User Score
9.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 289 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 13 out of 289

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  1. Nov 3, 2010
    10
    One of the best movies of all time. Don't deprive yourself of the pleasure of watching such a stellar movie. Go now and watch this movie if you have never seen it. Perfect casting, amazing story, emotional performances. Just perfect.
  2. Dec 30, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So, so, so good. The adaptation of the Stephen King novel is so entertaining, filled with interesting dialogue and plot twists. A pretty much perfect prison film. Great performances by Robbins and Freeman. One moment really got to me: the moment when Andy crawls out of the sewer tunnel and stares up at the sky in the rain. Such a glorious moment of triumph, I wanted to stand up and scream "Yes!". This movie truly depicted that prison life in the fifties was just as hard for new prisoners as it is implied today. The movie didn't sugar coat Andy's prison life. A great movie full of great writing and performances that the first time you watch it, it will instantly be fortified as a great movie classic. Expand
  3. Sep 10, 2011
    9
    "Shawshank Redemption", a sensational movie containing a strong plot, powerful performances, and the ultimate theme of good and evil, is a masterpiece.
  4. Robert
    Dec 30, 2002
    10
    One of my personal favorite movies of all time. Far from being boring or slow, this movie made the 2+ hours pass in a flash. Robbins and Freeman are both incredible in their roles.
    • 2 of 2 users said yes
  5. BennyM
    Feb 8, 2009
    3
    Extremely overrated. Morgan Freeman gave a nice performance however Tim Robbins possessed no emotion whatsoever and I cared little if even at all for any of the characters. Not particularly well written with a warm message that is delivered over an overly long period of time.
    • 2 of 30 users said yes
  6. Aug 27, 2010
    10
    This movie makes being cliche look badass, and is so well constructed on top of that, you pretty much have to give it credit as one of the movie masterpieces of our time. But seriously, it's not the greatest movie ever made *cough*imdb*cough*
  7. May 2, 2011
    10
    One of my favorite movies of all time. One of the best feel good movies around and also a dramatic masterpiece. A nice break from the horror adaptations of Stephen Kings books.
  8. Dec 27, 2011
    10
    One of the greatest prison movies of all time (along with The Green Mile), and one of the greatest movies of all time in General. The performances are stellar, the plot is sensational and moving. The Shawshank Redemption is Morgan Freeman's masterpiece. As the cover says, "Fear can hold you prisoner, hope can set you free."
  9. ConnorC
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    The greatest movie in the world may have been depressing in some parts, but it has such a good story. The seven ocars it was nominated for, should have been won to it.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  10. PeterJ.
    May 29, 2002
    10
    Perhaps my favourite movie of all time. Absolutely brilliant.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  11. VinceB.
    Apr 6, 2003
    10
    I can watch it over and over, great characters.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  12. JacobM.
    May 22, 2005
    10
    An incredible movie, should have gotten better than its 80/100 from critics... I was surprised.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  13. troyp
    Jan 2, 2010
    10
    The shawshank redemption is a brilliant film that is beautifly acted with and insiring and uplifting message message of hope. in my opiniun the film should have at least one oscar to show for it's brilliance. it is truly sad that know one could see how superior shawshank is to the wearisome forrest gump. i think that if shawshank had been realeased more recently it would have hands down won best picture it is one of the few films that are worthy of being called perfect Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  14. NateW.
    Oct 23, 2002
    10
    Incredible.....the music, acting, story, and the overwhelming message that there is always hope in any situation.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  15. JacquiC.
    Jul 4, 2007
    9
    A seriously good film bringing more meaning into how important life out of prison really is and yet how scary anything all the way to being a grocer assistant can be, especially for ex-cons. This movie was studied by my English class in high school everything even down to the lighting cues and the heightened sounds resembles power: who can dominate and who can't. Outstanding Movie, stinks that they had to add the extra bit at the end, the original ending was way better. but fine, shows you that critics comments do play vital parts on a movies wellbeing. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. barry
    Aug 2, 2005
    2
    Easily the most over-rated movie ever. Wooden, cliched, un-realistic.
