User blog:ARTaylor/25 Years of The Shawshank Redemption

Today is the twenty-fifth anniversary of the premiere of The Shawshank Redemption. Based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, the film follows an accountant who is falsely convicted of his wife's murder and spends decades manipulating the prison system before attempting a daring escape.

The film was a smash with critics who praised the complex themes. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, though it did not win any. However, the film was a modest box office success and considered a disappointment. It ranked as the fifty-first highest grossing film of the year. Due to this lackluster reaction, the film was purchased for numerous television stations at a relatively low price. It was there and on home video that it finally found its audience. It eventually became one of the most viewed films on television and still results in significant residual payments for those involved. It is one of the favorite adaptations of author King. The film went on to have a lasting impact on popular culture. It currently holds the distinction of being the highest rated film on the Internet Movie Database.

The film features the talents of Clancy Brown as the sadistic captain of the guards Byron Hadley.