The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency.

Director:

Frank Darabont

Writers:

Stephen King (short story "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption"), Frank Darabont (screenplay)

Stars:

Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton

Top Rated Movies #1 | Nominated for 7 Oscars. Another 19 wins & 30 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tim Robbins	...	Andy Dufresne
Morgan Freeman	...	Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding
Bob Gunton	...	Warden Norton
William Sadler	...	Heywood
Clancy Brown	...	Captain Hadley
Gil Bellows	...	Tommy
Mark Rolston	...	Bogs Diamond
James Whitmore	...	Brooks Hatlen
Jeffrey DeMunn	...	1946 D.A.
Larry Brandenburg	...	Skeet
Neil Giuntoli	...	Jigger
Brian Libby	...	Floyd
David Proval	...	Snooze
Joseph Ragno	...	Ernie
Jude Ciccolella	...	Guard Mert

Storyline

Chronicles the experiences of a formerly successful banker as a prisoner in the gloomy jailhouse of Shawshank after being found guilty of a crime he did not commit. The film portrays the man's unique way of dealing with his new, torturous life; along the way he befriends a number of fellow prisoners, most notably a wise long-term inmate named Red.

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Plot Keywords:

wrongful imprisonment | prison | escape from prison | prison cell search | first person narration | 

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Taglines:

Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and prison violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 October 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

Filming Locations:

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Box Office

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$28,341,469 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Castle Rock Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

142 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Stephen King has considered this to be one of his favorite film adaptations based on his own work.

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Goofs

Circa 1963, Heywood is shown listening to the record "24 of Hank Williams' Greatest Hits", released in 1970.

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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.

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Crazy Credits

The man who cried and was beaten when Andy first arrived is listed and credited as "Fat Ass" -- the other inmates' nickname for him.

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Connections

Spoofed in Mafia II (2010)

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Soundtracks

Lovesick Blues
by Cliff Friend and Irving Mills
Performed by Hank Williams
Courtesy of PolyGram Special Markets

User Reviews

Powerful

One of my all time favorites. Shawshank Redemption is a very moving story about hope and the power of friendship. The cast is first rate with everyone giving a great performance. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman carry the movie, but Bob Gunton and Clancy Brown are perfect as the Warden Norton and prison guard captain Hadley respectively. And James Whitmore's portrail of an elderly inmate Brooks is moving. The screenplay gives almost every actor at least one or more memorable lines through out the film. As well as a very surprising "twist" near the end that almost knocked me out of my chair. If you have not seen this movie rent it or better yet buy it. As I bet you'll want to see this one more than once.