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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 Ralph R The Shawshank Redemption is one of those timeless classics that pulls you in with its heartfelt storytelling and remarkable performances. At its core, it's a story about hope, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit, set against the bleak backdrop of Shawshank prison. Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Red deliver deeply moving performances, capturing the bond that grows between two men confined by walls but freed by hope. Every scene feels purposeful, and the script, adapted from Stephen King's novella, is simply brilliant in how it weaves small moments into a powerful narrative. One of the most unforgettable parts of the movie is Brooks' storyline. Watching him leave the world he knew, only to find himself unable to adapt to a society that had progressed beyond his comprehension, is heartbreaking every time. It's a stark reminder of how institutionalization can strip people of their ability to live freely, even after they've served their time. That moment, along with Red's own journey, adds a bittersweet layer of realism to the story's broader themes of freedom and redemption. The direction by Frank Darabont is masterful, turning what could have been a straightforward prison drama into something deeply profound. The setting of Shawshank feels both oppressive and oddly serene, perfectly capturing the tone of the story. The simplicity of the plot is its strength, allowing the characters and their emotional arcs to take center stage. With its pitch-perfect pacing, poetic dialogue, and an uplifting finale, The Shawshank Redemption remains a film that resonates on every rewatch. It's not just a movie; it's an experience. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/21/24 Full Review Andrew L I think this movie is relatively good, but I also think it is probably the most overrated film ever. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/19/24 Full Review William B Masterpiece. One of the best Morgan Freeman perfrmances. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/18/24 Full Review Ryan N This is the greatest movie ever made Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/18/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Shawshank Redemption

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Cast & Crew

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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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