The Shawshank Redemption

Andy Dufresne convicted of murder, sentenced to life in Shawshank prison. A banker now trapped in brutal prison system.

Red: "Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane." The central theme of hope vs. institutionalization.

Andy arrives at Shawshank, meets Red, introduced to prison brutality and the corrupt Warden Norton.

Andy beaten by the Sisters, but begins to show resilience. Offers to help guard with taxes.

Should Andy give up hope or fight to maintain his humanity? He starts helping guards with finances.

Andy secures beers for the crew on the roof. First taste of freedom and respect. Decides to survive with dignity.

Andy and Red friendship deepens. Red learns about hope through Andy. This relationship will transform both men.

Andy creates prison library, plays Mozart over speakers, helps inmates get diplomas. Living freely within prison walls.

Tommy arrives with information proving Andy innocent. False victory - Andy thinks he might get released.

Warden refuses to help Andy, kills Tommy to protect his money laundering scheme. Andy realizes he will never be freed legally.

Andy thrown in solitary for a month. Appears broken. Red fears Andy will kill himself like Brooks did.

Andy emerges from solitary seeming defeated. Tells Red about Zihuatanejo. Red thinks Andy has given up hope.

Andy escapes through tunnel he has dug for 19 years. Takes warden evidence and money. Hope and planning pay off.

Andy free in Mexico. Warden arrests, guards arrested. Andy reborn. Red released on parole after 40 years.

Red breaks parole to find Andy in Zihuatanejo. Two friends reunited on beach. Hope wins over institutionalization.