Good acting but very strong language, voilence, and some sexual content.
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The Shawshank Redemption
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 16. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Gritty but comforting story of friendship.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 16–17
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Shawshank Redemption
Parents need to know that this movie is rated R for a reason: The gritty world of Shawshank Prison is populated with sadistic guards, a corrupt warden, and predatory fellow inmates. Two characters have sex (their clothes are on, and it's not graphic), one loveable character hangs himself, guards shoot an inmate and frame it as an escape attempt, inmates attempt and, we are told, succeed in raping Andy, and guards beat and kill an inmate in the opening scenes. But the film also shows inmates forming a loving community of friendship and support despite oppressive conditions.
Read our full review by Heather Boerner
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the ways oppressed people have kept their spirit historically -- for example, through spirituals created by slaves. How do Andy and Red handle prison differently? How would you handle such a bleak future? Why did Brooks feel more comfortable in prison than out of prison? Why did Andy get Red a harmonica? What did that represent? Why did Red and Andy disagree on whether they should have hope for a better life? Did their class and race affect their approach?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Not apporaite for young teens and under
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
- My highlights are:
Great movie for teens
Great movie for teenagers. I was comfortable with my 14 year old watching it. There is some violence and some sexual situations, but they were in context.
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Amazing movie, one of my three favorites! I could watch it 100 times and it would never get old. Though there is a couple of scenes with violence and sexual dialogue. Language throuought. You see a man commit suicide by hanging himself and many people get beaten very badly. But you notice how bad a jail is and to never do anything that would cause you to have to go to one. Amazing movie about friendship.
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
One of the best movies out there.
This is an incredible movie with a touching story and incredible friendships. Theres a good amount of language, some mature topics, and violence in a few scenes. Every kid 15 and up has to see this movie!
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
THIS IS MY FAVORITE MOVIE EVER
This movie isnt bad at all in my opinion, its been my favorite movie sense I was 7.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Great movie
This movie was awsome it's a little to mature for some one under 13 at least but it's definitely one of the best movies out there.
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
Best Movie EVER
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
An excellent movie - in my top 5 list!
This movie made me laugh and it made me cry, This is probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite movie ranked in my top 5 list. The movie is based in a prison, where violence, sexual references and profanity are part of the daily life. The story line is excellent with great performances from Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman especially. I have watched this movie over 20 times and still enjoy it every time I see it just as much as the first time.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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