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The Shawshank Redemption Movie Poster
Plot, Details & Awards

The Shawshank Redemption

Rated R for language and prison violence.

R In Theaters 09/23/1994 , 142min.
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Plot & Details

In 1946, a banker named Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is convicted of a double murder, even though he stubbornly proclaims his innocence. He's sentenced to a life term at the Shawshank State Prison in Maine, where another lifer, Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), picks him as the new recruit most likely to crack under the pressure. The ugly realities of prison life are quickly introduced to Andy: a corrupt warden (Bob Gunton), sadistic guards led by Capt. Byron Hadley (Clancy Brown), and inmates who are little better than animals, willing to use rape or beatings to insure their dominance. But Andy does not crack: he has the hope of the truly innocent, which (together with his smarts) allow him to prevail behind bars. He uses his banking skills to win favor with the warden and the guards, doing the books for Norton's illegal business schemes and keeping an eye on the investments of most of the prison staff. In exchange, he is able to improve the prison library and bring some dignity and respect back to many of the inmates, including Red. Based on a story by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption was the directorial debut of screenwriter Frank Darabont.
  • MPAA Rating: R
  • Genre(s): Drama
  • Run Time: 142min.
  • Theatrical Release Date: 09/23/1994
  • DVD Release Date: 12/21/1999
  • Status: In Theaters
  • Distributor(s): Warner Bros.
  • Director(s): Frank Darabont
  • Starring: Tim Robbins , Morgan Freeman , Bob Gunton , Bill Sadler , Clancy Brown
  • Themes: Escape From Prison,Redemption,Unlikely Friendships,Prison Life,Miscarriage of Justice
  • Tone: Compassionate,Reflective,Sentimental,Talky,Warm,Earnest
  • Keywords: imprisonment,imprisonment-false,murder,prison-escape,prison-official,social-outcast,socialization,warden,wife
  • Country of Origin: USA - Limited (09-23-1994),USA - Expanding (10-07-1994)
  • Language: English

Awards

Academy Awards

Year Award CategoryCast & Crew Result
1994 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Sound Robert J. Litt Nominated
1994 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Sound Michael Herbick Nominated
1994 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Editing Richard Francis-Bruce Nominated
1994 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Sound Elliot Tyson Nominated
1994 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Score Thomas Newman Nominated
1994 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Actor Morgan Freeman Nominated
1994 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Cinematography Roger Deakins Nominated
1994 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Picture Niki Marvin Nominated
1994 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Adapted Screenplay Frank Darabont Nominated
1994 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Sound Willie D. Burton Nominated

Golden Globes

Year Award CategoryCast & Crew Result
1994 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy Morgan Freeman Nominated
1994 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Best Screenplay Frank Darabont Nominated
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