Tom Hanks delivers a soulful performance as Paul Edgecomb, a veteran prison guard whose world is quietly upended by the arrival of John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan, in a career-defining, Oscar-nominated role). Though convicted of a brutal crime, Coffey is a gentle giant—childlike in demeanor and mysterious in nature. As Paul and his team come to know him, they realize that Coffey possesses miraculous healing powers that defy explanation and challenge their understanding of justice, punishment, and grace.

At its core, The Green Mile is a story about empathy—about seeing the humanity in others, even in a place designed to strip it away. The film examines the moral burden placed on those who carry out capital punishment and the quiet, often unseen suffering that justice systems can inflict.

Frank Darabont, who also directed The Shawshank Redemption, brings a steady hand to the storytelling, balancing the supernatural elements with deeply human moments. The result is a film that is as emotionally resonant as it is thought-provoking.

With a haunting score by Thomas Newman, strong supporting performances from David Morse, Doug Hutchison, and Sam Rockwell, and masterful cinematography that lingers like a memory, The Green Mile is more than a prison drama—it’s a spiritual journey. It explores guilt and forgiveness, cruelty and kindness, and ultimately, the capacity for grace in even the darkest places.

A timeless classic, The Green Mile continues to move audiences decades after its release. It’s not just a film—it’s an experience that stays with you long after the lights come up.