    • 0 of 5 users said yes
  17. LindaC.
    Mar 4, 2006
    10
    Simply the best movie ever. Perfect!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. WilliamT
    Jan 7, 2008
    9
    Brings Stephen King's novella to life and even better. The Shawshank Redemption is a fantastic movie and rightfully belongs in the list of The Greatest Movies of all time.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. ReeceD
    Mar 25, 2009
    9
    Although it does seem to go on for too long, there is that much to it that you miss some of it on the first time you watch it. The ending isn't clear until it actually happens, whereas in most films you can usually guess what will happen. The cleverness behind it all still amazes me every time I watch it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. raVen
    Nov 2, 2003
    9
    (9.5) If you like a movie that makes you hate the world and/or feel stupid for watching it, this movie is not for you. If, on the other hand, you think there might be the teeniest hope for humanity yet--by all means, watch this movie again and again.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. Zookk
    Jan 18, 2003
    10
    One of the most gripping.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  22. EricS.
    Aug 1, 2003
    10
    My most favorite movie. Never tire seeing it again and again.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  23. YoonC.
    Sep 15, 2003
    4
    Way too manipulative from start to finish though well-crafted in most aspects. If you want some schlocky moral sermon to be whispered into your ears and want a nice warm hug and a big fat juicy kiss to be reminded that bad guys get their comeuppance and good guys end up in paradise, this is for you.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  24. Uter
    Sep 7, 2003
    10
    It's one of the best movies ever made, but the dvd extras are lacking. I'm surprised there hasn't been a re-release by now.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  25. PatC.
    Jan 16, 2004
    10
    This film is so insistent in its approach and pervasive in its factual appearance that critiquing it would in some manner have to involve cheap shots. It's manipulative, and perhaps Dufresne could have been better played, but the values the film intends to actualize are presented so precisely that it is my advisory to suspend judgement. Not that it's a perfect film, but as a whole it's so much greater than the sum of its parts. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  26. D.J.Skippen
    Jun 1, 2004
    10
    Good.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  27. RobertH.
    Jul 20, 2004
    10
    The best movie of all time.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  28. Daz
    Aug 4, 2004
    10
    One of the best movies ever made. I saw this on the day it came out having heard nothing about it except it was nominated for about 7 oscars. It completely blew me away and for weeks i couldn't stop talking about it. If this had been properly advertised it would have made 5 times what it did. I'm not surprised that in most recent polls it comes in the top 3 best movies ever. If i could give it 11 out of 10 i would. If i could recommend to you one movie you MUST see before you die it is this one. Beg, borrow, rent or buy but WATCH THIS MOVIE. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  29. JanethM
    Jun 3, 2005
    10
    The BEST movie I have ever seen. If you have not seen it, go rent it NOW. Andy Dufresne is the bomb!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  30. JorisV.
    Aug 7, 2006
    8
    Beautiful. Very good, but not exceptional. 8,5 really.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  31. SophieB
    Oct 7, 2007
    10
    This is my favourite movie of all time. I absolutely adore it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  32. Robin
    May 8, 2007
    9
    Lots of different issues can be raised from this one movie; corruption, the judicial system, prison life, life after prison, love, human rights, education, determination, hope, security.....the movie is full of meaning. Dufresne the character, is so interesting, it makes the movie an interesting watch.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  33. KraigJ.
    Jun 1, 2007
    9
    An excellent, near perfect film which helps show us that there can be good in anybody, you finish it feeling all warm inside.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  34. KeirB.
