The Shawshank Redemption
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.
Critics Sentiment
Red finds Andy on the beach in Zihuatanejo Mexico
Norton has Hadley kill Tommy to silence him
The film surges from Tommy's devastating murder to the triumphant escape revelation, representing the ultimate victory of hope over despair.
The Shawshank Redemption maintains consistently high sentiment throughout, building from a strong opening through the transcendent Mozart scene to an absolutely perfect ending. Critics consistently praise the film's themes of hope and friendship, with particular acclaim for the escape revelation and beach reunion. Even the film's darkest moments are appreciated for their narrative necessity and emotional impact.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 59
Tim Robbins
Andy Dufresne
Morgan Freeman
Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding
Bob Gunton
Warden Norton
William Sadler
Heywood
Clancy Brown
Captain Byron T. Hadley
Gil Bellows
Tommy
James Whitmore
Brooks Hatlen
Mark Rolston
Bogs Diamond
Jeffrey DeMunn
1946 D.A.
Larry Brandenburg
Skeet
Neil Giuntoli
Jigger
Brian Libby
Floyd
David Proval
Snooze
Joseph Ragno
Ernie
Jude Ciccolella
Guard Mert
Paul McCrane
Guard Trout
Renee Blaine
Andy Dufresne's Wife
Scott Mann
Glenn Quentin
John Horton
1946 Judge
Gordon Greene
1947 Parole Hearings Man
Crew
Write a Review
Rate each story beat:
