The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Imprisoned in the 1940s for the double murder of his wife and her lover, upstanding banker Andy Dufresne begins a new life at the Shawshank prison, where he puts his accounting skills to work for an amoral warden. During his long stretch in prison, Dufresne comes to be admired by the other inmates -- including an older prisoner named Red -- for his integrity and unquenchable sense of hope.
Details
Budget
$25,000,000
Rating
9/10 (27917 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Castle Rock Entertainment
About The Shawshank Redemption
Set in the 1940s, "The Shawshank Redemption" follows Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongly convicted of murder. Sentenced to two life terms at Shawshank State Prison, Andy navigates the harsh realities of prison life, including corrupt guards and fellow inmates. Despite the grim circumstances, he maintains a sense of hope and forms a close friendship with Ellis 'Red' Redding.
The film explores themes of endurance, the search for freedom, and the power of hope, even within a restrictive environment. Andy uses his financial skills to gain a unique position within the prison hierarchy, which allows him some influence. His journey is a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere against injustice and the potential for unexpected connections in adversity.
"The Shawshank Redemption" is a crime drama based on a Stephen King novella. It has received high ratings from critics and audiences, earning an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 9.3 on IMDb. Its popularity endures, often appearing on lists of top films, suggesting its narrative of resilience resonates widely.
Why you might be searching for The Shawshank Redemption
People often search for "The Shawshank Redemption" to recall specific scenes, like Andy Dufresne's prison escape or the iconic friendship between Andy and Red. Many are also curious about the film's consistent high ranking on 'best movies of all time' lists.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted the film's quiet release in 1994, which gave no indication of its future critical acclaim, explaining that Oscar nominations later sparked interest during its home entertainment release.
Read the full reviewA reviewer credits the film's consistent appearance on popular movie lists to strong performances from its lead actors and a compelling storyline adapted from Stephen King, suggesting it offers enough drama and depth for a wide audience.
Read the full reviewOne viewer expressed continued bewilderment at the film's persistent presence on 'best-movies-of-all-time' lists, despite acknowledging its great story, perfect cast, and moving qualities, feeling that many other films are equally good.
Read the full reviewA reviewer commented that the film is not entirely predictable because Andy's true intentions are only revealed at the end, and there were no hints earlier in the movie.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can watch *The Shawshank Redemption* on Netflix, Apple TV, or purchase it on Digital and 4K UHD Blu-ray. [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70005379), [Apple TV](https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-shawshank-redemption/umc.cmc.459n4f98t82t8ommdoa7ebnny), [WarnerBros.com](https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/shawshank-redemption)
No, *The Shawshank Redemption* is not based on a true story. It is based on Stephen King's 1982 novella titled *Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption*. [AFI|Catalog](https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/MovieDetailsPrintView/55199), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shawshank_Redemption)
Andy Dufresne escapes from Shawshank prison after nearly two decades by digging a tunnel and crawling through a sewage pipe, taking with him evidence of the warden's corruption. He then assumes a new identity, withdraws the laundered money, and mails the incriminating ledger to a newspaper, leading to the warden's suicide and the arrest of a guard. Later, his friend Red is paroled and, following a promise to Andy, finds a hidden letter and money, allowing him to violate parole and reunite with Andy on a beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shawshank_Redemption), [AFI|Catalog](https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/MovieDetailsPrintView/55199)
*The Shawshank Redemption* is widely considered worth watching, earning an 89% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an "A" grade from audiences polled by CinemaScore. Reviewers have compared it to other well-regarded prison dramas, praising its inspiring and uplifting qualities. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shawshank_Redemption), [Apple TV](https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the_shawshank_redemption/umc.cmc.459n4f98t82t8ommdoa7ebnny)