The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Manu G

  
  Get busy living or get busy dying. Saw it again! What can I say? Perfect film as they come. Tremendous performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. This movie even though did not win a single Oscar was nominated for 7 and probably would have been the favorite one to win Best… More
  Get busy living or get busy dying. Saw it again! What can I say? Perfect film as they come. Tremendous performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. This movie even though did not win a single Oscar was nominated for 7 and probably would have been the favorite one to win Best Picture if Forrest Gump didn't come out that same year and won. The film is smart, sad, fun, exciting and best of all teaches us a very important lesson. If you haven't watch this film before, what is wrong with you, go watch it now!!! Andy Dufresne, is sent to Shawshank Prison for the murder of his wife and secret lover. He is very isolated and lonely at first, but realizes there is something deep inside your body, that people can't touch and get to....'HOPE'. Andy becomes friends with prison 'fixer' Red, and Andy epitomizes why it is crucial to have dreams. His spirit and determination, leads us into a world full of imagination, filled with courage and desire. Will Andy ever realize his dreams?

• Brad W

  
  The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most deep, incredible, inspiring, and beautiful films ever made, I cannot watch this movie without a pure smile on my face from the greatness and genius of this film. After being convicted of murdering his wife, something he denies, smart and… More
  The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most deep, incredible, inspiring, and beautiful films ever made, I cannot watch this movie without a pure smile on my face from the greatness and genius of this film. After being convicted of murdering his wife, something he denies, smart and banker Andy Duffrain (Tim Robbins) is sent to Shawshank prison, which is run by a corrupt warden (Bob Gunton). He makes friends with some of the inmates but his closest relationship is with Red (Morgan Freeman) a wise lifer who is a you want it, he can get sort of guy. After many years there, and after the last straw from the warden, Andy does something that will be remembered throughout the history of Shawshank prison. The lot of this film is equally incredible with story and characters, we love whats going on the entire film because every moment is important to the ending of the film, and the characters of the movie are just perfection, Andy and Red as best friends is probably the greatest friendship I have ever seen a film and that makes it impossible to dislike them and how colorful and fun the supporting characters are, what an incredible and beautiful movie that shows the horrors of prison. The cast is just incredible, Tim Robbins plays his most memorable and best performance of his career if you ask me, and Morgan Freeman has also his greatest role to date and truly deserved his Oscar as much as everyone else that year, they were just incredible. The score of the film is not just amazing, that is not saying enough to how beautiful and masterful the music was, every minute this music was playing gave the movie its feel that made it feel like a real drama I think. The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most intense and incredible dramas you will ever see, I am not resenting when I say this is my favorite drama film of all time and always will be, Frank Darabont has made many Stephen King adaptions but this is his best and his masterpiece, if you need a very inspirational and incredible film, I need you to see this film.

• Spencer M

  
  Easily the most dominant film I have ever seen in my lifetime. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are UNREAL in this movie. Their chemistry is like that of 2 newly bonded molecules, it's just insane. The cinematoraphy is off the charts, of course. The simple fact of the matter is,… More
  Easily the most dominant film I have ever seen in my lifetime. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are UNREAL in this movie. Their chemistry is like that of 2 newly bonded molecules, it's just insane. The cinematoraphy is off the charts, of course. The simple fact of the matter is, is that this movie is fucking awesome and if you don't love it, you obviously don't know how to analyze films.DUH.

