The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
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90% of critics liked it
(62 reviews) -
98% of users liked it
(769,577 ratings)
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… More 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
- Directed By
- Frank Darabont
- Written By
- Frank Darabont
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- Sep 10, 1994 Wide
- On DVD
- Jan 27, 1998
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune
Simply marvelous entertainment.
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Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
Freeman, who is simply a great actor, a man who has never struck a false note in his career, both narrates this tale and anchors it with his authoritative playing.
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Leonard Klady, Variety
A testament to the human spirit...
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
A passing reference to 'The Count of Monte Cristo' offers a partial clue to what makes this movie compelling.
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Derek Adams, Time Out
...a throwback to the kind of serious, literate drama Hollywood used to make.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Tim Robbins
as Andy Dufresne
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Morgan Freeman
as Ellis Boy "Red" Redding
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Bob Gunton
as Warden Samuel Norton
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Bill Sadler
as Heywood
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Clancy Brown
as Capt. Byron Hadley
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James Whitmore
as Brooks Hatlen
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Gil Bellows
as Tommy Williams
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Mark Rolston
as Bogs Diamond
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Jeffrey DeMunn
as D.A.
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Dion Anderson
as Head Bull Haig
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Ned Bellamy
as Guard Youngblood
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Bill Bolender
as Elmo Blatch
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Larry Brandenburg
as Skeet
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Brian Brophy
as 1967 Parole Hearings Man
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Jude Ciccolella
as Guard Mert
- Steve Eastin
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Neil Giuntoli
as Jigger
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Gordon Greene
as 1947 Parole Hearings Man
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Brian Libby
as Floyd
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Ken Magee
as Ned Grimes
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Paul McCrane
as Guard Trout
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Don McManus
as Guard Wiley
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David Proval
as Snooze
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Joe Ragno
as Ernie
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Neil Summers
as Pete
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Rohn Thomas
as Bugle Editor
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Gary Lee Davis
as Rooster
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Joe Pecoraro
as Projectionist
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Donald Zinn
as Moresby Batter
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John R. Woodward
as Bullhorn Tower Guard
- Deborah Aquila
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Frank Medrano
as Fat Ass
- William Sadler
- Jeffrey De Munn
- Joseph Ragno