    Jul 12, 2008
    10
    "The Shawshank Redemption" is one of those rare films that ages better with time. People talk about this film more now than when it was released in 1994. The acting, writing, cinematography, direction, music, editing and everything else makes this as close to a perfect film as you can get. The themes of redemption, fear, and ultimately hope are universal. "Forrest Gump" is a great film, but this SHOULD have won Best Picture. Unforgettable and beautiful. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  35. CallumW
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    This film is the pinnacle of entertainment. This is raw acting with no special effects yet it's better than most films that come out today because the performances. Completely essential. Plus, I love the ending as it is one of the greatest twists in cinema.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  36. RobS
    Jul 13, 2009
    10
    I laugh at people that denote this move, "over-rated." I have seen some high quality movies through my long journey with life, and Shawshank Redemption is by far the best I have ever had the privilege of having a gander at. The twists and turns of the movie inspire and transpire emotions that can only be explained through high production values and excellent writing. The musical score is on par with some of the best films every created. It's too bad some folk resort to hating on popular films, no matter how great, for the sake of being rebellious towards the movie. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  37. marko
    Jul 16, 2009
    10
    Some say it goes on too long, i say it was too short... in a word, beautiful.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  38. JanD
    Sep 7, 2009
    10
    "The Shawshank Redemption" is one of those rare films, where you can tell from the opening credits, the first chords of the soundtrack and the first voice-over line from Morgan Freeman, that you're about to witness a movie of exceptional quality. The story, the characters, the accompanying (and at times) solemn soundtrack: each component strengthens and supports the other, the grand total making it an excellent movie. Love it or hate it: It's the stuff that classics are made of. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  39. zackm
    Jan 2, 2010
    10
    The movie is brilliantly acted with and equally well written screenplay and plot. it has an inspiring message of hope and a suprising twist at the end. so benny m. you can screw yourself OKAY!!!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  40. JackG
    Apr 24, 2010
    10
    Shawshank Redemption is one of the greatest films of all time, and certainly the greatest picture I've ever had the pleasure of viewing. The storyline takes you from rock bottom to possibly the most rewarding, perfect ending ever - without being tacky or direct; the film is an eloquent masterpiece, and one you will never forget.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  41. GilbertMulroneycakesSavesTheWorldFromTheEvilCurseO
    Nov 27, 2002
    10
    Wow - a near three-hour movie that bears constant rewatching. A true classic.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  42. JocelynP.
    Jan 29, 2002
    10
    The best film in the last 10 years. So what if it's a little sentimental?? It's just great storytelling.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  43. MarkE.
    Mar 20, 2002
    10
    Great movie about prison life, also great characters in Red and Andy Dufresne. Also great acting especially by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  44. ChadH.
    Jun 1, 2002
    10
    No perhaps about it, it IS my favorite movie of all time. Victimized at the box office only by its difficult-to-market name, this should have been more successful. As it worked out, it became hidden gem that really only got respect through word-of-mouth video rentals and on television. There's a reason this one shows up 10 times a week on cable: it's a true classic, a masterfully told story about the human spirit. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  45. Marc-o
    Oct 23, 2003
    10
    This deserves more than a rating. i have watched this movie a over 20 times in the 9 years since its release and this movie if no ther shows just how crappy Oscars and other awards are as this should be heralded for what it is: a modern cinema classic, i have yet to meet one person who disliked it, Robbins reserved Brilliance and Freeman just seems to be a testament to the wisdom of age. If you haven't seen this film then shame on you. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  46. SantinoS.
    May 9, 2003
    9
    As good or great as this movie is a lot of people tend to overlook 1 major flaw,i.e the very pc race relations potrayed which make this film a little inauthentic,there isn't even a hint of racism in the movie and considering the time period this movie is set in,america from the late 40's to the late 60's,it feels the director and writer darabont did not want to bring up the racism issue in order to dilute the feel good factor of the film, hence the race relations in this film feel fake. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  47. DaveM.
    Jan 27, 2004
    10
    It's good.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  48. RezaI.
    May 16, 2004
    10
    My favorite movie of all time.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  49. AndrewM.
    May 17, 2004
    9
    This film can be summed up in one word (or several similar adjectives): resplendent! It is so well conceived, developed and confirmed that unless you were bored by it (!!!) you could not rate it any other way. A totally immersing and rousing movie that is one of the finest films I have seen. My belief in this is strengthened by the fact everyone I know feels the same way.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  50. ChanB.
    May 29, 2004
    10
    Amazinnggg!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  51. MattyG.
    Aug 11, 2004
    9
    A truly superb movie, that is only let down by the over-optimistic ending. True, characters from the novella are condensed, eliminated or changed, but usually for the better. Still, I feel that the movie should have ended about five minutes before it did (with Red still on the road).
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  52. IanP.
    Aug 22, 2004
    10
    This film is infinitly watchable again & again. Word of mouth made me watch this movie, an A+ classic.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  53. EricM
    Jan 25, 2005
    10
    I saw this movie when it first came out in the theaters and evey since I have considered it my personal favorite movie ever!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  54. JodiC.
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    Spectacular!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  55. AngelV.
    May 12, 2005
    10
    La mejor película de todos los tiempos (The best film of all time).
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  56. patrickd.