• Alexander D

  
  Question of the day: Why did this film lose to FORREST GUMP for the 1994 Best Picture Oscar? Okay, Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis admittedly did a phenomenal job with GUMP, but THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is, with no doubt, nothing short of an unforgettable masterpiece. THE SHAWSHANK… More
  Question of the day: Why did this film lose to FORREST GUMP for the 1994 Best Picture Oscar? Okay, Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis admittedly did a phenomenal job with GUMP, but THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is, with no doubt, nothing short of an unforgettable masterpiece. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is adapted from Stephen King's short novel, "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption". (No "the".) Though it is most certainly not a Rita Hayworth biopic. The film starts out with Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), though having made an attempt at claiming innocence, being put in Maine's Shawshank State Prison with charges for a double murder. He meets a man nicknamed Red Redding (Morgan Freeman), and they form a friendship. Aside from that, Andy's sentence to imprisonment is marred with many various tragedies, including months of unnecessary solitary confinement, brutality from guards, inmates who act atrociously uncivilized, and even the suicide of a friend. Though the story is about Tim Robbins's character, the film is beautified by a well-done narration by Morgan Freeman. Also, this was the first Stephen King/Frank Darabont (writer/director) collaboration, followed by THE GREEN MILE and THE MIST, and as a collaborative debut, it was spectacular. As far as last scenes go, my favorite is now the one in SHAWSHANK. I won't give anything away, but I will say that the first scene is quite dull and a little underwhelming, whereas the finale sums the film up to the best, most heartfelt notch achievable. Let us applaud for the film that SHOULD have won Best Picture in 1994!

• Scott G

  
  Timeless classic and doesn't have to brag itself to be known as the most riveting drama of all time, a brilliant main role combination of Freeman and Robbins, exceptionally finished.

• Matt G

  
  I'd forgotten how stupendous this was. A truly unique experience like no other, with fantastic performances from Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, and the spectacular Tim Robbins, in his career defining role. Frank Darabont's best film by far, and one of the best films in… More
  I'd forgotten how stupendous this was. A truly unique experience like no other, with fantastic performances from Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, and the spectacular Tim Robbins, in his career defining role. Frank Darabont's best film by far, and one of the best films in cinematic mystery. A must-see for avid movie lovers.

• c0up  

  
  'The Shawshank Redemption'. A fascinating look into the psyche of men and their perceived notion of safety, freedom and self-worth, if the only life they are familiar with is that inside a prison. I'd heard a LOT about this film, and all things considered, it… More
  'The Shawshank Redemption'. A fascinating look into the psyche of men and their perceived notion of safety, freedom and self-worth, if the only life they are familiar with is that inside a prison. I'd heard a LOT about this film, and all things considered, it doesn't live up to the unbelievable reputation it has. For all I'd heard about it though, I'd never read the plot, and my expectations of the main character-Andy Dufresne, played extremely competently by Tim Robbins-were way off the mark, and I was pleasantly surprised by the direction the film took, turning into a clever prison break, and me realising how much the TV series 'Prison Break' borrowed from this film. The highly resourceful Andy Dufresne remains the same man through it all, not letting prison get the better of him, and bettering the life of other inmates, but this film is about Morgan Freeman's Red and the change he goes through in his mindset, and he puts in a damn fine performance! Honourable mentions to a crazy William Sadler and scumbag warden Bob Gunton. Uplifting and filled with hope as it may have been, with the reunion at the end sending definite chills, I'm still not 100% sure Andy didn't commit the crime he was in jail for. Knowing this was written and directed by Darabont, and the twisted ending to 'The Mist' I absolutely adored, I really thought Freeman would find a murder weapon or something that incriminated Andy. Alas.

• Eric A

  
  If you don't love this movie, something is seriously wrong with you. 5 stars without a doubt, a true testament to the human spirit.

• Bethany M

  
  Obviously nothing short of outstanding. But, I don't think I would call this the best film ever made.

• Idrees K

  
  No consensus yet, no consensus needed. Watch it...now

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  As a friend put it, Frank Darabont is the best at adapting Stephen King's work, and I couldn't agree more. I hate when people describe a film as "beautiful", but there's really no other way to put it. The Shawshank Redemption is a beautiful film. The movie is… More
  As a friend put it, Frank Darabont is the best at adapting Stephen King's work, and I couldn't agree more. I hate when people describe a film as "beautiful", but there's really no other way to put it. The Shawshank Redemption is a beautiful film. The movie is visually striking despite the lack of a rich palette, lavish sets or big costumes, and the camera work is perfect. I suppose it was a very inspiring story since it was penned by Stephen King, but it gains even more power with Frank Darabont's great script and directorial skill. A flawless film and a classic, anchored by great performances from its two leads: Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins.

