I was privileged to have worked with Frank Darabont on this film…interestingly, he was having real problems casting John Coffey’s role. In fact, less than a month before rolling, ( I was in the car w Frank for almost 2 straight months scouting locations as he was inundated w requests from actors) he still had found no one, until several people from Disney (including Bruce Willis) suggested Michael Clark Duncan for the role based on his ability to cry in “Armageddon”. MCD read twice for the role and Frank cast him with haste. No, MCD didn’t win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, losing to Michael Caine for “Cider House Rules”. Such a shame for MCD who would never again have a role like that; he was characteristically good humored and even funny about the loss (I worked w him on several projects after TGM). RIP to a really great soul.
There are always snubs for whatever reason, and there's no doubt they play politics with who wins quite often, but MCD had to know his performance was legendary and very Oscar worthy, whether he won or not.
Wow what a interesting fun career you have had , I always thought having a career in the movie business would be so difficult , almost have to know somebody, thanks
Michael Clarke Duncan was robbed he deserved it more than Michael Caine . And it was Ving Rhames who wanted to give his Golden Globe Award to Jack Lemmon not an Oscar .
“I've done some things in my life I'm not proud of, but this is the first time I've ever felt in real danger of hell,” is the quote that brings me to tears. Paul Edgecomb had to make a terrible decision either way but it was only John Coffey’s kind words that resolved the inner conflict.
I love the scene where Paul asks John Coffey what he's meant to say when God asks why he killed one of His true miracles, "Because it was my job?" I'm not a religious man, but I do try to be a moral one and whether you're answering to The Almighty or simply to yourself, "Because it was my job," is never a sufficient justification for having done the wrong thing. Paul knows this. John's response is beautifully layered. He tells Paul it's a kindness they're doing in killing him, as John is so very tired from living with and feeling the suffering and sadness of people all over the world. At the same time, however, John is doing these good men who will have to carry out his execution a kindness by ensuring them that he longs for death and them delivering it will end his own suffering. He knew not only what they needed to hear in order to be able to deliver to him that kindness, but also what they needed to hear in order to live with it afterwards. It's a wonderfully written story.
Best comment about this movie EVER, everyone is just so commemorating about the actor and forgot the message. Also another thing people tends to overlook: John gave closure to the grieving parents who lost their daughters, John knows he is innocent but never disputes his innocence and takes the blame, the reason behind it I think, is one he is truely tired and want to end his suffering and two, since Wild Bill is dead (killed by Percy) he took away the suffering of those grieving parents and gave them Justice, albeit men's Justice, but justice in some measure... in another words, he took away their pain without performing any miracle. King later confirmed that John Coffey JC, is an allegory for Jesus Christ. After all, ALL he ever wanted was for us to treat each other with kindness and if you are suffering he will take away your pain (literally and figuratively). And still we killed him for it. My limited understanding is that we cannot stand in front of pure kindness and goodness, because we are ashamed of our own inadequacies (the potencial of what we could become and be) that we are left with only 2 choices, REPENT and GROW or KILL the source that shames us.
For most of my childhood, until his death, I wanted Michael Clarke Duncan to be my big brother. I had dreams of us traveling the world to ride the greatest rollercoasters together. Still breaks my heart he’s gone
This movie....oh my gosh. Perfection. Michael Clarke Duncan just ripped my heart out. "Tell God the Father it was a kindness you done." Tearing up again just typing it.
41:20 That was Ving Rhames, not Michael Clarke Duncan, and was at the golden globes. Michael Clarke Duncan was nominated for the oscar but lost to Michael Caine
You're right. I actually watched the show. It was 2000 before The Green Mile Academy Awards nominations. The Green Mile deserved wins but unfortunately didn't receive any.
CinePals: So many people have done reactions for this movie, and I typically don't even bother watching any that are less than 45min. i just don't feel you can adequately encapsulate a 3hr+ movie in that mount of time, unless you chop out some critical plot points or dialog. Your reaction is among the 5 best I've seen, and I've seen plenty. Your genuinely humane response was heartwarming, you gave enough time to include all the important stuff, and reacted how I would expect anyone with a soul to react on the first watch (or even the 100th). Nicely done!
