Freeman plays "Red" Redding, a lifer who knows the ropes at Maine's Shawshank State Prison. Robbins is new inmate Andy Dufresne, a quiet banker unjustly convicted of murder. Andy's indomitable will earns Red's friendship; his resourcefulness brings hope and change to the entire prison. Andy is full of surprises - and he saves his best for last. Written and directed by Frank Darabont (The Green Mile), The Shawshank Redemption is an "engrossing, superbly acted yarn" (Tom Charity, Time Out Film Guide).
 
"Two thumbs up!"  Siskel & Ebert
"A mighty movie...superbly written and directed."  The Today Show
"A Monumental Achievement!"  Rod Lurie, Los Angeles Times
"...Freeman is simply miraculous, giving the role so much depth, dignity, and good humor that you feel that you've known this man forever."  David Sterritt, Christian Science Monitor
"At times poignant, joyful, and terrifying, Shawshank Redemption is an altogether brilliant movie and the debut of an equally brilliant director."  Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle
"Robbins and Freeman connect with the bruised souls of Andy and Red to create something undeniably powerful and moving."  Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"A mighty movie...superbly written and directed."  Today
 


Editor's Note

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.


Plot Summary

When an innocent man is sentenced to life in prison for murder, he thinks his life is over. However, despite years of brutal incarceration, his indomitable spirit makes him an inspiration to everyone he encounters.