Details
Movie Description
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.
Synopsis
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.
Film Notes
Theatrical realease: September 23, 1994.
Shot in Ohio and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The script didn't originally call for a black man in Morgan Freeman's role. However, director Frank Darabont thought it would be funny not to cut a line that seemed to indicate the original intentions: When Tim Robbins's character asks Morgan Freeman why he's called Red, Freeman answers, "Maybe it's because I'm Irish," then gives Robbins a quizzical look and a wink.
The role of Tommy Williams (played by Gil Bellows) was originally intended for Brad Pitt.
Darabont's following film, THE GREEN MILE, is also based on Stephen King tale involving a prison setting.
Industry Reviews
"...Undeniably powerful and moving..."
Rolling Stone - p.81 - Peter Travers (10/06/1994)
"...A slow, gentle story of camaraderie....THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION has its own brand of iconoclasm..."
New York Times - p.C3 - Janet Maslin (09/23/1994)
"...[The pairing of Freeman and Robbins] sparks moments of true grace and emotion..."
Premiere - p.145 - Josh Rottenberg (04/01/1995)
"...Extremely satisfying entertainment....[A] provisional masterpiece..." -- Rating: A-
Entertainment Weekly - pp.100-1 - Glenn Kenny (04/07/1995)
"...THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION creates a warm hold on our feelings....It is deeper than most films; about continuity in a lifetime based on friendship and hope..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (10/17/1999)
"...Robbins and Freeman are superb, the dialogue sparse and poetic..."
Total Film - Andy Lowe (08/01/2000)
Quotations
"I'm a regular Sears and Roebuck"--Red (Morgan Freeman), the man on the inside who "knows how to get things"
"First you hate 'em. Then you get used to 'em. After long enough, you get so you depend on 'em. That's institutionalized."--Red, referring to the prison walls
"The funny thing is--on the outside, I was an honest man, straight as an arrow. I had to come to prison to be a crook."--Andy (Tim Robbins)
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