This was not my original thought, but one I saw from a review of this movie. When the woman with the tumor is healed, she said that she and John Coffey "found each other in the dark." This implies that John had to go into the darkness to find and heal. John was so afraid of the dark that he didn't want the hood over his head during his execution, but was still willing to go into "the dark" to find and help someone. True bravery and compassion.
I always wonder what happened to her afterwards. Since John always seems to give a piece of himself to everyone he heals (I know with Paul it was also for him to see what actually happened to the two girls, but that wasn't the case with Mr Jingles and he STILL lives too!) she might have lived a longer life than usual too. Maybe it would have been a healing experience for both of them to reconnect as they were both there to witness the miracles of John firsthand, something difficult to explain to outsiders.
@@adrianaheiler9794 As mister Jingles lived a very high multiply of a mouse live, and Hanks is also alive now, the wife of the director lives on or died at an accident, Even long life from coffee can not prevent death of an accident.
@@adrianaheiler9794- Mr. Jingles and Paul Edgecomb didn’t get extra life from being healed by John Coffey. Mr. Jingles got it accidentally when John was feeling Del getting executed, and he gave Paul a “bit of himself” in order to show him what Wild Bill did. Miranda was healed, but she didn’t get any extra life.
For those who are critical of Paul for putting Percy in charge of Del's execution after Del laughed at Percy peeing his pants: When Paul got Percy to promise to get a different job he already had it in mind to take John to Melinda and wanted Percy transferred to Briar Ridge ASAP. After the execution Hal tells him it will take 30 days to effect the job transfer, but Paul doesn't think Melinda will survive another month. So he comes up with the alternative of locking Percy up. This is really risky because all their jobs will be at risk. That's why he meets with the guys, and why he insisted Dean not be part of it. Dean had little kids and needed his job. This is per the book, which is probably one of the best book to movie scripts, ever. Darabont strictly adheres to the book, almost word for word.
This movie is life changing. The stunned silence from the two of you during Edward's execution, it brought me back to the first time I watched it. And John reminding them during his execution that he's afraid of the dark makes me bawl every time.
As a guy with spina bifida, I felt every bit of that urine infection part. Watching Tom Hanks lie on the floor with his mouth open, terrified to move. That is exactly how it is. And the issue isn't just confined to the area you think it is. You feel foggy in the head, dizzy, with bad headaches, you feel like you have to go constantly and the pain and burning are excruciating, and you have a fever on top of all of it. If you have spina bifida, it's even worse and you can get it more frequently, and I won't go into details here on why that is. Let's just say people like me don't just go to the bathroom "normally," so that adds to the pain. I take Macrodantin (Nitrofurantoin) as a preventative antibiotic, which helps, but every once in a while it happens anyway, and it's exactly like Tom Hanks is depicting it, only worse - and when you're finally cured, it's the best feeling in the world.
Hey, my mum has spine bifida constantly in pain, she catheterised ( bad spelling) ended up with bladder cancer, she now has a stoma…. She doing alot better now, she’s very disabled, but nothing she can’t do, other than walk miles. She has a scooter to get around x
The Green Mile truly a masterpiece I'm very glad you checked the movie out. The entire cast and the script was phenomenal in this movie. I just wish that Michael Duncan got that Oscar for best supporting actor.
I just noticed for the first time after watching this several times john is singing 'heaven' as they're about to flip the switch. never caught that before. oh god, cried again.
I felt in love with the novel 'The Green Mile' written by Stephen King the moment I read it....and then they went on to make a movie out of it and did such a superb work... It will remain one of my most favourite movie... Great casting.
True but make no mistake the United States has a very long and dark history with executions as entertainment. Literally had picnics underneath dead bodies. In particular black people lynched.
This film changed me as a kid, it was the first film I ever watched where I understood how tragedy could be so beautiful. It was the first time I was happy I cried. It has always stuck in the back of my mind throughout my years.. The way it was written, directed.. It less feels like a movie and more like you were taken there and you were allowed to see this moment.. This real human moment.. Moments of uncomfortable truth.. Pauses, gaps in the story, the fact that it doesn't end with everyone getting away and living happily. It ended how it would have ended. And in the end were all walking the green mile.. Its okay to sit down and cry for him sometimes.. To cry for the miracle who was taken too soon.
