The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Frank Darabont's landmark prison drama about hope, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit — widely regarded as one of cinema's greatest achievements.
The Shawshank Redemption - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Shawshank Redemption
- Release Year: 1994
- Directed by: Frank Darabont
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 22m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 23, 1994 (Mexico - B), October 14, 1994 (United States - R), February 17, 1995 (United Kingdom - 15), March 9, 1995 (Germany - 12), March 1, 1995 (France - TP), October 14, 1994 (India - U), February 16, 1995 (Australia - MA 15+), March 17, 1995 (Brazil - 16), February 10, 1995 (Italy - T), February 24, 1995 (Spain - 12), January 28, 1995 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Искупление Шоушенком (RU), Бекство из Шошенка (RS), Homot Shel Tikva (IL), 쇼생크 탈출 (KR), Gaqceva shoushenkidan (GE), 肖申克的救赎 (CN), Skazani na Shawshank (PL), Rita Hayworth - nyckel till flykten (SE)
- Production Companies: Castle Rock Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Shawshank Redemption - Plot
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.
The Shawshank Redemption - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what makes this story so enduringly powerful:
Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.
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The Shawshank Redemption - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Frank Darabont
Main Cast
- Tim Robbins
- Morgan Freeman
- Bob Gunton
- William Sadler
- Clancy Brown
- Gil Bellows
- James Whitmore
- Mark Rolston
- Jeffrey DeMunn
- Larry Brandenburg
Writers
- Frank Darabont
Producers
- Niki Marvin
The Shawshank Redemption - FAQs
Is The Shawshank Redemption based on a true story?
No, The Shawshank Redemption is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Stephen King's 1982 novella 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption,' published in the collection Different Seasons. The characters Andy Dufresne and Red are entirely fictional creations.
Where can you stream The Shawshank Redemption?
The Shawshank Redemption is available to stream on AMC, Philo, YouTube TV, AMC+ (Amazon Channel and Roku Premium Channel). It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for current regional availability.
What is The Shawshank Redemption about?
The film follows Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongfully imprisoned for murdering his wife and her lover in the 1940s. Inside Shawshank prison, he befriends fellow inmate Red and endures brutal conditions while maintaining hope, ultimately exposing corruption and engineering a remarkable escape.
What is the ending of The Shawshank Redemption explained?
Andy escapes Shawshank by crawling through a sewage tunnel he spent years secretly digging, then exposes Warden Norton's corruption. Red, finally paroled, violates his parole conditions to travel to Mexico, where he reunites with Andy on a sun-drenched beach — a hard-won triumph of hope over despair.
Who are the main actors in The Shawshank Redemption?
The Shawshank Redemption stars Tim Robbins as wrongfully convicted banker Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis 'Red' Redding, his trusted friend and narrator. The supporting cast includes Bob Gunton as the corrupt Warden Norton, Clancy Brown as the brutal Captain Hadley, and James Whitmore as the elderly Brooks.
Did The Shawshank Redemption win any awards?
The Shawshank Redemption received seven Academy Award nominations in 1995, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Morgan Freeman, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Frank Darabont, but won none. Despite modest box office returns, it has since become one of the highest-rated films in cinema history on IMDb.
Who directed The Shawshank Redemption?
The Shawshank Redemption was written and directed by Frank Darabont, marking his feature directorial debut. Darabont adapted the screenplay from Stephen King's novella and went on to direct two more King adaptations: The Green Mile (1999) and The Mist (2007).
What is the age rating for The Shawshank Redemption?
The Shawshank Redemption is rated R in the United States by the MPA. The rating reflects the film's depictions of prison violence, sexual assault, strong language, and mature thematic content. It is generally considered appropriate for viewers aged 17 and older.
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