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    I didnt enjoy it as much as I should of, but I know this is a great film.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  57. Mr.Hankey
    Apr 20, 2006
    10
    This movie is beautiful, genius and brutal. It shows what prison life is like at the time which may not be innovative because obviously it has been done before but it still is a movie that is lightened up by the superb and versatile actings of Tim Robbins (Andy Dufrane) and Morgan Freeman (Redd). The movie is sad and long but shows that if you live in prison you are still just trying to live the life you already had. The movie is a jolly tale of friendship, violence (including torture and isolation) and last but not least genius. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  58. RobertR.
    Jun 17, 2006
    10
    Just a great inspirational movie about the power of hope. This grown man cries everytime I see it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  59. LeeM.
    Jun 21, 2006
    10
    i cant believe this film is not in the all time top 10 this is a truely great film with a great feel good ending, morgan freeman is immense!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  60. CL
    Sep 11, 2006
    10
    This movie is possibly the most moving movie I ever watched. I think Morgan Freeman really made this movie what it is, with one of his best performances ever.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  61. Aimz
    Nov 20, 2007
    10
    Grim though an uplifting movie... an amazing like fairytale of incarceration and emancipation. Brillant! Morgan freeman is an absolute legend.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  62. BlakeO.
    Mar 28, 2007
    10
    The Shawshank Redemption is a powerful and uplifting, not to mention Oscar-worthy film. In 2006, it was ranked as the greatest film ever by Empire, a film magazine. The year it came out it was nominated for 7 academy awards but did not win a single one because of a movie you may all remember, Forrest Gump. The success of Gump may have overshadowed this movie in the 90’s but as one of the greatest films of all time, I believe everyone needs to see this movie again. I’m not talking of the edited for television version but the real film, uncut. The movie was based on a book by Stephen King titled Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, and was part of a collection of novels including The Body from which the movie Stand by Me was made. This was an amazing collection of stories by one of the greatest authors of our time. Known for his horror flicks, these two movies show that he can write novels to reach out to a much wider audience. Shawshank Redemption as a movie made me think so much for each of its characters that I can’t explain the love I have for this movie. Most people have only seen it on television and I think they should really give the film a look because it is so much more than what is shown on cable. The film is about Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) who is wrongfully convicted of a double homicide and sentenced to life in prison. The story is of a man’s will to right his life no matter what it takes and not be confined to this prison any longer. In prison Andy meets Red (Morgan Freeman) and befriends him quickly, Red can get you things in prison and Andy needs not much, but very important things. With such quality acting to go along with such a fabulous storyline, the movie sucks you in until you begin to feel for these men. Not just the main characters but everyone, for you begin to believe that these characters are much more than that, they are real, they sometimes even begin to feel so close as family. This movie, like Stand by Me is not a typical King story either. Most people expect the blood and horror that he is typically associated with but this is not the case, this is more of a thought-provoking film which shows the ins and outs of prison life, both the bad and the ugly. At times you can feel the frustration of these prisoners, especially in Red when being turned down for yet another chance at parole. When Red and Andy begin talking of where it is they would call paradise, you begin to find yourself lost in thought of how nice it will be to finally get there. This movie is much more than just a prison movie; it really brings to perspective what this lifestyle can be like with corruption and even with the innocence. While the ending may seem cliché you can see the details of their lives so much more than what might be expected, you feel that you can finally rest because its all over, there is no more anticipation of what could be or what might be. The stories of the prison, of the prisoners and the guards, and even the story of the warden are all just stories. They help you get through to the end, the true meaning, “Fear can hold you prisoner, Hope can set you Free.” Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  63. JessB.
    Sep 22, 2007
    10
    This movie is the one that if I see a 1/2 second on TV, I can't change the channel. Morgan Freeman is incredible, his best preformance I have seen from him. Tim Robbins plays Andy well as a man suffering the "time and pressure aspect of prison. The supporting cast is so good. They really make the movie a great success. Should be among the top 100 of all time.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  64. EH.
    Mar 8, 2008
    10
    This is one the most watchable movies of all times. Morgan Freeman is miraculous.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  65. RoryP.
    Jul 13, 2008
    6
    Overrated.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  66. D.J.Skippen
    Sep 16, 2008
    10
    Good.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  67. MichaelF.
