Emotional and thought provoking

Rating: 9/10 (2 October 2006)

Cinematic masterpiece that leaves you with lingering images, as well as thinking about it for days after seeing it. An excellent work.
The story is told as a period piece, but has elements of a fable as well. It's an intelligent script, rich in symbolism, an involving story with several elements, deep and well developed characters, expert directing of a fine ensemble cast; the film features everything that makes for a great movie.
Versatile Tom Hanks (as a death row prison guard) is terrific, as usual. However, the entire cast in this film are outstanding; particularly Michael Clarke Duncan who is riveting as a (wrongly convicted and) condemned gentle giant named John Coffey, with an equally giant heart, and an empathic gift of healing. This seemingly simple man quickly develops into a complex, sympathetic innocent whose suffering you soon feel with him. The special effects depicting Coffey absorbing a victim's illness/injury are at once grotesque and frightening, while wondrous in the context of their healing properties.
Other cast members are noteworthy, as well. Doug Hutchison, as a deranged and sadistic guard evokes the intended amount of anger and disgust. But he's not just a caricature, his sick persona is well developed as a contrast to the positive personalities in the film. Sam Rockwell as "Wild Bill" is properly ugly in his psychotic ways. David Morse, James Cromwell, Bonnie Hunt; so many actors did a good job; it's just not possible to name them all. Characters are all developed, and you are involved with their ultimate fates in the story, even that of a stray mouse that becomes a playful pet.
One scene, featuring Coffey and the warden's ill wife (Patricia Clarkson), is one of the many a highlights of the film. The dialog and action in this wonderful scene are immensely powerful in their gentle simplicity.
The film mixes very brutal realities with metaphysical fantasy, and blends them with astonishing success. This film is outstanding, and worthy of the time you spend to watch it, and the time you'll spend, thinking about it afterward.