93 Corolla - Won't move out of park / Brake Problems

I have a 93 Corolla and it starts no problem, but won't move out of the park position. I bypassed the solenoid by hitting a switch near the gear shift, and that worked fine to get it out of park. However, after driving for a bit, the emergency brake light came on. The next time I started the car the brakes weren't working properly. I have to hit them almost as hard as they go in order for them work at all, and they fell like they could give out at any time. Please fill me in with any info you might have about this problem! Thanks!

PS - One of my rear brake lights was out before this all began. You have a few problems going on at once.

You bypassed the safety lock on the gearshift... fixed that problem.

If you changed your brake light then that problem's history.

It's the emergency brake light and improperly functioning brakes that has me concerned. The brake light warns of either the emergency brake being on or a problem in the brake system. (Generally an unsafe uneven hydraulic pressure in the system usually caused by a leak in the system somewhere)

I'm 99% sure you have a brake problem significant enough that you absolutely should not drive this car until it's fixed.

Does the pedal go down farther than normal? Have you checked the brake fluid level?

Be careful and good luck.