The Shawshank Redemption

1994 Drama

In 1946, a banker named Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is convicted of a double murder, even though he stubbornly proclaims his innocence. He's sentenced to a life term at the Shawshank State Prison in Maine, where another lifer, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), picks him as the new recruit most likely to crack under the pressure. The ugly realities of prison life are quickly introduced to Andy: a corrupt warden (Bob Gunton), sadistic guards led by Capt. Byron Hadley (Clancy Brown), and inmates who are little better than animals, willing to use rape or beatings to insure their dominance. But Andy does not crack: he has the hope of the truly innocent, which (together with his smarts) allow him to prevail behind bars. He uses his banking skills to win favor with the warden and the guards, doing the books for Norton's illegal business schemes and keeping an eye on the investments of most of the prison staff. In exchange, he is able to improve the prison library and bring some dignity and respect back to many of the inmates, including Red. Based on a story by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption was the directorial debut of screenwriter Frank Darabont. more..

Director: Frank Darabont

Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler

 25 Reviews  23 Awards

Reviews

  • A thumpingly good ode to friendship, hope, wit, wiles and wisdom, brimming with crackling characters and topped with the most twisteroo of twists since "The Crying Game."

    - Empire

    27 April 2013

  • It's the no-bull performances that hold back the flood of banalities. Robbins and Freeman connect with the bruised souls of Andy and Red to create something undeniably powerful and moving.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    27 April 2013

  • If the film is perhaps a little slow in its middle passages, maybe that is part of the idea, too, to give us a sense of the leaden passage of time, before the glory of the final redemption.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • This is a movie with every facet shining in place, every word charged and resonant.

    Michael Wilmington - The Chicago Tribune

    27 April 2013

  • As the uptight banker, Robbins does some of his subtlest acting to date. As his hardened but resilient friend, Freeman is simply miraculous, giving the role so much depth, dignity, and good humor that you feel that you've known this man forever.

    David Sterritt - Christian Science Monitor

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Actor in a Leading Role

    Academy Awards (1995)

     

  • Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (1995)

     

  • Best Edited Feature Film

    American Cinema Editors (1995)

     

  • Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases

    American Society of Cinematographers (1995)

  • Best Foreign Film

    Awards of the Japanese Academy (1996)

Lists

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