To see this movie you must have a strong heart and a clean conscience.

Rating: 10/10 (14 December 1999)

Rarely are films made with this level of profundity. Words fail the best critic. Description fails the biggest fan. I can't truly express here what this film will show each viewer. But I suggest seeing it on a Friday or Saturday - this is an experience that makes it tough to go to work the next day.
Each and every actor delivers a performance that could be judged as the best they've ever done. Michael Duncan is the keystone which anchors the performances by Tom Hanks, David Morse, Barry Pepper, Doug Hutchison, and Jeffrey DeMunn. For Michael Duncan I would like to see future roles allowing this depth of character. I believe he's earned them with this film.
Frank Darabont and David Valdes deserve a big deal of credit for bringing back the emotionally stirring music of Thomas Newman and the Production Design of Terence Marsh from Shawshank Redemption. Their talents, as always, greatly contribute to the ambiance and moods of the film.
Stephen King must be exceptionally proud of this effort based on his work, whether it follows his vision or not. For the essence of his story is complete and forceful.
This picture is a dark and powerful look at our humanity and beliefs. It pulls at all the little sympathies we wear on our sleeves until we begin to feel with genuine empathy and can no longer overlook the blessings that we all take for granted.