Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, Clancy Brown
Release Date: Sept. 10, 1994
Running Time: 142 min
Genre: Drama
Commentary The Shawshank Redemption is the amazing story of a man wrongfully convicted of murder and imprisoned for life, but who manages to escape and clear his name after nearly 20 years. The movie portrays his suffering quite well, as well as how he cleverly deals with his imprisonment and eventual escape. It also has a lot to say about crime, punishment, and injustice.
Plot Summary
Introduction: Andy Dufrense (Tim Robbins) is sentenced to two life terms at Shawshank, a fictitious prison in Maine, for killing his wife and her lover, though he claims he's innocent. In prison he manages to befriend several fellow prisoners, most notably Red (Morgan Freeman), who's also serving a life sentence for murder. By showing off his knowledge of income tax laws, he is able to get Warden Sam Norton (Bob Gunton) to hire him to assist him with his illegal money laundering schemes, which buys him some freedom from his mistreatment.
Escape and redemption: After several years, a young prisoner named Tommy arrives who claims he has proof that Andy is innocent. When he expresses his desire to clear Andy's name, the warden has him killed. Unbeknownst to everyone, Andy has been working on an escape. Eventually he escapes and shortly thereafter presents evidence of the warden's money laundering, whence the warden commits suicide before having the chance to be arrested.
Social Relevance
As mentioned, The Shawshank Redemption says a lot about crime and punishment as well as injustice on all levels. While watching the movie, I got a good feeling for how horrible prison life can be, especially for those wrongfully convicted. Shortly after an old man is released after 50 years of imprisonment, he ends up committing suicide due to his inability to cope with his freedom, implying that although prison is horrible, one becomes "institutionalized" after awhile and gets used to it. I was also horrified by the warden's cruelty toward Andy in light of his knowledge of his innocence. All-in-all, I'd say the movie made me aware of the serious potential loopholes in our legal system, but also that truth and justice will ultimately prevail.
Movie Clips
Here's the original movie trailer.
Here's a great scene in which Andy plays a classical music record for all the inmates to hear.
Here's the scene in which the warden has Tommy killed because he insists on proving Andy's innocence.
WARNING: This clip contains graphic violence.
Here's the scene in which Red is freed after serving 40 years and asked if he thinks he's been rehabilitated.
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Title: The Shawshank Redemption 
