Cast
Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks)
Brutus Howell (David Morse)
John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan)
Jan Edgecomb (Bonnie Hunt)
Percy Wetmore (Doug Hutchison)
Dean Stanton (Barry Pepper)
Del Delacroix (Michael Jeter)
Warden Hal Moores (James Cromwell)
Bill Wharton (Sam Rockwell)

Written and Directed by Frank Darabont
Rated R for violence, language, and sexual content
Running Time: 189 minutes Distributed by Warner Bros.

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The Green Mile is a remarkable and astonishing film. Set on Death Row in a Louisiana prison in 1935, the film is centered around the character of Paul Edgecomb (Hanks). Paul is the cell block's head guard, who believes in treating his prisoners with respect. Paul's co-workers on the block include the loyal Brutus Howell (Morse), the cocky Percy Whitmore (Hutchison), and the youthful Dean Stanton (Pepper). Magical and mysterious events begin happening on the Green Mile after the arrival of a giant black inmate named John Coffey (Duncan). Coffey has been sentenced to Death Row for killing and raping two little girls. However, after experiencing John's magical gift, Paul begins to believe that he was falsely accused. Paul and his co-workers develop an unusual relationship with their prisoner as they learn more and more about his gift.

The Green Mile is a brilliant and well made film from director Frank Darabont. It is a great original story that is structured around terrific direction and fantastic acting.

The Green Mile was written and directed by Frank Darabont. Darabont adapted the script from Stephen King's best-selling novel of the same name. The Green Mile is the second collaboration between King and Darabont. Darabont previously adapted and directed The Shawshank Redemption. Darabont patiently directs the film with unique prison shots and sufficient angular work. Darabont brings audiences right into the cells as he did so previously in The Shawshank Redemption. Darabont's name should be popping up come Oscar time. It seems that Stephen King and Frank Darabont make a great working duo that I hope to see working together again in the future.

The cast of The Green Mile delivers a memorable crafted ensemble. As always Tom Hanks delivers an amazing performance. Hanks gives audiences a simple character, Paul, to remember in their hearts. Doug Hutchison gives a dynamite breakthrough performance as Percy, who is the one nemesis of the security guards on the Green Mile. Hutchison's intense eyes and vicious body movement contribute to his inflicting performance. Michael Clarke Duncan is gentle and kind as the convict giant John Coffey. Also, Bonnie Hunt is honest and sweet as Paul's wife Jan. In addition to, David Morse, Michael Jeter, Sam Rockwell, James Cromwell, and Barry Pepper, give pivotal performances that also deserve admirable attention. The Green Mile delivers the best ensemble cast of acting that I have seen this year outside of American Beauty. Oscar nominations could be delivered to Hanks, Hutchison, Duncan, and Hunt.

This film could bring home a lot of Oscar gold this year. The Green Mile is definetly one of the best films of the year. Outside of American Beauty, The Green Mile is the best film I seen this year. Let award season begin.

The Green Mile is a 3-hour plus film, which might hurt its box office receipts. However, with a good word of mouth, The Green Mile could bring in 100 million dollars. Also, nominations will help the film at the box office. If you are hungry for a great drama, The Green Mile is your ticket.

Report Card Grade: A

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