Cynics will hate this film but romantics and dreamers will love it

Rating: 10/10 (15 December 1999)

Having read the book this past summer, I very much looked forward to the film. I was not disappointed. As good as, if not better than, the book. The choice of another actor to play the Tom Hanks role as an old man rather than Mr. Hanks himself with makeup was a great idea. The very versatile Hanks was natural and believable in his low-key approach to his role. Always strong and responsible in his authority but gentle in his dealings with the condemned. Percy was superb as the villain (villains can be superb, you know) as were his antitheses Brutus and Dean. Barry Pepper as Dean is an actor I want to see more of in the future. That face I shall never forget as the sharpshooter from "Saving Private Ryan." Mr. Duncan was as I imagined John Coffey. Compassion in the flesh. Cynics will hate this film (and are already doing so) but we romantics and dreamers who love Mozart as well as Beethoven should thank Mr. Darabont for enriching our lives with 180+ minutes of artful grace. It's not always easy to watch but Stephen King does not write to make us feel comfortable, being a prophet of the dark as well as the light. I wish the movie well. Perhaps it may even win an award or two. Can a mouse be nominated for best