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Tom Hanks, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, Michael Clarke Duncan, James Cromwell ... see more see more... , Michael Jeter , Graham Greene (II) , Doug Hutchison , Sam Rockwell , Barry Pepper , Jeffrey DeMunn , Patricia Clarkson , Harry Dean Stanton , Dabbs Greer , Eve Brent Ashe , Brent Briscoe , Bill Sadler , Gary Sinise

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 199... read more read more...6 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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93% liked it

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132 critics

R, 3 hr. 8 min.

Directed by: Frank Darabont

Release Date: December 10, 1999

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DVD Release Date: June 13, 2000

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the green mile The Green Mile The Green Mile The Green Mile The Green Mile Stars. John Coffey "Wild Bill" Wharton The Green Mile John Coffey - like the drink, only spelled different michael clark duncan James Cromwell (as Warden Hal Moores) in 'The Green Mile' The Green Mile The Green Mile Mr. Jingles Paul Edgecomb The Green Mile Gary Sinise in The Green Mile
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Flixster Reviews (45,224)

  • fb100000212943704
    May 30, 2012
    fb100000212943704
    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... read more 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.
  • Nathang110
    December 8, 2011
    Nathang110
    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.
  • blkbomb
    October 23, 2011
    blkbomb
    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 dram... read morea 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. 
  • theoneandonlybg
    October 23, 2011
    theoneandonlybg
    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... read more 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!
  • fb729949618
    September 25, 2011
    fb729949618
    One of the best films I've ever seen. Very climatic and brilliant.
  • spielberg00
    September 17, 2011
    spielberg00
    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 ... read moreCoffey 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.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    August 27, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    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 wi... read moreth 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.
  • theunknownhobo
    August 25, 2011
    theunknownhobo
    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 inconsi... read morestancies, 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.
  • murphmann93
    June 24, 2011
    murphmann93
    A classic!
  • fb100000257973100
    June 4, 2011
    fb100000257973100
    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 re... read morealizes 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.

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Critic Reviews

Lisa Alspector
April 8, 2011
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. Full Review

Richard Corliss
August 24, 2008
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

To more than a few viewers, this one will feel like a life sentence. Full Review

Rick Groen
April 25, 2003
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. Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum
January 1, 2000
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

In its own old-fashioned way, Frank Darabont's style of picture making is well matched to King-size yarn spinning. Full Review

Michael Atkinson
January 1, 2000
Michael Atkinson, Village Voice

The Green Mile is irritatingly repetitious. Full Review

Kenneth Turan
January 1, 2000
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Moves with the suffocating deliberateness of a river of molasses. Full Review

John Hartl
January 1, 2000
John Hartl, Film.com

The Green Mile is more than an hour old before anything like a plot develops, and then it turns out to be such a sentimental-supernatural whopper that even Tom Hanks, usually the most casually credibl...

John Anderson
January 1, 2000
John Anderson, Newsday

Provides all the sturdy entertainment of any well-calculated crime drama.

Janet Maslin
January 1, 2000
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Unassumingly strong, moving performances and Darabont's durable storytelling make it a trip worth taking. Full Review

Tom Keogh
January 1, 2000
Tom Keogh, Film.com

The Green Mile is simply a case of severe overreaching and the illusion that an overstuffed movie is an epic movie.

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Facts

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    • Paul Edgecomb: On the day of my judgement, when I stand before God, and he asks me why, did I ... did I kill one of his true miracles, what am I going to say? That it was my job?
    • Paul Edgecomb (elderly): And I think about all of us walking our own green mile... ...each in our own time.
    • Paul Edgecomb (elderly): We each owe a Death. There are no exceptions, but oh god, sometimes, the green mile seems so long.
    • Paul Edgecomb: I've lived a lot of years, Ellie, but 1935 takes the prize.
    • Paul Edgecomb: John - do you know where we're taking you tonight?
    • John Coffey: He'p a lady?
    • Brutus "Brutal" Howell: That's right! But how do you know?
    • John Coffey: Don't know. Tell the truth, boss, I don't know much o' anything, never have.
    • Paul Edgecomb: Your name is John Coffey
    • John Coffey: Yes sir boss. Like the drink, only not spelled the same.
    • Paul Edgecomb: Oh, you can spell can you?
    • John Coffey: Just my name boss. J-O...
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The Green Mile Trivia

  • "Miracles happen in the most unexpected places." This is the main theme for which movie?  Answer »
  • What movie is 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?  Answer »
  • Name this film from the clues Mr. Jingles Bladder infection Stephen King Electric Chair  Answer »
  • In The Green Mile, how does John Coffey explain the pronunciation of his name?  Answer »
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