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The Shawshank Redemption

Play trailer Poster for The Shawshank Redemption R 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 09/20/2024
4.5/5
Deakins’s work here began his run of 16 Oscar nominations... it’s a crucial part of Shawshank’s enduring legacy. Go to Full Review Jonathan Romney Guardian 03/04/2024
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. Go to Full Review Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel 03/04/2024
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. Go to Full Review M.N. Miller AwardsWatch 09/27/2024
[The Shawshank Redemption] is the cinematic equivalent of therapy, showcasing the power of vulnerability. Go to Full Review Calum Cooper Cinerama Film 09/25/2024
5/5
The Shawshank Redemption is as beautiful and genuine now as it was in its initial overlooked run. Go to Full Review Grant Hermanns Screen Rant 09/23/2024
4.5/5
Frank Darabont's The Shawshank Redemption is not only still one of the best Stephen King adaptations, but also a wonderful exploration of hope. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Julie W Sep 13 It was great to see my favorite movie on the big screen! See more Jeremy Sep 12 I hope that everyone will continue loving this movie because it is exceptional. See more John 03/21/2024 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! See more Jonathan L 03/21/2024 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. See more Lee F @LPF25 1d A Classic. What distinguishes The Shawshank Redemption is its rare ability to balance the unflinching harsh reality of prison life with genuine uplift, hope, friendship, patience, and, in the case of Robbin's character in particular, unbreakable human spirit. Of particular note, its final act delivers one of the most cathartic and beautifully realised conclusions to a movie. Impeccably crafted and carried by convincing performances from Freeman and Robbin's, Deakins serves up a deeply humane masterpiece which continues to resonate with its audience all these years later. See more Jason D @Jason837 3d The Shawshank Redemption is definitely a pretty good movie. What I liked about it is the camera shots, how the entrances of the prison looks beautiful while looking intimidating. I especially liked the lighting when the color changes after Red gets out of prison, this symbolizes freedom. The music that Andy played symbolizes freedom and peace, I like that it shows the character's feelings. I would recommend this movie. See more Read all reviews
The Shawshank Redemption

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Cast & Crew

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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

Clancy Brown

Captain Byron Hadley

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The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Poster Art The Shawshank Redemption (1994) The Shawshank Redemption (1994) (L-R) Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding in "The Shawshank Redemption." (L-R) Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding in "The Shawshank Redemption." A scene from The Shawshank Redemption. (L-R) Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding in "The Shawshank Redemption." A scene from The Shawshank Redemption. View more photos

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
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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