    Apr 28, 2002
    10
    One the finest motion pictures ever made in the history of cinema.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  68. NinjaMafia
    Nov 10, 2003
    9
    [***PLOT REVELATIONS***] I can't remember when I first saw this film but, my god, is it a god damn good film. The film tells the story of a wrongfully imprisoned man trying to live on the inside. He then starts to befriend a lifer that "knows how to get things". Thus, the wrongfully convicted, Andy Dufresne, begins to live on the inside and try to work on his old hobbies. Andy then helps a guard with some financial trouble which then starts to make other guards want his financial advice. Eventually, The warden wants Dufrenes' help. The warden then starts to launder money but have Andy cover up the tracks by creating a fake person. I don't want to reveal any more of the plot so let me just say this, this is a really good movie about prison, a REALLY good movie. The plot was deep and beleviable. This film could have been a true story for all we know (it isn't but wouldn't that have been awesome). The characters were all deep and showed a lot of human character and emotion except for one guy who played a big part in the role but they didn't work on him a lot. The acting was also really good making every character seem real. The only reason I'm not giving this movie a 10 is for two reasons. 1 Is for the guy who made the movie have a big plot twist but he wasn't developed as much as everyone else. Secondly, the ending was really sappy and didn't fit the movie at all. The ending felt just horrible while the whole movie was a work of art. The Shawshank Redemption is an easily recommendable title with few people actually hating it (but if you do please don't blame me). Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  69. klo
    Nov 14, 2005
    10
    Just great, the same about novel.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  70. MomoKoko
    Dec 23, 2005
    10
    The best movie I've seen in years.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  71. DavidP
    Nov 19, 2006
    10
    Simplemente, una narrativa envolvente y unas actuaciones poderosas, facilmente podria seer la mejor pelicula de todos los tiempos.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  72. someonesomeplace
    Oct 19, 2006
    10
    I can watch this movie more than any other. Perfect.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  73. Bruno
    Dec 28, 2006
    2
    Overhyped socialist movie that tried to convince me that prisoners are better people then us and deserve much better treatment.
    • 0 of 5 users said yes
  74. RonnieC.
    Feb 25, 2006
    10
    Beautiful. Moving. Amazing score. Don't listen to any criticism. Watch it for yourself. Period.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  75. JustinC.
    Jun 26, 2006
    10
    One of my favorite movies of all time. I highly recommend it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  76. Clay
    Jan 25, 2007
    9
    Really good movie. Morgan freeman has the perfect narrating voice and it's very well made drama, even if it's a simple prison movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  77. TroyB.
    Oct 24, 2008
    10
    Best all time. Everytime you watch it you find more to like about it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  78. MuhammadZ.
    Jun 28, 2008
    10
    Quietly moving, yet startlingly beautiful, this tale of a man's quest for redemption and the incontrovertible power of hope is, without a doubt, one of the finest cinematic achievements of the modern age.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  79. FernandoG.
    Nov 24, 2003
    10
    Masterpeice.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  80. QuinnC.
    Nov 25, 2007
    0
    Freeman is 'red' freedom character searching for nothing but to pace his life in prison. Robins is a robin hood who does more strength than the hero, he becomes a prisoner, also a librarian, teacher, friend, and smart banker who reads books. These two characters start off and end off by learning how to live trying and die trying. I do not enjoy a film that drags on, bores, and tells a message with bad wording, a bad script, and badly done lesson, that prisoners get the rights to do many things than sit in a rotting cell and eat disgusting food all day. Expand
    • 0 of 5 users said yes
  81. Sep 1, 2010
    7
    A good Movie no doubt, but a very overrated Movie. There's no moral ambiguity, everyones either good or evil and many people fit into the the stereotypes of prison life. For example will there ever be a prison where you're actually safe in the showers, or the guards are helpful instead of almost comically evil. There are many flaws here but there's also a lot to love. While the ending was smarmy, the middle contains my personal favorite scene, the man released who wants to go back as he has nothing to live for out in the real world. A pigeon who helped him get by in Prison can't help him where he's going and it's a beautiful scene to say the least. A great movie weighed down by it's own obsession to try and tear jerk us would be my summary of my thoughts. Expand
