The Shawshank Redemption Poster

The Shawshank Redemption

1994 142 min 9.3/10 Rated R
Director: Frank Darabont Writer: Stephen King (short story), Frank Darabont (screenplay) Release Date: October 14, 1994 Running Time: 2h 22m

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Plot Summary

Andy Dufresne, a successful banker, is wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. Sentenced to life in Shawshank prison, he befriends Red, an inmate serving a life sentence. Through quiet resolve and ingenuity, Andy transforms the prison from the inside and never loses hope.

Why You Should Watch

  • Ranked #1 on IMDb's Top 250 list
  • Masterclass in emotional storytelling and character development
  • Explores universal themes of hope, justice, and redemption
  • Unforgettable performances by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman
  • A must-watch for lovers of meaningful cinema

Cast

Tim Robbins
Andy Dufresne
Morgan Freeman
Ellis "Red" Redding
Bob Gunton
Warden Norton
William Sadler
Heywood

Review

The Shawshank Redemption is a cinematic gem. It delivers emotional depth, powerful acting, and a deeply satisfying narrative. It's a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. Freeman’s narration adds soul, and Darabont's direction elevates the source material to iconic status.

Did You Know?

  • Stephen King sold the story rights for just $5.
  • Filming took place at the Ohio State Reformatory, now a museum.
  • Despite poor box office performance, it found success through rentals and word-of-mouth.

Memorable Quotes

"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."
"Get busy living, or get busy dying."

What Viewers Say

  • "I've seen it a dozen times and still get chills every time."
  • "Not just a movie, it's a life lesson."
  • "Every scene is perfectly crafted. A true masterpiece."

Awards & Nominations

  • 7 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor (Morgan Freeman)
  • Won Best Picture from the American Society of Cinematographers
  • Preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry for its cultural significance

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