Powerful and spellbinding

Rating: 10/10 (9 December 1999)

This is a film based on a collection of Stephen King short stories, directed by Frank Darabont, who also directed the highly acclaimed "The Shawshank Redemption". It takes place in 1935, in a Louisiana penitentiary, and Paul Edgecomb (played by Tom Hanks) is a supervisor on death row in E Block, known as the green mile. He is respected by his subordinates and the prisoners alike because he treats them all fairly. However, his life changes when he takes charge of a new prisoner, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), a towering hulk condemned to die for the brutal rape and murder of two small girls.
There is so much to like about this film that I hardly know where to begin. The look of this period piece is so authentic that you are transported back to that time when justice was dispensed according to the color of your skin and at the discretion of the prison guards. All the gritty details are here to experience, from the oppressive heat and grime to the horrors of a botched execution. The story, which echoes the traditional Stephen King theme of good versus evil, evolves slowly, building the characters with great care. Performances are all exemplary, with special recognition going to Hanks for being able to convey so much through mannerisms and facial expressions. He shows compassion and understanding towards the inmates despite trying circumstances. Michael Clarke Duncan also deserves special recognition by adeptly showing us the gentleness and vulnerability of condemned man John Coffey. Solid supporting performances by an all-star cast round out this exceptional film. Even though it is just over three hours long, nothing is superfluous. I highly recommended it, and enthusiastically give it 10 out of 10. See it, then for an encore treat go rent "The Shawshank Redemption", if you have not yet seen that one.