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Entertainment • Film

The Green Mile

The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont and based on Stephen King’s 1996 serial novel of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Green Mile is a 1999 American fantasy drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont and based on Stephen King’s 1996 serial novel of the same name. Set on death row in Depression-era Louisiana, it follows prison guard Paul Edgecomb and inmate John Coffey, whose supernatural abilities challenge assumptions about guilt, justice, and compassion.

Plot

The story is set on death row at Cold Mountain Penitentiary during the Great Depression. Paul Edgecomb becomes interested in John Coffey, a condemned prisoner whose gentle manner and supernatural gift complicate the prison staff’s understanding of his case.

Production and release

Frank Darabont wrote and directed the film for Warner Bros., adapting Stephen King’s novel. It opened in U.S. theatres on December 10, 1999 and later became widely known for its lengthy running time and emotional tone.

Reception

The film was praised for its performances, direction, and emotional impact, especially the work of Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. It was also commercially successful and received Academy Award nominations.

Themes

The film explores capital punishment, compassion, guilt, and the possibility of miracles. Its prison setting is used to contrast cruelty with acts of kindness and moral uncertainty.

Key facts

  • The film is adapted from Stephen King’s 1996 novel The Green Mile, originally published in serial form.
  • Tom Hanks plays Paul Edgecomb, a death row correctional officer at Cold Mountain Penitentiary.
  • Michael Clarke Duncan plays John Coffey, an inmate with supernatural healing abilities.
  • The film was directed and written by Frank Darabont.
  • It was released by Warner Bros. in the United States on December 10, 1999.
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Canadian context

The film has been widely distributed and discussed in Canada as part of mainstream North American cinema, and it remains a familiar title for Canadian audiences through television, home video, and streaming availability.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Green Mile a Stephen King adaptation?
Yes. It is based on Stephen King’s 1996 novel of the same name.
Who directed The Green Mile?
Frank Darabont directed and wrote the film.
Who plays John Coffey?
Michael Clarke Duncan plays John Coffey.
When was The Green Mile released?
It was released in the United States on December 10, 1999.
What genre is The Green Mile?
It is generally classified as a fantasy drama film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Green_Mile_(film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, release date, director, cast, source novel, reception, box office, and Academy Award nominations.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120689/
    Supports: Plot overview, principal cast, and film identification.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-green-mile-1999
    Supports: Film being based on Stephen King’s novel and written/directed by Frank Darabont.
  4. StephenKing.com — https://stephenking.com/works/movie/green-mile.html
    Supports: Official Stephen King film page with release date, director, writer, cast, and plot premise.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/green_mile
    Supports: Release date, genre, runtime, distributor, and critical reception summary.