Excellent Story, Well Told

Rating: 8/10 (11 December 1999)

The Green Mile (1999) offers a strong story line backed with an exceptional cast and crew. The cinematography is clean and effective without being overindulgent. I barely noticed the time pass and was amazed to discover the run time when it was over -- the mark of an excellent story, well told. Much like "LA Confidential," the actors are larger than life characterizations that draw us in and allow us to understand the more basic motivations of human nature. Not quite as satisfying as "The Shawshank Redemption," I still found myself challenged by the deeper message of the film; i.e., that we must all walk our own green mile in life.