The Green Mile (1999)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  9 / 10

  The Green Mile is a near perfect story film. A term I like to use for a film that is purely focussed on the story. Structured so well that you are on board from start to finish, with a suitable beginning, middle and end. That is what makes a story film. Having now just watched this for the first time, The Green Mile is easily one of Tom Hanks' best films. I'm sure you've all seen it, a prison executioner for prisoners in Death Row encounters a new arrival who causes some unusual happenings. The ability to perform miracles. Ok so I'm going to do this slightly differently. My only negative with this film is the usage of the supernatural elements. Now I know it's a vital aspect of the story, but I'm just not a fan. Obviously used to highlight the moral implications of capital punishment where perhaps some prisoners may actually be innocent, I just find there are other ways to convey this in a more realistic manner. Not Frank Darabont's fault, Stephen King's source material is hit and miss for me. Aside from that personal preference, I found The Green Mile to be utterly captivating and near perfect. Darabont's direction, yet again similarly with 'The Shawshank Redemption', screams confidence. Long takes entirely focussing on the characters. Tom Hanks, David Morse, Barry Pepper, Sam Rockwell, James Cromwell all gave emotionally powerful performances. Michael Clarke Duncan though, a-whole-nother level. So much crying yet his dialogue is so powerful. There is one absolutely masterful scene where he holds Hanks' hand, the camera is all on Clarke and he just talks. Just...words. Then one tear rolls down his face and I get them feels. I feeeeeel it. Raw damn powerful emotion. Musical score was gorgeous. The execution scenes were tense and hard to watch. Percy was the perfect embodiment of evil. Well-structured three act narrative and, finally, a sombre conclusion that leaves you feeling empty inside. Safe to say, The Green Mile is the quickest three hours I've spent watching a film. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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