A powerful tale with gripping performances.

Rating: 8/10 (21 August 2008)

Frank Darabont delivers again with his second adaptation of a Stephen King novel based in a prison. And while this version isn't as powerful nor moving as that first one that is considered today to be a masterpiece of modern cinema, the same elements involved bring together a warm sense of beauty and moving storytelling. This time, the story is told through the eyes of the guards, most specifically Paul Edgecomb, the head guard the death row block known as the "Green Mile." One day, a huge black man comes to death row accused of raping and murdering two young girls. As time goes on, everyone on the Green Mile begins to realize that this man and the case he is involved with are not what they seem to be.
As with The Shawshank Redemption, the acting and writing are top-notch to give this film a great feel and powerful undertone. Tom Hanks is wonderful as Edgecomb, a man who has seen more than enough of death and sadness in his job but is forever changed when he encounters John Coffey. And it is this performance, by Michael Clarke Duncan, that sweeps you away and brings the most realism to the story. A humongous man with the spirit of a child, Duncan is completely believable and will move you to tears at some points. All other acting is phenomenal, including David Morse as Edgecomb's right-hand man, Barry Pepper as the young father who works there, Sam Rockwell as a very disturbing killer, and Michael Jeter as a lovable prisoner who gets the bitter end of his deal. And of course, Darabont delivers a great script with plenty of beautiful monologues that share the deep vision King's book does. The only weakness here is the obvious one; the running time being just over three hours. This is something very few films can pull off and this one doesn't. Still, for the most part it is moving and powerful and it boasts some of the finest performances you will ever see in a movie.