This is a magnificent movie, I have seen it over 25 times, and cry at it everytime, anyone who says they didn't or don't cry at it, is lying or they have no heart
This is my favorite movie of all time. It is impossible to watch it for me without crying like a baby. Everything about the movie just seeps into my soul and I love it.
Paul said that if Mr. Jingles - a mouse, lived as long as he did, how much longer will he live. Well, it always gets me thinking about how long John himself wandered the earth, before being able to go Home.
I went without seeing the film for over 20 years and every time I see it, I can’t help but weep. I’d have to say at 68 years old, it’s in my top ten all time. Very glad you two reacted, thank you for sharing. Peace.
I really enjoyed your thoughtful discussion of the themes of the movie afterward. I came to your channel for your Pitch Meeting reactions, but now I'm going to seek out more of your full movie reactions.
It’s worth noting in the original story that Gary Sinise’s character was a journalist rather than a lawyer. James Cromwell is great in this movie as well.
I saw THE GREEN MILE in theater and it was packed. an entire room full of people openly expressing every emotion as every scene rolled onscreen. This was special. Unfortunately the late, great Michael Clarke Duncan though nominated for the Best Supporting Actor award in 2000, the Oscar went to another Michael -- Michael Caine for the film Cider House Rules. I remember watching that evening. I was crushed; no offense to Mr. Caine... but still! IJS. The memorable moment where an actor wanted to give his award to the legendary actor, Jack Lemmon, happened not at the Oscars. It occurred at the 1998 Golden Globes. Actor Ving Rhames earned the Best Actor award for his role in "DON KING...". The whole audience, and i too, was moved by Ving's heartfelt gesture to an actor he'd admired, personally & professionally, for years. Great reaction, guys! Keep up the earnest and excellent work!
Jaby and Steph We have to give thanks to Bruce Willis on suggesting Michael Clarke Duncan for the role of John Coffey. As both of you know that Big Mike was one of Bruce's costars on Armageddon as Bruce's Harry's worker, Bear year before this one. As we know that Big Mike died in 2012, according to his friends and other actors, Big Mike was like his character, John Coffey as a gentle giant. During his funeral, Tom Hanks eulogized Big Mike. I read that an interviewer asked Stephen King, "is John Coffey reference to another JC, Jesus Christ?" King replied, "yes".
With John Coffey being Jesus Christ, I think that would make Paul the Roman soldier Longinus, the one who pierced Jesus's side with the spear and was, supposedly, cursed by God to walk the earth until Jesus returned as his punishment for what he did. You can go further, too, with Delacroix and Bitterbuck. They could be seen as the two sinners that were crucified along side Jesus, with one of them truly repenting his crimes. I absolutely love this movie and how it was built. I love it with or without the biblical inferences. MCD gave the performance of a lifetime and I cannot imagine ANYONE doing, even, a tenth as well. Rest in Peace big man.
@35:40 he was nominated but didn't win. I think he totally deserved it though....his performance was mind blowing...RIP Michael Clark Duncan... This movie is a masterpiece, Frank Darabont is a genius. It's like 3 hours but it so f*cking good that you don't notice it at all! Stephen King is a genius also. Shame that Hollywood doesn't do this kind of gems no more...
I was expecting Steph to be all teary eyed and blubbery, but it was Jaby. I had no idea Steph was so cold blooded! I keed! I keed! Fun reaction, guys. Especially enjoy the post watch conversation about the movie, too.
Maaan! I've never teared up watching a reaction but this movie will do it to you. It's a Phenomenal movie and everyone did a great job in this movie. Another genius film from Frank Darabont. RIP Michael Clarke Duncan. He definitely should've won the supporting actor Oscar. Can't watch this movie again anytime soon though. It's too strong.
This movie never fails to make me sad, and when I showed it to my GF she cried too, very good movie honestly, hope your first experience was good as well and didn't make you feel too sad near the end
I saw this in the theater when it came out, and had to walk out into the hall during Del's botched execution because I was about to be sick. But it remains one of my favorite movies, and my second favorite Stephen King movie. Great reaction.
I WISH I’d seen it in theaters! I’ve always wondered what the reaction of a group was when Percy stepped on Mr. Jingles. It’s one of the most infuriating moments I’ve ever seen and usually gets a visceral reaction from TH-camrs, so I just would have loved to be in a big 90s-busy theater and felt that in person with others.
