The Green Mile
Directed by Frank Darabont
Based on Stephen King's 1996 novel of the same name. Stars Tom Hanks as a death row corrections officer during the U.S. Great Depression who witnesses supernatural events that occur after an enigmatic inmate (Michael Clarke Duncan) is brought to his facility.
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The Green Mile Ratings & Reviews
- darsanFebruary 8, 2026"please boss, don't put that thing over my face, don't put me in the dark. i's afraid of the dark." such an heartbreaking ending 😭 😭
- Pascal BollierJanuary 8, 2026if you have, for some reason, never seen this one, do yourself a favour and watch this movie. you will not regrett it. You can rest now, Mr. Jingles
- ርልዪረFebruary 7, 2025Such a great film is The Green Mile, which is based on the six-part novelette by Stephen King. yes, I can hear some of you now: "Stephen King? No way would I watch such a thing!" But in this case, you would be wrong, as the story, faithfully adapted to film, and the acting are beyond reproach, IMO. I'm not much of a Stephen King novel fan (Carrie and The Shining took care of that), but I did a bit of research on the novel to see how it corresponded/not corresponded to the film. Apparently, King issued the Green Mile as a series of 6 short stories/semi-novels from 1995-1996, which were later combined into one long novel which became the film. The continuity of the film is done amazing well, when one considers its origins. The Green Mile is a flashback story of a Paul Edgecomb, a one-time upper ranked correctional officer at Cold Mountain Prison in Louisiana, whose work area was "The Green Mile," the long corridor of jail cells set aside for men destined for execution. His story/ies take place in 1935, so during the depths of the Depression, which hit the South and Midwest at its hardest. Like funeral parlor workers, correctional officers are not without work, though the threat of firing/layoff always hangs heavy over all the correctional officers' heads throughout the film. The story revolves around Edgecomb's correctional charges, but most particularly around a prisoner name John Coffey ("...like the drink, only not spelt the same," says Coffey [Michael Duncan Clark] upon arrival). Condemned for the brutal rape/murder of two little Louisiana girls, it doesn't take Edgecomb (brilliantly played by Tom Hanks in a dramatic role worth his muster) long to realise that the man and the act don't seem to correspond. The film takes time to develop each character, which I always enjoy: Edgecomb's fellow officers are decent upstanding men with a tough job, but they do it well - combining their jobs into father-confessors and tough disciplinarians, but never forgetting that, except by the grace of God, they could easily be behind those bars as well. Certain "nemesis" characters are also well-developed - for example, Percy Wetmore [Doug Hutchison], the nephew of the governor's wife, whose purpose in being a correctional officer becomes clear by midway through the film. More chilling is the prisoner William Wharton [Sam Rockwell], aka "Wild Bill/Billy the Kid" (the references are explained in the film) who hides a secret beyond his evil deeds known to the officers. As in the case of many King films, Wharton's character looks eerily like Stephen King himself (I have always suspected it's written into movie contracts with King that at least one character must faintly resemble him). However, the enigma of the film (and its main thrust) is the character of John Coffey - a slow, child-like mountain of a man played with pathos and and earthiness. Like Wharton, he too has a secret to hide, but as this slowly reveals itself, it is far more uplifting than that of the former. The film (rated 18(UK), corresponding to its R rating in the US) runs 188 minutes (slightly over 3 hours), but the story is so intriguing, you rarely notice the length (in many ways, you want the story to keep going). There is obviously some violence (it's a prison, after all, as the main locus) including three executions in the old-style electric chair of the times (one such execution is really quite graphic and worth fast-fowarding after about a minute or so, as you'll get the point). However, none of the violence is, IMO, gratuitous and merely advances the points of the story. Be on the lookout for a few continuity/errors on the film, which are worth noting here: the most serious "factual errors" I happened to note, as a Southerner, were in geography and premise: the movie is set in Louisiana, with the prison is called "Cold Mountain Penitentiary." In the opening prison scenes, the backdrop is a set of weathered, tree-covered mountains similar to the Blue Ridge or Smokey Mountains of the Southeastern U. S. However, there are no mountains of any kind in the state of Louisiana. The highest point in the state of Louisiana is 535 ft. above sea level, and is in the far northern part of Louisiana, right near the Arkansas/Louisiana state line (however, to be fair, this does appear to be the part of the state where the film is set). Further, set in 1935, this film depicts executions in Louisiana being carried out by electrocution, but the Louisiana Legislature did not change the method of execution from hanging to electrocution until 1940. Additionally, executions were carried out at local courthouses in Louisiana until 1957, when they were moved to a specific state prison. The only other anachronism/error I noted was that, in 1935, it was highly unlikely that a radio station in Depression-era Louisiana would give airplay to a Billie Holiday record. Timewise, this film was set 2 years before the death of black singer <a href="[...]">Bessie Smith</a>, who died in 1937, while on the way to a show in Memphis when she was killed in a car accident in rural Tennessee. The rumours surrounding her death still persist: it is said Smith bled to death because Jim Crow Laws in the South prohibited a white hospital from accepting a black patient, and Smith was turned away, to die in a black hospital in Mississippi some 50+ miles away. IMO, it's important to note this since, as great singers as Smith and Holiday were, sadly, neither were known by radio airplay for white audiences during their lifetime (most of their white audience popularity occured only from occasional live performances at mixed clubs, but actually grew after their respective deaths). In all, The Green Mile is film worth seeing. Nominated for 4 Oscars in 2000 (and sadly outbid that year by The Cider House Rules), and winner of 13 prestigious film awards, including the People's Choice Awards, this film will intrigue you, challenge what you think you know about good vs. evil, life vs. death, and whether miracles still occur.
