“Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.”

Click on the order button below to download this Movie Discussion Guide as a Microsoft Word file. You'll receive a Bible-based guide for personal use or group discussion after the movie. No additional preparation is required.

Overview

The Shawshank Redemption was nominated for seven Academy Awards and has become one of the best-selling videos of all time. Shawshank is an emotional and cathartic exploration of the best and the worst of the human spirit. Its message of hope and perseverance in adversity captivates and inspires while teaching important moral truths.

This discussion guide will help you discuss the movie from a biblical perspective as you reflect on the themes of hope, endurance, freedom, and peace.

Discussion Guide

    • Movie Summary

    • Discussing the Scenes *Bonus Material: DVD Scenes to Watch*

—Hope: “A good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
(Romans 15:1–4, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:51–58; Philippians 3:12–21; 1 John 4:13–18; Revelation 21:1–4)

—Endurance: “It would take a man 600 years to tunnel through the wall … old Andy did it in less than 20.”
(1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Hebrews 12:1–13; Philippians 3:7–14)

—Freedom: “Some birds aren’t meant to be caged.”
(John 8:31–47; Romans 5:8; 6:15–23)

—Inner Peace: “An invisible coat that would shield him from this place.”
(Philippians 4:4–9; Romans 12:1–8, 18)

Based On

The Shawshank Redemption (Columbia Pictures, 1994), written and directed by Frank Darabont. Adapted from the Stephen King novella, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption,” first published in Different Seasons (New York: Viking Penguin Inc., 1982). This film is rated R for language and prison violence.

Photo © Copyright Columbia Pictures

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