As fine a movie as I've seen in a long time.

Rating: 10/10 (11 July 2000)

The Green Mile is the finest screen adaptation to date of a Stephen King novel. King, the master of horror, has always been a moralist at heart. The struggle between good and evil permeates his works. At times he has gotten a bit heavy-handed with that theme (The Stand), but not in The Green Mile. This story, told from the viewpoint of a Louisiana deathhouse guard (Tom Hanks) in 1935, blends the supernatural with morality so delicately as to season it to reality. We don't have to strain in order to suspend our disbelief. It is easy to believe in miracles. Most people, even murderers, are basically good. The real horror, more so than vampires and werewolves, is the fear and the hatred inspired by the very few truly evil people who live amongst us. As John Coffey (note the initials), Michael Clarke Duncan is a wonder. The sheer size of the man (he must be bigger than Shaquille O'Neal) is our first, awesome impression, but his abilities as a performer might dwarf his physical stature. He is a gifted actor, who unfortunately might, because of his physical dimensions, not find enough roles that suit him. Duncan plays the opposites of anger and gentleness so effectively that he can frighten in one moment and soothe in practically the next breath. This is to take nothing away from Tom Hanks, who has the knack of always convincing me that no one but he could assay his character as effectively. He is seamless in his portrayals and The Green Mile is just one more example of his talent. The scenes with Duncan and Hanks together are the highlights of this film. The work of the supporting cast and of director Frank Darabont should also be noted. This is as fine a movie as I've seen in a long time.