IMDb > The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption
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The Shawshank Redemption (1994) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
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Director:
Frank Darabont
Writers (WGA):
Stephen King (short story "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption")
Frank Darabont (screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Shawshank Redemption on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
23 September 1994 (USA) more
Genre:
Crime | Drama more
Tagline:
Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
Plot:
Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
Nominated for 7 Oscars. Another 11 wins & 13 nominations more
User Comments:
The best story ever told on film more (2199 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption (USA) (working title)
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MPAA:
Rated R for language and prison violence.
Runtime:
142 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Colour:
Colour (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Dolby Digital
Filming Locations:
Ashland, Ohio, USA more

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Heywood and Floyd are the names of two Shawshank inmates. Heywood Floyd was the main character in 2010 (1984). more
Goofs:
Anachronisms: When Tommy goes out into the yard to talk to Warden Norton, Warden Norton offers him a cigarette. The pack of Marlboros that he offers him has Marlboro Miles on them, which weren't around until the '90s. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
District Attorney: Mr. Dufresne, describe the confrontation you had with your wife the night that she was murdered.
Andy Dufresne: It was very bitter. She said she was glad I knew, that she hated all the sneaking around. And she said that she wanted a divorce in Reno.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "My Name Is Earl: Get a Real Job (#2.22)" (2007) more
Soundtrack:
Lovesick Blues more

FAQ

How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?
What song does Andy play on the speakers when he is in the Warden's office?
Why does Andy lock the guard in the bathroom while he plays the Mozart record?
more
689 out of 901 people found the following comment useful.
The best story ever told on film, 3 August 2001
8/10
Author: Si Cole

I believe that this film is the best story ever told on film, and I'm about to tell you why.

Tim Robbins plays Andy Dufresne, a city banker, wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. He is sent to Shawshank Prison in 1947 and receives a double life sentence for the crime. Andy forms an unlikely friendship with "Red" (Morgan Freeman), the man who knows how to get things. Andy faces many trials in prison, but forms an alliance with the wardens because he is able to use his banking experience to help the corrupt officials amass personal fortunes. The story unfolds....

I was so impressed with how every single subplot was given a great deal of respect and attention from the director. The acting was world-class. I have never seen Tim Robbins act as well since, Morgan Freeman maybe (e.g. Seven). The twists were unexpected, an although this film had a familiar feel, it wasn't even slightly pretentious or cliched, it was original. The cinematography was grand and expressive. It gave a real impression of the sheer magnitude of this daunting prison.

But the one thing which makes THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION stand above all other films, is the attention given to the story. The film depends on the story and the way in which it unravels. It's a powerful, poignant, thought-provoking, challenging film like no other. If Andy were to comment on this film, I think he might say: "Get busy watching, or get busy dying." Take his advice.

Thoroughly recommended.

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What film do you think should be #1? Jay-Dezo
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Film was very similar to The Count of Monte Cristo (novel) criticandactivist
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Plot hole? MrPink08
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