If this film doesn't get one oscar nomination, then the academy sucks

Rating: 10/10 (25 January 2000)

This intense prison drama has got to be one of Stephen King's best films. King and writer/director Frank Darabont once again deliver the goods as they did previously with the Shawshank Redemption. The film follows Paul Edgecombe, a death row prison guard in a 1930's southern prison who discovers one of the inmates, John Coffey, a convicted child murderer/rapist, isn't who he appears to be. He's a gentle giant, afraid of the dark who has a mysterious healing power and is a miracle of God. The performances are 100% in the can. Tom Hanks is in one of the best films of his career in this film that will make you laugh and cry. Michael Duncan is most definitely deserving of an oscar nomination for his role as the gentle giant. The supporting cast like David Morse, Jeffrey DeMunn, Barry Pepper, James Cromwell, Bonnie Hunt, Dabbs Greer, Michael Jeter, Sam Rockwell, Graham Greene, and particularly Doug Hutchison as the evil Percy Wetmore are incredible. The three hours quickly pass because of this incredible film. Frank Darabont stands out as one of the finest filmmakers who knows how to craft a film that can absorb it's viewer and make them sympathize for the characters.