The Green Mile (1999)

80% of critics liked it
(132 reviews)
93% of users liked it
(719,255 ratings)

Director Frank Darabont, who made an acclaimed feature film debut with The Shawshank Redemption (1994), based on a Stephen King novel set in a prison, returns for a second feature, based on King's 1996 serialized novel set in a prison. In 1935, inmates at the Cold Mountain Correctional Facility call… More Director Frank Darabont, who made an acclaimed feature film debut with The Shawshank Redemption (1994), based on a Stephen King novel set in a prison, returns for a second feature, based on King's 1996 serialized novel set in a prison. In 1935, inmates at the Cold Mountain Correctional Facility call Death Row "The Green Mile" because of the dark green linoleum that tiles the floor. Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) is the head guard on the Green Mile when a new inmate is brought into his custody: John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), convicted of the sadistic murder of two young girls. Despite his size and the fearsome crimes for which he's serving time, Coffey seems to be a kind and well-mannered person who behaves more like an innocent child than a hardened criminal. Soon Edgecomb and two of his fellow guards, Howell (David Morse) and Stanton Barry Pepper), notice something odd about Coffey: he's able to perform what seem to be miracles of healing among his fellow inmates, leading them to wonder just what sort of person he could be, and if he could have committed the crimes with which he was charged. The Green Mile also stars James Cromwell as the warden; Michael Jeter, Sam Rockwell, and Graham Greene as inmates awaiting dates with the electric chair; and Harry Dean Stanton as a clever trustee. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 3 hr. 8 min.
Directed By: Frank Darabont
Written By: Frank Darabont
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Dec 10, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Jun 13, 2000
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Critic Reviews

Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
Much of the three-hour movie takes place in the prison, but the resonant characterization, expansive plotting, and judicious use of exterior locations and flashbacks turn the walls into windows.
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
To more than a few viewers, this one will feel like a life sentence.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Three long hours of wind, an exercise in titanic self-importance intent on passing off klunky rhetoric as poignant drama.
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
The movie taps into a vein of Dickensian sentiment, nightmare and idealism, ribaldry and tragedy that give it that part-dark, part-shining fairytale quality that imbues most King tales and all three of Darabont's features.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Superior craft is something we've come to expect from modern movies, but not soul. It's the soul of this movie that's so heartening.
Todd McCarthy, Variety
The Green Mile often grabs, and generally holds, one's attention through the long journey.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Thoughtful, intelligent movie for older teens.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...the older I get and the more often I watch this movie, the more I like it. I suppose the new high-definition picture and sound don't hurt, either. (Blu-ray Book Edition)
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...despite the clichés and stereotypes, the film's cast manages to lift it from the depths of the commonplace and make watching it enjoyable.
Rob White, Sight and Sound
How many blockbusters deal with that kind of grief?
, Film4
Though the film drifts off down some long blind alleys, when Darabont exercises discipline the result is highly effective.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
Dotted with many fine moments, clotted with a few flabby ones.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Overextending its welcome, Frank Darabont's film is the most commercially popular adaptation of a Stephen King novella, but it's also a slow, often dull prison drama.
Derek Adams, Time Out
The supernatural elements carry an undeniable emotional charge, but the solution to the underlying murder mystery is disappointingly tidy and trite.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Although The Green Mile is a satisfying and affecting movie, it's not The Shawshank Redemption -- not by a long shot.
Ron Wells, Film Threat
One of the best prison films ever made.
Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com
Mr. Jingles was robbed! (no mouse-Oscar)
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
This movie is being described as inspiring? To me it just seems morbid, melancholy, sad, and far too long.
Judith Egerton, Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)
Of all the movies based on King novels, The Green Mile ranks near the top -- but below Darabont's first, The Shawshank Redemption.
, Hollywood.com
Darabont explores the range of human kindness and cruelty as he lovingly and patiently sculpts his large cast of characters against magnificent scenery.