• Daniel J D

  
  As much as I like to hate on Stephen King for some of the other films adapted from his work, there's always Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and maybe a few others that are genuinely good. More importantly, I've never actually read any of Stephen King's actual… More
  As much as I like to hate on Stephen King for some of the other films adapted from his work, there's always Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and maybe a few others that are genuinely good. More importantly, I've never actually read any of Stephen King's actual literature. That said, he and Frank Darabont make a good team. Darabont tends to scout out King's best work and great casts, and the casts seem to always come through and mesh.

• Dan S

  
  A solid, slightly over-rated film concerning a banker (Tim Robbins) sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit, and the troubles and experiences he encounters, as well as the friendships he forms with a weathered veteran of the prison (Morgan Freeman). At best, it is a searing… More
  A solid, slightly over-rated film concerning a banker (Tim Robbins) sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit, and the troubles and experiences he encounters, as well as the friendships he forms with a weathered veteran of the prison (Morgan Freeman). At best, it is a searing depiction of the corruption that sometimes goes on at the highest rankings (a disturbing turn from Bob Gunton as Warden Norton), as well as the ugliness that engulfs prison life. This is not a perfect movie, notably because it contains a useless section involving Robbins educating a troubled inmate, for the sole sake of showing just how corrupt the Warden is (but we already know he is, the story does not need to hammer it down anymore). The Bible-thumping Warden character is also the typical hypocrite that Hollywood loves to implement (Christians are all morons who go back on their word). With that said, the relationship that evolves between Robbins and Morgan is beautifully orchestrated, and the ending is undeniably fitting. It is just not the masterpiece many claim it to be, is all, but it is still a fine film.

• Unknown H

  
  Honestly who doesn't like this movie? I missed my school prom to finish reading the Stephen King novella in the Different Seasons compilation under its original title of Hope Springs Eternal - Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption and I have been sidetracked many a time by… More
  Honestly who doesn't like this movie? I missed my school prom to finish reading the Stephen King novella in the Different Seasons compilation under its original title of Hope Springs Eternal - Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption and I have been sidetracked many a time by the movie when I have been inclined to partake. One of Morgan Freeman's best roles by far and even though Red was supposed to be a white Irish man with red hair, I could not imagine neither the character in the book or on the screen, any different from Freeman. Tim Robbins is one of my favorite actors, allowing his calming voice and controlled body language to completely encapsulate Andy Dufresne in this movie. Charming, devestating and liberating I defy you not to enjoy it and how they ever got two odd hours out of a one hundred odd page novella I will never know.

• Sajin P

  
  Definitely one of the most overrated movies till date...The only reason I'm not categorizing this as a chick-flick, is because there ain't much chicks in the movie. Except for that, this had all the elements for the making of a classic chickflick. The movie intends to tell… More
  Definitely one of the most overrated movies till date...The only reason I'm not categorizing this as a chick-flick, is because there ain't much chicks in the movie. Except for that, this had all the elements for the making of a classic chickflick. The movie intends to tell the story of inmates in a Penitentiary, somewhat in the moulds of Alcatraz. Although the movie begins by depicting the cruelty of life inside prison, as the plot moved on, the prison life kind of got "cuter" and at the end, it looked more like a Holiday resort for the criminally insane. Morgan Freeman did excelled in his role as the repenting criminal, but Tim Robbins appeared dumbstruck throughout the movie. A warden and Captain, who runs the prison with an iron-fist, looked no different than the villaineous headmaster and dorm-keeper from an average highschool movie. For such an "acclaimed movie", there were too much of such one-dimensional characters to my liking. In between, when the the timeline of story jumps to decades ahead, audience feels less convinced, with the characters pretty much looking the same as before, wondering what kind of anti-aging treatments the inmates were getting there. The most hilarious scene was when the snob of a hero plays some classical ItalianOpera music to the inmates. This scene,were a bunch of gangsters and thugs,stands in ovation all dreamy-eyed, to the beauty of opera italiano, surpasses all other goofy scenes I've seen in any movie. After this, more trash, like digging a tunnel through the high-security prison with a pocket sized rock-hammer etc. did'nt sound far-fetched at all... The movie has been hailed as one of the best inspiring, motivational movie. Well, surely it can do wonders for the insomniacs..