  82. Aug 25, 2010
    10
    its completely flawless!!! after watching this movie recently on my computer, i cried. i cried not because it was sad, but because it was suck a beautiful and perfect movie. i really dont see why it didnt get best picture, i will admit that forrest gump was a very good movie that i almost cried from watching (because it was sad), but its not better than shawshank. there was 1 thing that the movie didnt need (Brooks out of jail), but it did add a new and important theme, so i guess i take that back. yea, this movie is perfect Expand
  83. Aug 23, 2010
    10
    Banker gets two life sentences for killing his wife & her lover, quiet in jail, gets beaten up, makes friends with "fixer", does the books for the guards, upsets prison boss, prison boss makes things unpleasant.... Terrific film which I had never seen all the way through. Quality acting throughout from all the cast (Clancy Brown is scary whatever he plays) & it really does drag you in from the start. It's funny, tragic & heart warming, very well written & a film you could go back to again & again. Expand
  84. Oct 7, 2011
    10
    Probably one of the best films I have ever seen in my young life. Giving this a 10 won't do it justice. The Shawshank Redemption is just pure story telling at its best. No wasted moments and no pause of time ,just absolute, pure narrative. The cast is perfect with Morgan Freeman as Red completely stealing the show with his soothing narration style while Tim Robbins gives out a really great performance; a falsely convicted man who keeps it to himself. A film about hope and friendship in the toughest of situations, Shawshank is uplifting, provocative and awe inspiring. An absolute must watch. Expand
  85. Feb 3, 2011
    10
    I can see why people have voted this their all-time favourite movie. I was actually amazed that by the time the credits rolled at the end that I had been sitting there for over 2 hours. The time flied by very fast. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman were fantastic and were very convincing in their roles. Freeman's voiceovers throughout truly made me, as a viewer, understand what he and the other prisoners were feeling and going through. The story was adapted extremely well from Stephen King's novella and is a story in which many meanings can be taken from it. Easily a film that I will watch over and over again. Expand
  86. Nov 8, 2011
    9
    This movie is about a prisoner Andy Dufresne (Tim Robins) who gets accused of murdering his wife and her lover. He meets another prisoner named 'Red' (Morgan freeman) who says he know how to get things. How ironic, a “freeman” In prison. The setting take place in Shawshank prison (obviously) in the early 40's but does take place in the 50's and 60's too. There are other characters too like the Warden, Haywood, and a old man named Brooks The actors did a great job in this movie especially Morgan Freeman and Tim Robins. James Whitmore did a good job as Brooks. I think the best actor in this movie is Bob Gunton as Warden Norton There is probably not one part that i dislike about this movie. Except for one violent unneeded scene and one sad scene but the movie kept me hooked onto it. It's full of twists and has some funny moments. The last 20 minutes of the movie is the best and most epic part of it. The ending is also very heartwarming The Moral of this movie is “Salvation lies within” and it's true. It shows it throughout the movie as Andy tries to make his life better in prison. It just goes to show that if you want something done than you work for it to be done I would recommend this movie to anybody who is into prison movies or if you like Morgan freeman/Tim Robins but just be careful because this movie is violent and is rated R. Overall, this movie is fantastic and is a must watch. I give it a 9.5/10 Expand
  87. Aug 17, 2011
    9
    This is one of my top 10
  88. Feb 6, 2011
    10
    Wow. this movie is so good that i can't even describe it. How emotionally attached at the end of the film it almost made me cry. It is by far the best Morgan freeman movie ever. One of the greatest films of all time. They way that the director per-trades the way prison is is incredible. The way of how friendship is so powerful.
  89. Feb 24, 2011
    9
    This movie is outstanding! It was very entertaining and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It didn't have all the key elements sadly but other than that, GREAT! thats all i have to say. if you know more about it, look at the 9 and above reviews. They know what they're talking about.
  90. Jul 6, 2011
    10
    Im not gonna claim this is the best movie ever made, but its close. The story sucks you in, and yes, it is quite a long movie but you really dont notice it at all. It grips you and doesnt let go until the very end. This is an absolute classic film and deserves to be seen by anyone even remotely interested in movies.