Read all 20 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Adam K

Despite its length, Frank Darabont delivers a passionate and emotionally thrilling film, which brings its viewers right to the heart of the story. Starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clark Duncan and James Cromwell, and based on the Stephen King story, "The Green Mile" tells the… More
Despite its length, Frank Darabont delivers a passionate and emotionally thrilling film, which brings its viewers right to the heart of the story. Starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clark Duncan and James Cromwell, and based on the Stephen King story, "The Green Mile" tells the story of a prison guard and his death row team in the middle of the great depression and the mystical and magical going ons that take place when a new prisoner arrives. Darabon'ts follow up to the public hit and continued moviegoers favourite, "The Shawshank Redemption", is again set in a prison, but this time the focus is on the screws, rather than the prisoners. Running at a little over three hours, the film is long, there is no denial, but it is worth the wait to see a powerful emotional piece of cinema, which the "Mile" most certainly is. With a good adaptation from King's original novel, the story itself is excellent, providing intertwining and entertaining ideas. However what really shines through is the characters, and their portrayals by the outstanding cast. As always Tom Hanks provides a fantastic portrayal, but Michael Clarke Duncan and David Morse are the real shine throughs, playing their respective characters beautifully. Michael Clarke Duncan plays his role of John Coffey beautifully, causing tears to flood from practically all soft centred viewers, in many moments of this beautiful film. Whilst the cinematography itself is nothing special, the film has a certain cinematic shooting quality, a special tint which adds to the mystical themes and feel of the entire film itself. Though it took him five years in between his first film and this one, it was worth the wait. Frank Darabont has produced a wonderfully inspiring film, fantastic acting as always from a brilliant cast all round, and one which not one actor or actress ever lets down.
Nathan H

A rare film that sets a supernatural element within a realistic world. Tom Hanks gives another stellar performance, as always, and Michael Clarke Duncan shows tryue acting skills. The entire movie flows perfectly, with surprising emotion and elegance.
Melvin W

Old Paul Edgecomb: We each owe a death - there are no exceptions - but, oh God, sometimes the Green Mile seems so long. "Paul Edgecomb didn't believe in miracles. Until the day he met one." The Green Mile; loved the book, love the movie. Frank Darabont took another… More
Old Paul Edgecomb: We each owe a death - there are no exceptions - but, oh God, sometimes the Green Mile seems so long. "Paul Edgecomb didn't believe in miracles. Until the day he met one." The Green Mile; loved the book, love the movie. Frank Darabont took another prison drama story from Stephen King and once again made a phenomenal adaption from it. The story is simply amazing and Darabont brought it to the screen with as much precision and skill as when he made The Shawshank Redemption. Him and Reiner just know how to make Stephen King dramas. This story is set in the south where death row inmates stay for the last days of their lives. Paul Edgecomb is the head officer at what he calls the Green Mile. John Coffey, played to perfection by Michael Clarke Duncan, is transported there for the killing of two little girls. Before long Paul comes to see that John can work miracles and that he is actually a gentle and kind man; despite the fact that he was condemned to death. The cast is astounding wit David Morse and Barry Pepper as a couple of guards. Once again James Cromwell plays a warden, and Bonnie Hunt plays his sick wife. The movie comes in at over three hours, but still you won't find yourself bored and you won't look away. It is an emotional story and everyone involved hits all the right notes. I saw this as a young kid, probably when I was eight or nine and some of the images from the first time I watched are still in my head. John Coffey sitting, weeping with the two dead girls in his arms is an image that is hard to get out of your head. The Green Mile is an outstanding film that captures Kings novel well. The film evokes a variety of emotions throughout. You'll hate some characters, you'll love some, you'll laugh and you'll tear up.
BG Movie Reviews 2

I have to say, right here, right now, that this is hands down the best film I have ever seen! I know that may seem to many like an exaggeration, but I really do mean it; it is a masterpiece. Tom Hanks plays as a man called Paul, who is keeping his Last Mile, known as the Green… More
I have to say, right here, right now, that this is hands down the best film I have ever seen! I know that may seem to many like an exaggeration, but I really do mean it; it is a masterpiece. Tom Hanks plays as a man called Paul, who is keeping his Last Mile, known as the Green Mile, under control. Working with people played by the likes of David Morse, everything seems fine. Except for the particular pain, Percy. He is very sadistic and is a pain to everyone; with the added arrival of a very unusual criminal, things begin to get interesting... What amazes me is the completely different tone of story that the original novel the film was based on, written by Stephen King, takes, compared to many of his other novels. It is still quite dark and compelling, but also humorous and emotional. When most people think of me watching a film, I tend to dismiss films as either unscary, laughable, or not very sad. This one was still not scary (because it wasn't intended to be), but was not laughable and was very sad indeed. I tend to be very strong and avoid tears in films, but I will admit that at the end of this film, I was in tears, making this one of the few films I can empathise for the characters. What really makes this film as strong as it is, is the power and force behind the story. Many films tend to take a more soft, lighter topic base for the film, but The Green Mile went straight in and hit the really serious stuff; things like, execution, painful death, torture, child rape and murder, all of which are incredibly sinister and horrible topics to talk about. Never before have I seen a film that has been so emotional, nor a film as dark and gritty as this, with some slightly light hearted moments. If you haven't already seen this film, watch it: it will change your outlook on films forever!
Eric A

