I love this film. It's a story about hope and dreams and one whose emotional impact is as great as the Pacific Ocean is blue.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 55
Fresh: 48
Rotten:7
Average Rating: 7.9/10
Synopsis: In writer-director Frank Darabont's THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murders of his wife and her lover in the late... In writer-director Frank Darabont's THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison for the murders of his wife and her lover in the late 1940s. However, only Andy knows that he didn't commit the crimes. Sent to Shawshank Prison to do hard time, Andy--a taciturn banker in the outside world--has to learn to get by in the brutal, cutthroat confines of prison life. His quiet strength slowly earns the respect of his fellow inmates--most notably, Red (Morgan Freeman)--and even much of the prison staff. But Andy's seemingly stoic acceptance of his unjust imprisonment hides a fierce determination for freedom. This beautifully crafted movie features touching and sincere performances from the entire cast, with an uplifting message about humanity's indomitable spirit and the redemptive value of hope. Based on the novella RITA HAYWORTH AND SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION by Stephen King, Darabont's intriguing adaptation is easily one of the finest films of the 1990s. [More]
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Clancy Brown, Bob Gunton
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Clancy Brown, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, James Whitmore, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston
Director: Frank Darabont
Director: Frank Darabont
Screenwriter: Frank Darabont
Story: Stephen King
Producer: Niki Marvin
Composer: Thomas Newman, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Reviews for The Shawshank Redemption
...itself a testament to overcoming odds. It is sentimental and stereotyped, yet we are able not only to suspend our disbelief but to root for it all the way.
...has certainly earned its reputation as one of the most effective prison movies in cinematic history...
It's an old-school melodrama at heart, sturdy and forthright and upstanding, but without a whisper of complexity or wit.
A 'life-affirming' tale about life imprisonment, The Shawshank Redemption is the kind of old-fashioned entertainment that is easily overvalued in an era of diminishing expectations.
A passing reference to 'The Count of Monte Cristo' offers a partial clue to what makes this movie compelling.
I have not read Stephen King's novella (his first non-horror), but some of the movie's deficiencies, such as the old-fashioned morality tale and portentous messge about camarderie and redemption--must have been in the source material.
...a throwback to the kind of serious, literate drama Hollywood used to make.
An amazing movie. Easily one of the best movies made during the 90s and definitely one of the top 'prison' movies of all-time. Pretty much everything about this movie works and works extremely well!
The Shawshank Redemption works not only as an excellent prison drama, but as a metaphor for overcoming our own private prisons.
The Shawshank Redemption is one of those films that is a true work of both art and magic.
It's a simple story elegantly, cleverly told, not to mention expertly acted.
Latest News for The Shawshank Redemption
July 02, 2008:
Total Recall: RT Celebrates the Bill of Rights
We the people of Rotten Tomatoes, in order to make this Independence Day more perfect, do ordain and establish this Total Recall as a cinematic tribute to the Bill of Rights. More...
May 15, 2008:
Cannes 2008: Darabont Back Behind Bars
Frank Darabont is heading back to prison for a crime thriller that is selling international rights in Cannes this week.
More...
November 30, 2007:
Frank Darabont and Stephen King Reteam for Long Walk
Directing three Stephen King movies (four, if you count an early short film) wasn't enough for Frank Darabont. Perhaps cinema's biggest fan of the horror author, the Mist... More...
November 21, 2007:
Box Office Guru Preview: Enchanted Leads Packed Holiday Weekend
This weekend For the first time this decade, a new release seems set to take over the number one spot during the busy Thanksgiving holiday weekend at the North American box... More...
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