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The Shawshank Redemption

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The Shawshank Redemption

R

Released Sep 1, 1994

2h 22m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

146 Reviews

98%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murders of his wife and her lover and is sentenced to a tough prison. However, only Andy knows he didn't commit the crimes. While there, he forms a friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), experiences brutality of prison life, adapts, helps the warden, etc., all in 19 years.

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Critics Consensus

Steeped in old-fashioned storytelling and given evergreen humanity by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, The Shawshank Redemption chronicles the hardship of incarceration patiently enough to come by its uplift honestly.

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Adam Kempenaar

Filmspotting

Deakins’s work here began his run of 16 Oscar nominations... it’s a crucial part of Shawshank’s enduring legacy.

Rated: 4.5/5

Sep 20, 2024

Full Review

Jonathan Romney

Guardian

If this is a feel-good movie -- and by the end it certainly is -- then at least it challenges us to dig deep for those good feelings when everything inside those mausoleum walls is unrelievedly harsh and grey.

Mar 4, 2024

Full Review

Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

The Shawshank Redemption is both resigned and inspirational, grittily realistic and vaguely surreal, matter-of-fact and operatic. Somehow, these opposites are combined into a remarkably smooth and lyrical composition.

Mar 4, 2024

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M.N. Miller

AwardsWatch

[The Shawshank Redemption] is the cinematic equivalent of therapy, showcasing the power of vulnerability.

Sep 27, 2024

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Calum Cooper

Cinerama Film

The Shawshank Redemption is as beautiful and genuine now as it was in its initial overlooked run.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 25, 2024

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Grant Hermanns

Screen Rant

Frank Darabont's The Shawshank Redemption is not only still one of the best Stephen King adaptations, but also a wonderful exploration of hope.

Rated: 4.5/5

Sep 23, 2024

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John

The Shawshank Redemption is my favorite movie. Nothing better than watching this classic film on the big screen. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are at their best. The music of Thomas Newman is remarkable in the theater. An amazing movie experience!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/21/24

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Jonathan L

One of the greatest movies of all time it was tremendous to see it on the big screen as it was meant to be seen, as an electric roller coaster ride.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/21/24

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Tommy B

The Shawshank Redemption isn’t just a film — it’s an experience. From start to finish, it captures the resilience of the human spirit in a way that’s both powerful and deeply moving. Every element, from the brilliant performances to the unforgettable score, works in perfect harmony to tell a story that feels timeless. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman bring their characters to life with quiet strength and emotional depth, making their journey feel incredibly personal. The storytelling is patient and purposeful, building to a conclusion that’s not just satisfying — it’s soul-stirring. This is the kind of film that reminds you why movies matter. It's not flashy, it’s not loud — it’s just honest, hopeful, and profoundly human. If you haven’t seen The Shawshank Redemption, you're missing out on what many consider the greatest film ever made. And if you have, you already know why.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/21/25

Full Review

Егор К

This movie is just amazing! I watched it for the first time and couldn’t stop thinking about it. The story is so powerful—it’s about hope, friendship, and never giving up, even when life is super unfair. Andy (the main guy) is so smart and calm, and his friendship with Red is the best part. The prison scenes are intense, but there are also really touching moments. The ending perfect! It made me so happy and emotional. I don’t usually like old movies, but this one is special. It’s not boring at all—just pure greatness. 100% recommend!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/11/25

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Audience Member

amazingly heart wrenching story... he didn't deserve all that... this is law, btw

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

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Daniel C

This film is in my all time top 5. It's too powerful to miss and anyone who hasn't seen it is missing out on one of the most perfect films of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/04/25

Full Review

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Frank Darabont

Director

Tim Robbins

Andy Dufresne

Morgan Freeman

Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding

Bob Gunton

Warden Samuel Norton

William Sadler

Heywood

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Captain Byron Hadley

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Synopsis

Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murders of his wife and her lover and is sentenced to a tough prison. However, only Andy knows he didn't commit the crimes. While there, he forms a friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman), experiences brutality of prison life, adapts, helps the warden, etc., all in 19 years.

Director: Frank Darabont
Producer: Niki Marvin
Screenwriter: Frank Darabont
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Castle Rock Entertainment
Rating: R (Prison Violence|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 1, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.3M
Runtime: 2h 22m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby A, Stereo, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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