One of the best films I've ever seen. Very climatic and brilliant.
Alexander D

Based on one of Stephen King's few non-horror novels, THE GREEN MILE is a long, moving, poignant prison drama with an interesting fantasy twist. Starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan, it tells the story of Paul Edgecomb, a guard working at a prison where a man named John… More
Based on one of Stephen King's few non-horror novels, THE GREEN MILE is a long, moving, poignant prison drama with an interesting fantasy twist. Starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan, it tells the story of Paul Edgecomb, a guard working at a prison where a man named John Coffey is brought into custody. Though he has been convicted of brutally murdering two girls, Paul soon enough discovers that John has a special healing power and really comes across as a kind man. Though clearly demented at some points in the plot, THE GREEN MILE was overall a great film. I plan on reading the serial novel on which it is based sometime soon, as it is sitting on my bookshelf, collecting dust and waiting patiently to be read; but as for a recommendation for anyone who hasn't seen this, see it. I can't guarantee you'll like it--there's always a movie not to like, after all--and I can't exactly guarantee you'll make it through the entire three hours and eight minutes, but it is most certainly worth a try. Rent it on Netflix, find it broken up in segments on YouTube, find it on TV, get it On Demand, buy it--whatever. Just make sure you see this film.
Jeff "

Frank Darabont's makes another Stephen King adaptation and he delivers yet another great film. Though not as memorable as The Shawshank Redemption, this film still has great drama. Frank Darabont is a terrific director when it comes to adapting Stephen King to the screen. Like… More
Frank Darabont's makes another Stephen King adaptation and he delivers yet another great film. Though not as memorable as The Shawshank Redemption, this film still has great drama. Frank Darabont is a terrific director when it comes to adapting Stephen King to the screen. Like with every other of Darabont's works, this film has a terrific cast and they all deliver something unique to this memorable film. I especially enjoyed Sam Rockwell in this role, and I thought he was perfect for the part he played. Aside from Michael Clarke Duncan, Rockwell was the most memorable on screen. I'm not saying the cast was terrible, I'm just saying that those are the two performances that really did stand out for me. Frank Darabont crafts yet another strong film, but of course, it's a bit less strong than his unforgettable Shawshank Redemption. This is a beautiful film with a powerful, touching story and it's quite mesmerizing. Darabont made a solid film, and what I really enjoy about Darabont's body of work, is that he always stays close to the source material. He's one of only a select few of directors who are able to successfully adapt a Stephen King oeuvre to the screen, and maintaining the essence of the original work. The Green Mile is almost perfect, and Darabont has made a strong film that's supported by a very good cast. An amazing, sad and at times feel good film that you shouldn't pass up. One of Darabon't best films after The Shawshank Redemption. A near perfect adaptation of a unique Stephen King tale.
Unknown H

As a die hard King fan I must take my hat off to Darabont for his almost exact portrayal of a much beloved and treasured story. It is hard to say that with many books that are adapted to film, but with the slight exception of who Jake the bird belonged too and a few other… More
As a die hard King fan I must take my hat off to Darabont for his almost exact portrayal of a much beloved and treasured story. It is hard to say that with many books that are adapted to film, but with the slight exception of who Jake the bird belonged too and a few other inconsistancies, I would be proud as an author to have a director and cast stick so whole heartedly and focused to my story as the entire cast and director did to this one. One of the best stories ever told, on paper and on screen.
Bethany M