  91. Jan 9, 2012
    10
    The greatest movie set in a prison I've ever seen! Its full of courage from Tim Robbins to survive prison and no matter what the differences between him and Morgan Freeman and all the other prisoners, no matter what violence comes up, no matter their crimes, no matter what crazy or illegal things they have to do to survive prison, no matter what the warden does to Tim Robbins, together prison is awesome and they can redeem themselves. Movies like this show what would happen if prisoners accept people's differences and redeem themselves from their crimes and that's good thing because people don't need to act like idiots in prison. Despite the graphic violence in this movie in the beginning, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman used friendship to forget prison and made each other good people and they were great people! Whoever does NOT like this movie is a bully and needs lighten up because this is a light-heart movie of teaching you the lessons of prison. Expand
  92. Nov 14, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bottom Line: #1-ranked masterpiece on IMDb’s Top 250 list well deserves its placement. And the Best Picture Oscar it did not get. Question of the day: Why did this film lose to FORREST GUMP for the 1994 Best Picture Oscar? Okay, Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis admittedly did a phenomenal job with GUMP, but THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is, with no doubt, nothing short of an unforgettable masterpiece. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is adapted from Stephen King’s short novel, “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”. (No “the”.) Though it is most certainly not a Rita Hayworth biopic. The film starts out with Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), though having made an attempt at claiming innocence, being put in Maine’s Shawshank State Prison with charges for a double murder. He meets a man nicknamed Red Redding (Morgan Freeman), and they form a friendship. Aside from that, Andy’s sentence to imprisonment is marred with many various tragedies, including months of unnecessary solitary confinement, brutality from guards, inmates who act atrociously uncivilized, and even the suicide of a friend. Though the story is about Tim Robbins’s character, the film is beautified by a well-done narration by Morgan Freeman. Also, this was the first Stephen King/Frank Darabont (writer/director) collaboration, followed by THE GREEN MILE and THE MIST, and as a collaborative debut, it was spectacular. As far as last scenes go, my favorite is now the one in SHAWSHANK. I won’t give anything away, but I will say that the first scene is quite dull and a little underwhelming, whereas the finale sums the film up to the best, most heartfelt notch achievable. Let us applaud for the film that SHOULD have won Best Picture in 1994! Expand
  93. Aug 30, 2011
    10
    This movie is completely amazing, everything was perfect, and the ending, the way he escaped jail, just fantastic, original, awesome with great performances, Morgan Freeman just kicked ass in this film, Frank Darabont was able to write such an amazing story, so I' am very happy with the final result of this movie.
  94. Sep 24, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. no words that i can think of even comes close of how amazing this movie really is. its funny, thrilling and bone chilling. what i really love about this movie is that you really feel for the characters as if they were family. when brookes committed suicide i was holding on a pillow shouting NOOOOO. best movie i have ever seen. no movie comes close to this masterpiece. not godfarther, LOTR, goodfellas, star wars, or indiana jones. a perfect movie. Expand
  95. Sep 28, 2011
    3
    I don't like the Shawshank Redemption. It's a bunch of guys sitting around in prison listening to classical music. Most of them, with the exception of the protagonist, are murderers and scumbags. I don't feel any sympathy for them. Then you get to the end and there's some hokey fairytale ending where the two guys meet up on some sunny picturesque beach and it's all smiles and rainbows and **** What's to like? Now, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy movies with people who've done bad things. There are plenty of anti-heroes in good films, like "Leon" for example. Or, The Professional if you will. The film was originally titled Leon in France but then changed to The Professional when it came over to America. I guess because they figured that American audiences wouldn't be interested in seeing a movie titled Leon, they'd just miss out on what the film was really about. I think the difference in something like "Leon" is that while he's an assassin for hire, he's only going out and killing other drug dealers and corrupt cops and people who are as vile or worse. There's a code he follows. So it's like the lesser of two evils, you can relate with him because he's better then the people he combats. Same with Batman, he's a vigilante and thus a criminal, but he follows a code and commits violence against those even worse then he is. While in Shawshank... the convicts are imprisoned for committing crimes against innocent people, we assume. We don't really find out the specific circumstances, but it's generally understood that these people were not committing crimes against even worse human beings. So this aura of reverence and love for the film has always mystified me. I'm not going to say it's a bad film. The cinematography and acting all seem fairly competent. But it just didn't do anything for me. I felt bored by it. And ya know, listening to people hyping it up to be one of the greatest films ever made didn't help either. It's number one on IMDB's top 250 greatest, for God's sake. And there're plenty of people out there who'll tell you it should've won Best Picture over Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump. Me, I'm of the opinion Forrest Gump rightfully deserved the award. Forrest Gump, now there was a film that really moved me and touched me deep down inside. Expand
  96. Apr 6, 2012
    10
    Great movie with fantastic performances by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. My all time favourite and a film that you will not easily forget. If ou really want a film whereas you gain a real connection to the characters than this is the film for you.
