The most fascinating thing about this film is that the final reunion on the beach was not the original ending. IIRC, it ended with the shot of Andy in the car driving away, but Darabont added the beach scene at the insistence of the studio, and for once, I agree with the studio.

I love that the scene has no dialogue, and that the men are seen from a distance once they meet and embrace. The remove of that is so satisfying when you realize that both characters spent decades in prison, where privacy didn't exist. Now that they're out, the camera respects that privacy and keeps its distance.

I also love that the final scene is on this lovely little beach with the clear blue water and sky stretching out to infinity. After two hours in a dark, gray and terrible place, it feels the audience escapes the prison along with Andy and Red.

The subtle soundtrack does stellar work here as well. Sublime work by Thomas Newman.