Entertaining, but Melodramatic

Rating: Null/10 (14 December 1999)

First off, this is no "Shawshank Redemption." However, Frank Darabont keeps a very similar mood in "The Green Mile." To start off, the movie is very well acted, particularly by Sam Rockwell and Ron Hutchinson.( Rockwell's Wild Bill is one of the most spontaneous and crazy villains I've ever seen.) David Morse plays his role with quiet dignity,and Tom Hanks is pretty good, but I wouldn't expect any nominations coming his way for his performance. The direction deals with the film in a way that makes the length very appropriate. The scenes before Duncan's John Coffey is introduced, are not rushed, and allow the viewer to fully capture the atmosphere of the death row strip known as The Green Mile. However, the movie is cursed with melodrama. (Why do directors add a score to a film's most sincere moments?!? Can't they see this ruins the impact?!?) This is not to say that you won't be touched by John Coffey, or the killing off of certain characters, but it does water the moments down a little.
But the thing I like most about "The Green Mile," that I'm sure many viewers will hate, is how much it leaves to the viewer's imagination. It allows the viewer to think about the various levels of meaning in the film, by leaving certain events open to mystery. Some parts are excellently directed, but overall, it's a disappointment given all the anticipation. I'd give it a 7 on the imdb scale.