• Sanjaya &

  
  No wonder this movie become everybody's favorite because I thought this movie really deserved it... Frank Darabont made a great adaptation movie from Stephen King's novel, yet he will continued his brilliant work with 'The Green Mile', and he collects a great cast… More
  No wonder this movie become everybody's favorite because I thought this movie really deserved it... Frank Darabont made a great adaptation movie from Stephen King's novel, yet he will continued his brilliant work with 'The Green Mile', and he collects a great cast such as Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and James Whitmore... I never watched a movie that focusing its story in a human freedom and friendship turns out to be a really good movie like this... Even I know some scenes were a little boring, but the whole movie it's brilliant... I really have no more compliment for this movie, just see how people and the critics love it was the proof that this movie was a great movie...

• Jameson W

  
  Outstanding! Brilliant! One of the best! 1994 will definitely reign as one of the strongest years for cinema during past few decades. Pulp Fiction, Shawshank, Forrest Gump....it was up against some brilliant films. But this film is very special. It's touching unlike so many… More
  Outstanding! Brilliant! One of the best! 1994 will definitely reign as one of the strongest years for cinema during past few decades. Pulp Fiction, Shawshank, Forrest Gump....it was up against some brilliant films. But this film is very special. It's touching unlike so many other films. With themes of hope, friendship, and courage, this film will touch me more and more no matter how many times I watch it. Strong performances, again, by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. Great, incredible, brilliant, masterpiece of a film!

• Richard C

  
  This movie was amazing. I knew it would be good but I didnt think it would be this good.It was just simply amazing. Just a masterpiece. I highly recommend you see this movie if you havent already. Its got an amazing story and the acting is also great. Theres nothing about this movie… More
  This movie was amazing. I knew it would be good but I didnt think it would be this good.It was just simply amazing. Just a masterpiece. I highly recommend you see this movie if you havent already. Its got an amazing story and the acting is also great. Theres nothing about this movie that I dont love. One of the greatest movie ever made. Grade: A

• Jeff "

  
  This is an excellent film. The acting is amazing and the story is full of drama. This is one of the best films I have ever seen. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins deliver strong performances, I highly recommend this film. The first time I watched this film I was literally speechless. I… More
  This is an excellent film. The acting is amazing and the story is full of drama. This is one of the best films I have ever seen. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins deliver strong performances, I highly recommend this film. The first time I watched this film I was literally speechless. I couldn't believe the power the film had. What's so great about the film is it's simplicity. The fact that they were able to pull off something so grand with such a simple story of two men finding redemption by common acts of kindness is superb. The Shawshank Redemption is one of the greatest and most inspirational films ever made. Every time I need uplifting, I watch this film, and I always feel better. The cast that Frank Darabont has assembled here is incredible. The films follows prisoner Andy Dufresne as he is incarcerated in Shawshank Penitentiary. What follows is Dufresne steadily becoming friends with other imates, most notably Boy "Red" Redding. The two men slowly build a strong friendship. Over the course of the film both men find redemption and become better people as Andy Dufresne gives much needed hope to Red. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman both deliver moving performances. The Shawshank Redemption is a special film with a strong message. This is what stuck with me. Anyone looking for something positive can find it watching The Shawshank Redemption. This is a masterwork of cinema, one may feel inclined not to watch it because of the simplistic storyline, but Frank Darabont manages to create something grand on screen, something that we all can relate to. This is definitely one of the greatest films ever made.

• Albert K

  
  Definitely is an overrated film, but it succeeds in what it does. Great movie.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings