The Green Mile

1999

The Green Mile

Critics Consensus

Though The Green Mile is long, critics say it's an absorbing, emotionally powerful experience.

78%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 134

94%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 813,509
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Movie Info

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

Cast

Tom Hanks
as Paul
Michael Clarke Duncan
as John
David Morse
as Brutus
Bonnie Hunt
as Jan
James Cromwell
as Warden
Michael Jeter
as Delacroix
Graham Greene (II)
as Arlen
Sam Rockwell
as Wharton
Doug Hutchison
as Percy
Barry Pepper
as Dean
Patricia Clarkson
as Melinda
Jeffrey DeMunn
as Harry
Harry Dean Stanton
as Toot-Toot
Eve Brent Ashe
as Elaine
William Sadler
as Klaus
Gary Sinise
as Burt
Mark C. Miles
as Orderly Hector
Doug Hutchinson
Rai Tasco
as Man in Nursing Home
Edrie Warner
as Lady in Nursing Home
Dabbs Greer
as Old Paul
Paula Malcomson
as Marjorie Detterick
Christopher Ives
as Howie Detterick
Evanne Drucker
as Kathe Detterick
Bailey Drucker
as Cora Detterick
Brian Libby
as Sheriff McGee
Brent Briscoe
as Bill Dodge
Bill McKinney
as Jack Van Hay
Rachel Singer
as Cynthia Hammersmith
Scotty Leavenworth
as Hammersmith's Son
Katelyn Leavenworth
as Hammersmith's Daughter
Bill Gratton
as Earl the Plumber
Dee Croxton
as Woman at Del's Execution
Rebecca Jane Klingler
as Wife at Del's Execution
Gary Imhoff
as Husband at Del's Execution
Van Epperson
as Police Officer
David E. Browning
as Reverend at Funeral
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Critic Reviews for The Green Mile

All Critics (134) | Top Critics (35) | Fresh (105) | Rotten (29)

View All Critic Reviews (134)

Audience Reviews for The Green Mile

  • Dec 23, 2015
    "The Green Mile" is a superb and sad drama movie of 1999. The plot to "The Green Mile" is about an elderly male telling a woman about when he worked as a prison guard. Later in the movie a new convict is transferred into "The Green Mile". This man is named "John Coffey" portrayed by Michael Clarke Duncan. "John Coffey" has a gift and is sad with all of the hatred in the world. The movie starts out with a group of men running with shotguns in their hands. This scene is captivating but not extremely captivating. For a movie that has a running time of three hours and eight minutes, it would be expected that there are quite some scenes that are boring; but "The Green Mile" is very entertaining. The movie's climax is a very sad scene but it's not's too sad. The plot to this movie is amazing. The plot would've been better except the characters were very likeable but then they'd do something that would make their character less likeable. "Tom Hanks" is an incredible actor in every role that he portrays. "Thomas Newman" the composer for the music in "The Green Mile" is stunning; "Thomas Newman" did a marvellous job at capturing the sadness in the movie. The filming of this movie is beautiful, "Frank Darabont" films shoots scenes perfectly. "The Green Mile" could've easily been a sad and ridiculous movie but instead it is a heart-warming drama movie. If you are a person who enjoys drama films then I highly recommend you watch "The Green Mile" as it has amazing acting, a superb plot and perfect filming. Although the movie is not perfect, like any other movie it has errors, these are needless scenes and better some scenes made better. I give 1999's "The Green Mile" a 9/10.
    Steve G Super Reviewer
  • Aug 31, 2015
    The Green Mile is a truly inspiring, touching and sad film all in one. It makes you think about how miracles could possibly work and how some people might deserve them. This and the Shawshank Redemption are the best adaptations of Stephen King's work. The soundtrack is great. Like Shawshank it is done by Thomas Newman. Michael Clarke Duncan is perfect for the role of John Coffey and should've gotten the Oscar for best supporting actor in 1999. Tom Hanks is great in the role of Paul Edgecomb. The rest of the cast is great with supporting roles being played by Barry Pepper, David Morse, Michael Jeter, Jeffrey Demunn, Sam Rockwell, Harry Dean Stanton, James Cromwell, William Sadler, and the always villainous Doug Hutchison. Toward the end I really thought how is it possible to not cry at the end of this film?
    Ian I Super Reviewer
  • Jul 28, 2014
    Some of the supporting characters are a little two-dimensional, but 'The Green Mile' is an incredibly effective prison drama with terrific performances and a script that deals with grief in an innovative and emotionally resonant way.
    Liam G Super Reviewer
  • Oct 03, 2013
    It's hard to create magic in a prison setting but Hanks and Duncan produce a memorable fairy tale. Hanks takes perhaps the most memorable pee in movie history.
    John B Super Reviewer
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