A classic!
Zach B

If you really think about it, there is always going to be that one time in every man's life that he will have to do something that he knows is wrong, but he must do. For Paul Edgecomb, his might be too much of an emotional pain as he starts to understand inmate John Coffey and… More
If you really think about it, there is always going to be that one time in every man's life that he will have to do something that he knows is wrong, but he must do. For Paul Edgecomb, his might be too much of an emotional pain as he starts to understand inmate John Coffey and realizes John's "Special Gift". Like his previous film (The Shawshank Redemption), director and writer Frank Darabont creates what is maybe one of the best adaptations of any Stephen King story and the ultimate companion piece to his prison film, and at the same time creates an epic that really touches on your emotions. The pacing he has for this film is well done. At a three plus hour film, he makes it feel like it is only two hours and if you ask me, that is something of an accomplishment. In terms of acting, everyone gives top performances but the one that should be mentioned is Michael Clarke Duncan's performance as John Coffey. He makes this giant brute a lovable and sympathetic figure and you start to really care about his outcome. Tom Hanks also gives a performance that proves that he deserved his Oscar for FOREST GUMP. You understand where his character stands, but you can not help but feel angry at the end of the film when he has to do what he must. Finally, the score to this film. For the most part, it fits in some scenes perfectly well. But, there are some spots when it could have been much better. But, this is a film that the music is not that important. But, the parts that it did enhance, it done a wonderful job. Overall, this is a long film that is beyond emotional and sheds light on others that are different and the impact they can leave on people. Works great as a companion to THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION.
Jameson W

Although not as good as The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile is yet another fantastic collaboration between director Frank Darabont and Stephen King. A nice blend of historical culture, emotion, humor, and memorable characters, this film is one of the best of 1999. Of the many… More
Although not as good as The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile is yet another fantastic collaboration between director Frank Darabont and Stephen King. A nice blend of historical culture, emotion, humor, and memorable characters, this film is one of the best of 1999. Of the many appealing attributes of the film, the great cast stands as one the best things, with good performances all across the board, especially from leading man Tom Hanks, and supporting actors Michael Clarke Duncan, Michael Jeter, and Sam Rockwell. A sad, touching, thought provoking film...I recommend it to everyone.
Brad W

A masterful movie of hope, jealousy, and good and evil. Hanks is great but the true genius is Micheal Clarke Duncan, he was genius. The plot was tremendous and great adaption. Its such a tear kerking masterpiece. It needs to be watched by all.
Shawn E

A wonderful story of a guard on death row who meets a wrongly accused man with extraordinary powers. This is a very touching film with some heartfelt acting by Tom Hanks. The film may be a little long but it certainly will not feel that way. A highly recommended film for all to watch… More
A wonderful story of a guard on death row who meets a wrongly accused man with extraordinary powers. This is a very touching film with some heartfelt acting by Tom Hanks. The film may be a little long but it certainly will not feel that way. A highly recommended film for all to watch as some great reflections are made on the values of life.
Mister C

Author Stephen King is good at touching folks' hearts as he is scaring the wits out of them. Case in point...Exhibit A: "The Shawshank Redemption". Exhibit B: "The Green Mile",released around Christmas of 1999,was also based on a short story by Stephen King… More
Author Stephen King is good at touching folks' hearts as he is scaring the wits out of them. Case in point...Exhibit A: "The Shawshank Redemption". Exhibit B: "The Green Mile",released around Christmas of 1999,was also based on a short story by Stephen King and was also based inside the confinement of a state prison. Michael Clarke-Duncan(in his feature film debut was nominated for the Oscar of Best Supporting Actor)plays a mentally challenged man sent to death row for a double murder in 1930's Louisiana(at the height of the Jim Crow South). As the head guard,Tom Hanks(Oscar nominated for Best Actor),gets to know him,he realizes that he is not only the new but strange inmate,but possesses very special powers. With a strong supporting cast that includes David Morse,Bonnie Hunt,Michael Jeter, along with Sam Rockwell and James Cromwell,"The Green Mile" was one of the best dramas to come out of the 1990's,and it made Tom Hanks "the James Stewart of our generation".
Nicki M

Extremely long, but very good movie. As you would expect from a Stephen King story, something a bit different and a lot of detail put into all the characters. The story was very sad also.
Richard C

i thought it was okay but there were some boring part but I liked other parts in the movie. B-
♥Robyn

Sometimes, a movie comes along that you know from the first few moments is going to be a great movie-going experience. "The Green Mile" is one such movie, one word AMAZING!!!!!! <a href="http://photobucket.com/images/the%20green%20mile"… More
Sometimes, a movie comes along that you know from the first few moments is going to be a great movie-going experience. "The Green Mile" is one such movie, one word AMAZING!!!!!! <a href="http://photobucket.com/images/the%20green%20mile" target="_blank"><img src="http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n104/botaluca/the_green_mile.jpg" border="0" alt="the green mile Pictures, Images and Photos"/></a>
Sarah G

