A beautiful, poetic film (spoilers)

Rating: 6/10 (22 December 1999)

The final scene will have you in tears, if you aren't in tears already.
Tom Hanks plays a death-row prison guard, along with Barry Pepper, David Morse, and newcomer Doug Hutchison. They are all stunned by the entrance of Michael Clark Duncan, a massive prisoner with a child-like mentality. He begins to do things, unexpected, that change the way these people look on life.
The performances are equally brilliant, with the supporting characters supporting Hanks with ease. Hutchison plays a character so mean and reptilian, that if I saw him on the street, I'd have the biggest urge to knock some sense into him. Barry Pepper plays another young prison guard, who is in awe of the things he sees. Pepper is subtle in his scenes, projecting hints of sadness. Duncan, however, steals the show. Whenever he speaks, or moves, your eyes and ears are on him.
Frank Darabont has scripted a moving film, that should get the best picture nomination.
If there is one flaw, it is in the casting of James Cromwell. Though he looks perfect for the part, his accent peeks through at times. But that flaw is minor compared to the rest of the film.