  97. Dec 23, 2011
    10
    The greatest movie set in a prison I've ever seen! Its full of courage from Tim Robbins to survive prison and no matter what the differences between him and Morgan Freeman and all the other prisoners, no matter what violence comes up, no matter their crimes, no matter what crazy or illegal things they have to do to survive prison, no matter what the warden does to Tim Robbins, together prison is awesome and they can redeem themselves. Movies like this show what would happen if prisoners accept people's differences and redeem themselves from their crimes and that's good thing because people don't need to act like idiots in prison. Despite the graphic violence in this movie in the beginning, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman used friendship to forget prison and made each other good people and they were great people! Whoever does NOT like this movie is a bully and needs lighten up because this is a light-heart movie of teaching you the lessons of prison. Expand
  98. Dec 15, 2011
    9
    An 80 overall by critics shows how stupid they are. Shawshank Redemption is an amazing film that is a must see for any film buff. Untouchable performanc by Tim Robbins and a great supporting role by Morgan Freeman.
  99. Dec 15, 2011
    10
    Dear God what a film this, i watched this for the first time and the end was the best moment in a film ever. This film once again shows Morgan Freeman's immense talent.
  100. Feb 2, 2012
    10
    www.unsungfilms.com, by Eleni Antonaropoulou Just to get things straight, when Pandora opened the box, all evils were released into the world but Hope. Hope remained in the box. So, if Pandora wasn’t that curious, or if she could follow specific and simple orders like “whatever you do, don’t open the box” perhaps the world would now be a better place. But what is done is done and at least we are left with something… and at the very least, we know what we are left with to be hope. And that’s what Shawshank Redemption is all about. Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, is falsely accused of the murder of his wife and her lover. He ends up in Shawshank State Prison, run by Warden Samuel Norton, with two consecutive life sentences. The day he walks into the prison, it seems like the odds are against him and nobody can see him making it through prison-life, including Ellis Boyd “Red” (Morgan Freeman). Surprisingly, Andy finds himself adjusting better than anyone initially thought and soon enough becomes friends with Red, the man that can make things ‘happen’ in prison. During the first two years, Andy works at the prison laundry and his life is a living hell. This is so until the day that he casually overhears one guard complaining about the taxes that he has to pay on an inheritance. Andy sees the opportunity to make his life better. Before being incarcerated, Andy had worked as a bank man, so he offers to help the guard, which slowly turns him into the go-to man for financial advice, and he stars to build on his reputation. Years go by and Andy finds himself working in the prison library, managing to expand it thanks to his persuasive and consistence way of thinking. He is also in charge of Warden’s economical schemes and money laundering. Everything seems to be somewhat sorted out and both Red and Andy manage to live an easy life behind bars. When Tommy Williams joins Red’s circle of friends, he reveals that he knows who killed Andy’s wife. And this is the film’s turning point. Andy knows that this is his chance but Warren is not going to make it easy for him. Andy is left with nothing but hope and one of the best quotes in the history of film: “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” The movie was released in 1994 and is based on a Stephen King’s short story “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”. Directed and written by Frank Darabont, the movie was nominated for many awards but didn’t manage to get any, since the year’s big winner was Forrest Gump. Today, it is considered one of the all-time classics and it is highly rated among film lovers everywhere. From the casting to the scenery, everything compiles perfectly. A movie with a clear theme that almost every single person can relate to — the fact that hope can lead to freedom, that hope is the only thing that keeps us going, dreaming and fighting for what we want. Eleni Antonaropoulou at www.unsungfilms.com Expand
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. 90
    It's the no-bull performances that hold back the flood of banalities. Robbins and Freeman connect with the bruised souls of Andy and Red to create something undeniably powerful and moving.
  2. Gripping...compelling.
  3. Some of "The Shawshank Redemption'' comes across as outrageously improbable. Yet the film keeps pulling you back with its sense of striving humanity slowly turning the tables against evil.