A Classy production from the mind of Stephen King in The Green Mile. (The Green Mile (DVD))

Member Name: Jcapulet

Product:	The Green Mile (DVD)
Date:	20/01/09 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything.

Disadvantages: None. If you don't like upsetting films however, then don't watch.

Everything about this film is pure class !! Kind of like Shawshank Redemption in that the cast, script and production have been outstanding from the get-go.

One of the stars of the film is Tom Hanks playing the part of Paul, a prison officer on death row. Paul is a happily married man with honourable morals and a man who is affected by John Coffey for the rest of his life, in more ways than one. When John Coffey, a giant of a man, comes to one of his cells, Paul soon learns of his special gift and learns to trust John and in doing so is affected in a few ways. He's first cured of an horrendous water-infection issue that had plagued him in recent times; he learns that John is innocent of his crime and is deeply saddened at having to put John to death; plays a part in taking the 'cancer' out of Melinda Moores, wife of Hal a respected colleague and friend of Paul and finally is affected by some transferrence of the gift John had which leads to Paul living a life much longer than humanly possible.

Amongst all this we come to learn about other characters on the Green Mile. There's Percy Whetmore, a prison officer on death row who pays for his behaviour for the rest of his life in a case of poetic justice; there's Brutus Howell, respected colleague of Paul also working on The Green Mile. In terms of men on deathrow, amongst others, there's Will Bill, the real villian in the crime John Coffey was accused of, Eduard, a man with a somewhat child mentality who takes in a mouse as a pet (who is also affected by John Coffey's transferrence when he brings the mouse back to life one day. )

All in all, it's one of those films that you wouldn't sit down to watch with a box of Maltesers but it's a must see film that is both thought provoking and raises issues such as 'eye for an eye' and entertaining in the sense that it's a wonderfully produced and classy film that requires a box of tissues at the ready. By the end of the film you can't but help understand Paul's pain and upset at what needs to be done !! In regards to the book, it's kept to the story line very well, with the odd change here and there in accordance with the need for entertainment value of a film etc. If you're a fan Schindler's List and Shawshank Redemption etc then you'll enjoy this as the drama and classy production are common in the likes of these films. I wouldn't recommend this for anyone younger than a teenager however, due to some violent and distressing scenes.

Summary: A film that requires a box of tissues and a love for well produced drama.