"I couldn't help it boss, I tried to take it back but it was too late."

Rating: 10/10 (8 February 2007)

I had forgotten this was a Stephen King story, probably because it's basis in the supernatural doesn't delve into the realm of horror. The terror here is provided not by a demonic clown or a shop keeper from hell, instead it has a human face. In fact a couple of human faces, in the form of sadistic killer 'Wild Bill' Wharton (Sam Rockwell) and corrupt prison guard Percy Wetmore (Doug Hutchison). Their characterizations are just a few of the excellent portrayals in a film that leave one with mixed emotions and perhaps a misty eye or two.
Michael Clarke Duncan casts a large shadow as accused killer John Coffey; his introductory walk on the 'green mile' has a numbing influence on prisoners and guards alike. For an actor who virtually came from nowhere, his performance is extraordinary, shaded with subtle nuance and deep emotion. His characterization is deftly complemented by the core guard group headed by Tom Hanks' Paul Edgecombe, and includes David Morse, Barry Pepper and Jeffrey DeMunn.
Speaking for myself, the film's run time of just over three hours is hardly noticed, it's that gripping and absorbing. It puts the viewer through an entire range of emotions; the scenes that develop the duplicitous nature of guard Percy are particularly unnerving. Wouldn't it have been interesting to throw Percy and Wild Bill in a cell together for a mid film half time show?
Once one realizes that Coffey will ultimately walk his last mile on death row, the mind races with thoughts of how he'll be found innocent and exonerated of the murder of the two young farm girls. Coffey's own thoughts on the matter only partly put the viewer at ease, there still remains the sense that justice demands an entirely different outcome. Coffey's execution is powerfully emotional, and calls to mind the finale of "Angels With Dirty Faces", when the execution of Cagney's character elicits the same misty eyed response. I include both films on my list of all time favorites, each a classic in it's own way.