- PuitiNovember 17, 2025Wonderful history, awesome , everyone needs to watch this movie one time in your life.
- andrea17822December 24, 2025Brilliant movie
- jschick77October 5, 2025Great movie! Nothing to complain about!
- TheDesertLadNovember 23, 2025This is easily one of the MOST important films anyone can and should watch. Truly a masterpiece of cinema, faith, the cruelty of prison, and characters that manage to make you feel what they're feeling. I went into it blind so this "review" being vague and about the vibes means you should go into it as blind as possible!
- Cameron HeggOctober 24, 2025The Green Mile is a truly remarkable movie. Although the story captivates you right away, it's the heartbreaking and powerful conclusion that really sticks with you. You can't help but cry. The message of humanity and compassion is profound, and the performances are strong. Best movie I have seen to date.
- andrewAugust 16, 2025my confusions of racial dynamics in america were abundant, but after watching this film i feel myself now enlightened to how even the performance of biblical-scale miracles offers little protection from capital punishment. what shocked me most was not the tragedy of the story, but how they called it the green mile when it was not really that green or a mile, but probably a twenty meter hallway.
- FupsenJuly 31, 2025One of the best movies i have ever watched and saddest and the 3 hour and 8 min are all worth it
- mickerdooJuly 3, 2025A masterpiece of the forces of good and evil. Evokes so much feeling in every aspect. Entire cast plays perfect. A must see.
- Arthur VOLANTDecember 20, 2025This movie is unbelievably pretty.
- RichardOctober 17, 2025This one doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings, it yanks them like a supernatural freight train. The Green Mile is what happens when Stephen King trades horror for humanity and Frank Darabont turns a death row corridor into a cathedral of grace, grief and miracles. Yes, it’s long. Yes, it’s heavy. But if you’ve ever wondered whether miracles can survive bureaucracy, or if kindness can bloom in the darkest places, this film answers with a glowing mouse and a broken man who heals the world one soul at a time.
- HakihikoJanuary 20, 2025A Timeless Masterpiece of Emotion and Humanity "The Green Mile" is more than just a movie-it's a profound and deeply moving exploration of life, death, and the human condition. Directed by Frank Darabont and based on Stephen King's novel, this 1999 film delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll. Through its slow-burning narrative, the film examines themes of justice, redemption, and the inexplicable nature of miracles. The performances are nothing short of extraordinary. Tom Hanks, as always, delivers a heartfelt and nuanced portrayal of a man torn between duty and morality. Michael Clarke Duncan's performance as John Coffey is hauntingly powerful-his gentle demeanor and tragic fate evoke a deep sense of empathy that lingers long after the film ends. The supporting cast, including David Morse, Sam Rockwell, and Doug Hutchison, add layers of complexity and authenticity to the story. Darabont's direction is masterful, allowing the story to unfold at a deliberate pace that enhances its emotional weight. The cinematography captures both the oppressive atmosphere of the prison and the moments of unexpected beauty and hope, creating a stark contrast that heightens the film's impact. Thomas Newman's haunting score perfectly complements the story, amplifying its emotional resonance. What truly sets "The Green Mile" apart is its ability to touch on universal truths while remaining grounded in its characters. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of life, yet it offers moments of profound humanity and hope. The film's exploration of morality and the possibility of the divine elevates it beyond a simple narrative into a deeply spiritual and philosophical experience. In summary, "The Green Mile" is a timeless masterpiece that transcends genres. Its emotional depth, stellar performances, and poignant storytelling make it one of the most moving films ever made. This is a movie that not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on the complexities of life and the enduring power of compassion.
- Donovan WilliamsJanuary 6, 2025A cinematic masterpiece.
The Green Mile Trivia
The Green Mile was released on December 10, 1999.
The Green Mile was directed by Frank Darabont.
The Green Mile has a runtime of 3h 9m.
The Green Mile was produced by Frank Darabont, David Valdes.
Based on Stephen King's 1996 novel of the same name. Stars Tom Hanks as a death row corrections officer during the U.S. Great Depression who witnesses supernatural events that occur after an enigmatic inmate (Michael Clarke Duncan) is brought to his facility.
The key characters in The Green Mile are Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), Brutus 'Brutal' Howell (David Morse), Jan Edgecomb (Bonnie Hunt).
The Green Mile is rated R.
The Green Mile is a Fantasy, Drama, Crime film.
The Green Mile has an audience rating of 9.4 out of 10.
The Green Mile had a budget of $60M.
The Green Mile has made $286.8M at the box office.