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The Shawshank Redemption

Play trailer Poster for The Shawshank Redemption R Released Sep 1, 1994 2h 22m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review M.N. Miller AwardsWatch [The Shawshank Redemption] is the cinematic equivalent of therapy, showcasing the power of vulnerability. Sep 27, 2024 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review Dave O. A classic, and still utterly enjoyable with every rewatch. This and Stand By Me may be the two best Stephen King adaptations and that neither is in the horror genre that Mr King is known for. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/05/25 Full Review Rabab M I really enjoyed this movie. I appreciated the frequent use of ELS (Extreme Long Shots) that emphasized the scale of the prison and the feeling of isolation, which made Andy’s perseverance even more inspiring. I also loved how the director used dolly shots during Andy’s walk through the prison yard, giving the audience a sense of motion and freedom in contrast to the rigidity of the setting. The over-the-shoulder shots during conversations between Andy and Red made their friendship feel more real and personal. Overall, I would rate this film 5 stars for its beautiful visuals and storytelling. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/05/25 Full Review Fareed U Why Shawshank Redemption is my most favorite movie of all times? It was in 2017, I was watching movies randomly, this movie poped up in my list, firstly I couldn't even pronounce the name and left it many times, one day I had to watch a movie and I had no other option but to watch this masterpiece, initially it looked boring but something in my mind said that it's going to be interesting, as the movie went on and towards the end it gave me goosebumps, I liked the movie so much that I started googling various facts about this movie and then I knew about IMDb rating, then I came to know it's top rated movie and my emotions were right on the spot. It's a masterpiece of one and only kind. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/04/25 Full Review Tyler S Of every movie I have watched, this might have been the most simple yet perfect movie. Not sure how they did it, but they took the most simple concept and made it mesmerizing and impactful. I was so intrigued the whole time. Well well done! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/02/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Shawshank Redemption

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Movie Info

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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