

Released in 1994, The Shawshank Redemption follows Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a successful banker who is arrested for the murders of his wife and her lover.

The Shawshank Redemption is much-loved by fans (Columbia Pictures)

He is sentenced to life imprisonment at the Shawshank prison despite knowing he didn't commit the awful crimes.

But while behind bars, he forms an unlikely friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), while also dealing with the harsh reality of prison life.

Viewers are also told Brooks Hatlen's (James Whitmore) story, who spends decades in prison before release.

But Brooks quickly realizes the outside world is very different to what he remembered, and struggles to adapt to normal life.

Brooks even wrote a letter to his pals in prison explaining how he'd been astounded at the changes to the outside world compared to his youth.

He became very lonely and his accommodation didn't provide much comfort.

Amid his ongoing difficulties, the former prisoner dies by suicide.

"The saddest character in the history of cinema," one person penned on Facebook's Netflix Bangers.

"Ugh-still brings tears my eyes after all these years," a second wrote while a third quipped: "Certainly heartbreaking."

Meanwhile, a fourth said: "One of the Best films ever."

The cult classic is 30 years old (Columbia Pictures)

While it may have released 30 years ago, many say The Shawshank Redemption still holds up well to this day.

The movie sits at an impressive 89 percent Rotten Tomatoes score in 2025, suggesting it's handled the incredibly sensitive topics well.

Lizzie Francke, from Sight & Sound, wrote: "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."

While Newsday's review said: "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.

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