Frank Darabont directs the second adaptation of this Stephen King prison tale (the first being the Shawshank Redemption). This award winning movie stars Tom Hanks as Paul Edgecomb and Michael Clarke Duncan as John Coffey.
The Plot
Paul, a Lousiana security guard working on death row during the Great depression forms an unlikely bond with a convicted murderer. John, convicted for the rape and murder of two white girls, does not seem to fit the character of a murderer.
The movie is slow paced, gently telling an enchanted tale of a simple but good man that finds himself in prison. John, possesses a supernatural ability to heal, which is first demonstrated when he heals Paul’s bladder infection by touch alone, the ‘evil’ spewing from his mouth.
Paul, seeing the simple goodness in John begins to feel that the gigantic black man, who is afraid of the dark and often cries, cannot be a murderer, but the facts of the case seem to be indisputable. John was found with the two dead white girls in his arms, blood pouring from their head.
As the movie progresses and we see the bond grow between the two, we get in insight into the futility of death row, and even though the people on the ‘green mile’ are evil murderers, we often forget that they are human. This is demonstrated effectively when a simple prisoner befriends a mouse and begins to train it.
The movie is made more dramatic with the introduction of the Governor’s nephew as an evil and sinister prison guard that delights in his power over the prisoners.
The plot has a few twists and turns as it heads towards an unexpected ending, suffice to say that although it is a sad ending it is a satisfying one.
The Acting
Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan both receive Oscars for their excellent performances in this movie. Tom plays a caring but firm guard, showing his acting abilities at their best as he convinces us of the pain and suffering he has, and the compassion he demonstrates. Michael plays a wonderfully touching role, somehow turning a gigantic muscle ridden man into a meek gentle giant.
The rest of the supporting cast play excellent roles making the movie very believable and touching.
The Set
Predominately based in death row, or ‘The Green Mile’ the sets add atmosphere to the movie. The lighting effects are very good enhancing the supernatural parts to the movie. The ‘death’ room is chillingly accurate although somehow it doesn’t really show the true horror of a death chamber.
Conclusion
The movie is a wonderful example of Stephen King’s story telling abilities. We follow the movie through twists and turns as we approach a sad but moving ending that is not too predictable. Although the movie has foul language and a few gruesome scenes, with the right editing it would be suitable for children over 13.
With it’s multitude of awards this movie is one that will grace any DVD cabinet and will be played over and over again.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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You are absolutely correct, if you can give the "feel" to a film or book that makes one want to see/read it, then you have succeeded. Excellent review. Robin
Simoncook1 02.04.2001 14:19
Interesting comment. All I tried to do was to give a little 'flavour' of the movie so that interested people will watch the movie. It certainly is one of the best I have seen.
jambomad 02.04.2001 14:18
I too have seen this film and it must have been one of the best films I have ever watched. I was going to do an op on it myself but have decided after writing on a book myself, I would not do another book or film, as to do a decent opinion on it would in turn, spoil the film/book for whoever read it.
"The book was better" has been the complaint of many a reader since the invention of ... more
films.The Green Mileis Frank Darabont's second adaptation of a Stephen King prison dramaThe Shawshank Redemptionwas the first) and is a very faithful adaptation of Kin...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
"The book was better" has been the complaint of many a reader since the invention of ... more
films.The Green Mileis Frank Darabont's second adaptation of a Stephen King prison dramaThe Shawshank Redemptionwas the first) and is a very faithful adaptation of Kin...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) is a slightly cynical veteran prison guard on death row in the ... more
1930's. Hi faith, and sanity, deteriorated by watching men live and die, Edgecomb is about to have a complete turn around in attitude. Enter John Coffey (Oscar nom...
![The Green Mile [DVD] [2000]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78527693.jpg "The Green Mile [DVD] [2000]")
Apr 2nd, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
