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Created Feb 25, 2011 10:49AM PST • Edited Feb 26, 2011 10:27PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Really Great 4.5

   Prison guards working on death row have to prepare for the upcoming execution of an inmate who has been convicted of the brutal slaying and rape of two little girls. The Green Mile, as the death row is known in this film, sees a variety of characters inhabit its cells, and patrols its hall. This movie goes beyond the complex debate of capital punishment, and delves into race relations, guilt, forgiveness, evil, and kindness, the ability to faith heal those who are hurting, without become too preachy.

   Tom Hanks delivers a fine performance as the lead guard, charged with no only keeping law and order on the Green Mile, but making sure execution plans are followed correctly. In the midst of all of these, he also assumes the role of protector, advocate, and counselor for many of the inmates. Michael Clarke Duncan does a wonderful job of portraying John Coffey, a man accused of child murder, and rape, who is physically intimidating, yet is also gentle and kind. His sheer physical size makes others fear him, but his unique “gift” makes him even more mysterious.

   We develop affection for some of the prisoners, and hatred for others. We see compassion from many of the guards, and contempt for one who abuses his power. In addition, all along is the constant reminded that each of them knows what waits at the end of the hall.

   Watched on DVD.

4. Acting

   Perfect 5.0

   Great performances help convey the story.

5. Male Stars Perfect 5.0

6. Female Stars Perfect 5.0

7. Female Costars Perfect 5.0

8. Male Costars Perfect 5.0

10. Film

    Great 4.0

    Nicely filmed, especilly in the Mile, which gives you the feeling of isolation, and confinement. We feel a million miles form the outside world, in a cold, and antiquated hallway, awaiting the final days.

    The only negative I had about the filmaking was some periods of uneven pacing. At times it was a bit slow.

11. Direction Great 4.0

12. Play Great 4.0

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.5

    Some violence, and language.

17. Sex Titillating 1.6

18. Violence Brutal 3.2

    Vivid images of an execution, along with some beatings.

19. Rudeness Profane 2.8

    It’s prison.

21. Reality

    Glib 1.5

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Surreal 2.4

    Do you believe in miracles?