In the top 50

Rating: 10/10 (2 June 2001)

This movie belongs in the top 50. There are movies I think belong in the top 50, but they're not necessarily in "my" top 50. This movie belongs in the top 50 and it's definitely in my top 10.
The feeling, the emotions, the realism (by realism, I'm not talking about the John Coffey "the healer" aspect, but the emotional realism).
Tom Hanks, as usual, is extraordinary. David Morse, also pulls of an amazing performance. Doug Hutchison plays the devil of a man that you love to hate.
But beyond it all is the gentle and loving performance by Michael Clarke Duncan (Coffey). If you've seen him in person, or in interviews, you just can't believe the performance he gives as Coffey. It's the all-time home-run, last minute touch down, you name it, of acting.
He ranks up there with George C. Scott as Patton, Brandon and Pacino in the Godfather movies, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman in Shawshank Redemption, Humphrey Bogart and Ingred Bergman in Casa Blanca, Liam Neeson in just about anything, and Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening and Jack Nicholson in just about anything as well.
Maybe I'm going too far, But it's just one of those magical movies. Unfortunately, not as famous as some of those more popular magical movies.
But, if you liked the Shawshank Redemption, and Stephen King's take on that, you just have to love this as much or more.
Funny thing, I've never read King. That's a mistake I shall have to remedy, soon....