Review coming soon...
♥˩ƳИИ &

Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse The story about the lives of guards on death row leading up to the execution of a wrongly accused man who has the power of faith healing.… More
Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse The story about the lives of guards on death row leading up to the execution of a wrongly accused man who has the power of faith healing. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> This has to be my favorite Tom Hanks movie. One of the best movies brought to life from a book. Every actor in this movie did their part justice. Some people may get restless setting through a 3hr movie, but you really don't notice the time whatching this film. It has your attention from start to finish.
Daniel M

It is perhaps one of the greatest ironies in film or literature that Stephen King, one of the great humanist writers of our time, could be the source of one of the greatest Christian parables ever committed to pen or placed on celluloid. Frank Darabont?s first creation, The Shawshank… More
It is perhaps one of the greatest ironies in film or literature that Stephen King, one of the great humanist writers of our time, could be the source of one of the greatest Christian parables ever committed to pen or placed on celluloid. Frank Darabont?s first creation, The Shawshank Redemption, was and is awe-inspiring, but with The Green Mile he has created one of the five greatest films of all-time. At nearly three hours long, and shot in a style which is slow-moving, it?s by no means an easy ride. And whereas Shawshank gave you something in the way of a happy ending, with Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman embracing on the edge of the Pacific, this is dark the whole way through. There are, however, several moments of light humour to give the audience ample relief, for instance where Wild Bill (Sam Rockwell) spits the moon pie at Brutal (David Morse), or the dark but warm banter between the guards and the governor (James Cromwell). Even the character of Percy becomes funny in the end; the more cowardly he becomes, the more ironic the humour is until he gets his comeuppance in the last hour. This film, like Shawshank before it, is a feast for the intellect riddled with little touches, visual motifs and allegorical exchanges which renew one?s faith in the power of cinema. John Coffey, played by the amazing Michael Clarke Duncan, is more than just a faith healer who is a victim of a miscarriage of justice; he is an allegory for Jesus, who suffered similar plight before his death. The racial prejudice of 1930s America is analogous to the racial antipathy between the Romans and the Jews, culminating in Jesus being condemned to death at Pilate?s hands. Coffey?s ability to perform miracles comes at a price, both in his growing reputation and the physical toll it takes on him (remember that sequence in the Gospels where Jesus and the disciplines take the boat out into the centre of the lake to completely escape the crowds?). And finally, like the Lamb led to the slaughter who did not open his mouth, Coffey accepts his fate in sure knowledge of his innocence, to demonstrate how flawed our existence is and how our world is empty and futile without unconditional love. Like some of Stanley Kubrick?s later films, The Green Mile is also a subtle commentary on the dual nature of the prison system, something which simultaneously dignifies and dehumanises the individual. On the one hand, the guards in the prison are perfectly civilised. They deal in death every day and yet they are not reduced to animals as a result of their jobs. With the exception of the sadistic coward Percy (Doug Hitchison), they are all genteel, salt-of-the-earth individuals, who treat each other and the prisoners with dignity and respect. On the other hand, they live their lives on Death Row, a place designed to sap the human spirit and destroy all hope. The guards are hard when they have to be, are cynical, disillusioned with their faith and difficult to shake out of their routines. And the prisoners vary in their responses to their fate, from tearful remorse (John Coffey) to insanity (Wild Bill) and quiet acceptance. Tom Hanks has given many great performances over a career spanning three decades, but this has to be his best. He was wrongly overlooked for the Best Actor Oscar, perhaps due to winning it twice in a row earlier in the 1990s for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump, and being nominated the previous year for Saving Private Ryan. He inhabits Paul Edgecomb like no other character he?s ever played, combining hope and cynicism, light and dark in perfect measure, to achieve both pathos and humour. Supporting roles from David Morse, Barry Pepper and James Cromwell are also highly commendable. The film is beautifully shot, with great sets which are both expansive and claustrophobic. The direction is languid but no scene is allowed to overstay its welcome just to prove a point. This is a dark, tragic, tear-jerking film which will bring you to tears and warm the heart in equal measure. The greatest film of the 1990s, a real must-see.