The Shawshank Redemption

Year: 1994

Runtime: 142 min

Language: English

Budget: $25M

DramaCrime

In 1940s Maine, banker Andy Dufresne is sentenced to two life terms at Shawshank Penitentiary for the murder of his wife and her lover, a crime he insists he did not commit. While navigating the brutal prison environment, he forms an unlikely friendship with Red, a fellow inmate known for his ability to procure goods. Over two decades, Andy’s quiet resilience and subtle acts of defiance inspire hope among the prisoners, while he secretly harbors his own long-term plans.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Shawshank Redemption (1994). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Shawshank State Prison, Buxton, Zihuatanejo

Shawshank State Prison is a grim facility that represents the loss of freedom and the struggle for hope. It is known for its harsh conditions and the resilience of its inmates. Buxton is a small town that serves as a critical waypoint in Andy's journey, while Zihuatanejo, located on the coast of Mexico, symbolizes ultimate freedom and redemption, being a place of beauty and tranquility.

🏛️ Prison 🌅 Coastal Town 🏞️ Small Town

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:48

Main Characters – The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Meet the key characters of The Shawshank Redemption (1994), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:48

Major Themes – The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Explore the central themes of The Shawshank Redemption (1994), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:48

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Movies about endurance and redemption like The Shawshank Redemption

Stories of quiet resilience and personal triumph against oppressive systems.If you were moved by the themes of patience and hope in The Shawshank Redemption, this collection features films where characters endure harsh, confined environments. Find similar stories of quiet resilience and ultimate triumph against overwhelming odds.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows characters trapped in a rigid, often unjust system, such as a prison, a totalitarian state, or a personal predicament. Through patience, intelligence, and steadfast hope, they execute a long-term plan for freedom, often inspiring others along the way and achieving a morally satisfying victory.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared focus on the psychological journey of enduring hardship. They balance oppressive atmospheres with a persistent, uplifting undercurrent of hope, leading to a cathartic and triumphant conclusion that affirms the power of the human spirit.

Heavy dramas with a hopeful core like The Shawshank Redemption

Emotionally weighty stories that ultimately lead to a sense of hope and liberation.For viewers who appreciate the emotional depth of The Shawshank Redemption but value its ultimately hopeful message. Discover movies that tackle serious, heavy themes but are fundamentally uplifting, balancing sadness with a powerful sense of triumph.

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Narrative Summary

The emotional journey is a central pillar, beginning with profound hardship, injustice, or tragedy. The story navigates these dark waters without shying away from their impact, but a key character or theme acts as a beacon of hope, guiding the narrative toward a positive and emotionally resonant resolution.

Why These Movies?

They share a unique and powerful emotional mix: the experience is deeply affecting and serious, yet the dominant feeling leaving the film is one of hope and inspiration. This balance between heavy subject matter and a positive, liberating payoff creates a distinct and memorable viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Shawshank Redemption

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The Shawshank Redemption Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Shawshank Redemption, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Shawshank Redemption Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Shawshank Redemption with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Shawshank Redemption Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Shawshank Redemption that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About The Shawshank Redemption

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Shawshank Redemption: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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