The Green Mile
The Green Mile

The Green Mile

1999Movie189 minEnglish

A supernatural tale set on death row in a Southern prison, where gentle giant John Coffey possesses the mysterious power to heal people's ailments. When the cell block's head guard, Paul Edgecomb, recognizes Coffey's miraculous gift, he tries desperately to help stave off the condemned man's execution.

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Insights

IMDb8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes81%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users93%
Director: Frank DarabontGenres: Drama, Fantasy, Crime, Mystery

Plot Summary

In the 1930s, Paul Edgecomb oversees the 'green mile,' a death row cellblock where inmates await their executions. His life, and those of his guards, are forever changed by John Coffey, a gentle giant convicted of a heinous crime, who possesses inexplicable healing powers. As Paul grapples with the morality of Coffey's fate and the nature of his gifts, he uncovers truths that challenge his understanding of justice and humanity.

Critical Reception

The Green Mile was a commercial success and received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its emotional depth, strong performances (particularly from Michael Clarke Duncan), and faithful adaptation of Stephen King's novel. While some critics found its supernatural elements and lengthy runtime to be minor drawbacks, the film is widely regarded as a moving and thought-provoking drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its powerful performances, especially Michael Clarke Duncan as John Coffey.
  • Appreciated for its emotional resonance and exploration of themes like justice, faith, and miracles.
  • Slightly criticized for its length and occasional sentimentality.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly enjoyed 'The Green Mile,' lauding its heartwarming story, compelling characters, and profound emotional impact. Many viewers found the film deeply moving and memorable, with Michael Clarke Duncan's performance frequently highlighted as a standout.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Michael Clarke Duncan.

Fun Fact

The film is based on a Stephen King novel that was originally published in eight paperback installments from 1996 to 1997.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
griggs79

griggs79

_The Green Mile_, directed by Frank Darabont and based on a Stephen King story, revisits prison life with a spiritual edge. Tom Hanks is steady, while Michael Clarke Duncan brings real heart. Set almost entirely on Death Row, its slow pace ...
sirdorius

sirdorius

Great acting by everyone involved, but the story is just not my cup of tea. If you like fake miracles (no shortage of people that do) and fantasy storylines, like prison guards that are humane and empathic (on death row nonetheless), then y...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Edgecomb" (Tom Hanks) is in charge of the prison officers who tend to the inmates on death row. He's a decent man who, with the help of his partner "Howell" (David Morse) tries to carry out his task as humanely as possible. Their team also...
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_A Masterpiece of Cinematic Art -- Captivating and Reverent_** The head Death Row guard at a Tennessee prison during the Depression (Tom Hanks) observes a new inmate, a black man named John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), who is condem...