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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 Kevin C @RT26034413 1d The Shawshank Redemption is wonderful entertainment—captivating from start to finish. It’s a rare example of a story that handles harsh, often unpleasant realities with real taste and restraint, never feeling exploitative yet never shying away from the truth of its setting. The film is rich in character depth, especially through the performances of Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, whose portrayals bring warmth and humanity to an otherwise cold world. It moves effortlessly between sadness and subtle humor, creating moments that are not only emotional but genuinely endearing. What makes it stand out is its sincerity. In a world where so much feels fleeting or superficial, this film carries a sense of something deeper—something lasting. It doesn’t just tell a story; it leaves an impression. Quietly powerful and emotionally resonant, The Shawshank Redemption feels different…special. See more Krishna K @RT64702369 Apr 11 Absolutely stunning one of the greatest movie ever seen in my lifetime, great story telling and best in class characters and the directions I just love Morgan freeman background voice 🫶 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

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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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