The Shawshank Redemption

1994

The Shawshank Redemption

Critics Consensus

The Shawshank Redemption is an uplifting, deeply satisfying prison drama with sensitive direction and fine performances.

90%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 72

98%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 886,254

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The Shawshank Redemption Photos

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Movie Info

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. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Directed By:
    Frank Darabont
  • Written By:
    Frank Darabont
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Columbia Pictures

Cast

Tim Robbins
as Andy Dufresne
Morgan Freeman
as Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding
Bob Gunton
as Warden Norton
William Sadler
as Heywood
Clancy Brown
as Captain Hadley
Gil Bellows
as Tommy Williams
James Whitmore
as Brooks Hatlen
Mark Rolston
as Bogs Diamond
Jeffrey DeMunn
as D.A.
Larry Brandenburg
as Skeet
Neil Giuntoli
as Jigger
Brian Libby
as Floyd
Steve Eastin
David Proval
as Snooze
Joseph Ragno
as Ernie
Jude Ciccolella
as Guard Mert
Paul McCrane
as Guard Trout
Joe Ragno
as Ernie
Renee Blaine
as Andy Dufresne's Wife
Scott Mann
as Glenn Quentin
Gordon Greene
as 1947 Parole Hearings Man
John Horton
as 1946 Judge
Gordon C. Greene
as 1947 Parole Hearings Man
Alfonso Freeman
as Fresh Fish Con
V.J. Foster
as Hungry Fish Con
John E. Summers
as New Fish Guard
Joe Pecoraro
as Projectionist
Mack Miles
as Tyrell
Donald Zinn
as Moresby Batter
Alan R. Kessler
as Laundry Bob
Morgan Lund
as Laundry Truck Driver
Cornell Wallace
as Laundry Leonard
Gary Lee Davis
as Rooster
Neil Summers
as Pete
Ned Bellamy
as Guard Youngblood
Joseph Pecoraro
as Projectionist
Harold E. Cope Jr.
as Hole Guard
Frank Medrano
as Fat Ass
Brian Delate
as Guard Dekins
Donald E. Zinn
as Moresby Batter
Dorothy Silver
as 1954 Landlady
Robert Haley
as 1954 Food-Way Manager
Dana Snyder
as 1954 Food-Way Woman
John D. Craig
as 1957 Parole Hearings Man
Ken Magee
as Ned Grimes
Eugene C. DePasquale
as Mail Caller
Bill Bolender
as Elmo Blatch
Ron Newell
as Elderly Hole Guard
John R. Woodward
as Bullhorn Tower Guard
Chuck Brauchler
as Man Missing Guard
Dion Anderson
as Head Bull Haig
Claire Slemmer
as Bank Teller
James Kisicki
as Bank Manager
Rohn Thomas
as Bugle Editor
Charlie Kearns
as 1966 DA
Rob Reider
as Duty Guard
Brian Brophy
as 1967 Parole Hearings Man
Paul Kennedy
as 1967 Food-Way Manager
Bill Sadler
as Heywood
Deborah Aquila
Jeffrey De Munn
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Critic Reviews for The Shawshank Redemption

All Critics (72) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (65) | Rotten (7)

View All Critic Reviews (72)

Audience Reviews for The Shawshank Redemption

  • Oct 10, 2019
    Based on a novella by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption is a harrowing tale about the triumph of the human spirit. The story follows a banker named Andy Duphrane who's wrongfully convicted of killing his wife and her lover, and is sent to the Shawshank maximum security prison where he befriends another inmate named Red. Starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, John Sandler, and Clancy Brown, the film has an impressive cast that gives good performances. Additionally, screenwriter/director Frank Darabont does an excellent job at developing the characters and relationships; making the audience care about them and their plight. The set and costume designs too, are especially well-done; capturing the time-period and giving the prison a real, lived-in feel. Also, the score by Thomas Newman is emotionally evocative and has a soulfulness to it that heightens the material. The Shawshank Redemption is a remarkably compelling film with a powerful message.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • May 01, 2016
    One of the most satisfying films of all time, which holds its 'classic film' vibe strongly from start to finish.
    Sean T Super Reviewer
  • Mar 04, 2016
    Beautiful story filled with emotion and is a true testament to the human spirit
    Kameron W Super Reviewer
  • Mar 03, 2016
    The Shawshank Redemption has great performances, extremely well written script and story all leading to a deeply emotional climax! One of the best dramas of all time!
    Mr N Super Reviewer
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