John Coffey sensed trouble when Wild Bill arrived on the cell block. He didn't see Will Bill from his end of the green mile, but he knew something was about to happen. John Coffey whispered, "Careful...careful."
I read the serialized novels in college back in 90s and was so impressed by the story so I used it in my thesis in Literature. I watched the movie in theater the next year. Every characters in the movie was very spot on from the book, especially Michael Clarke Duncan.
Frank Darabont was the director, who also directed the Shawshank Redemption. The older guard in this movie was also in season one of the Walking Dead, produced by Frank Darabont.
Great reaction. This movie always makes me tear up no matter how many times I've seen it. Did you notice that the actor( William Sadler ) who played the girls dad was the same actor who played Hayward in The Shawshank Redemption. I love how when John is watching the movie, they used the light from the projector behind his head like a halo type thing. In my opinion Percy is one of the most vile characters ever created.
Superb film. Note: First, you were surprised that Hanks' character wasn't doing more for Duncan's character.....It was the 30s. It was the South. Those two facts should explain most everything. I grew up in the South and my parents grew up in the South in the 30s. I'm not saying it was right, just saying that most people wouldn't even have done what Hank's character did. Second: The people at the executions were not there for "entertainment". At this point in history, it wasn't a public event. Those people were the inmates' victims' family/survivors that were given the chance to come see them die in order to have some closure. Others in attendance would have been prison officials, maybe govt officials, and perhaps a journalist or two. None of it is pretty, but all of it was quite common at that time.
@@ghostlee6434 An excellent point. Nearly every single work of classic literature has been updated and amended to reflect current norms. Every piece of history that doesn't fit in with current ideology has to be removed. The result is that people no longer remember or appreciate that times were different. I learned history, art, religion, politics, geography and about different cultures though classic literature (not Disney cartoons bearing the same titles). In order to appreciate were we are, we need to be familiar with how we got here.
Now I strongly recommend you read the book or listen to the wonderful audiobook if you prefer (Frank Muller does an exceptionally good job reading it). It will fill in the gaps of things that didn’t make it to the film (like why John wasn’t killed on the spot) and give more depth to characters like Jan and Ellie. One of the few stories where I say, “Watch the movie first.”
I read that novel back in high school, the book is fantastic but that botched execution turned my stomach. I had to stop reading that scene multiple times to stop myself from being sick.
The book first came out in 6 parts about 100 pages each mini book. They came out like every week or month, I can't remember but i think rach month. But watch any Stephen King before you read the book cuz if you don't you'll be disappointed cuz they usually change it a little.
21:30, Remember this is taking place in 1935. If the authorities and judicial system had been alerted about John's healing abilities, they would have most likely accused him of receiving his abilities from the devil😅
Great reaction! I remember seeing MCD talking about the final conversation scene in his cell, and he was expected to just say his lines to either empty air or a stand in, as the camera was only set up to capture him. But Tom Hanks sat down across from him and delivered his lines and MCD said it was the best acting Hanks had ever done, just as a courtesy to a fellow cast member. What an amazing ensemble & movie!
3:51 "You're saying they wouldn't murder him right there?" Aha, very nice. Good spot. In the book the sheriff is thinking the same, and confiscates the father's ammo before they get to the crime scene.
33:15 Well, it kinda does... If John wasn't out of his jail cell, he wouldn't have been grabbed by Billy and wouldn't have seen what he did. If John didn't heal Melinda, he wouldn't have had the brain tumor inside to pass to Percy, and subsequently, Percy wouldn't have killed Billy. It's kinda all connected to what happened at Hall's house.
One of the best Stephen King books ❤ The way they originally released the books was great too. I remember going to the grocery store and was always excited when a new book was out in this serial novel.
@7:00 It's not "entertainment", it's watching justice be served for your loved one who was killed. To make sure you see it for yourself. You ought to give the state more credit than offering up tickets for the fun of it.
My oldest son was a peace officer in our jail and could only handle it for 3 weeks because he said the atmosphere was just toxic. He is a very empathetic soul and could FEEL the energy around him wasn't good. Can't imagine being a death row guard.
I was 11 years old when I first saw this movie. It was a Thursday night. Had to go to school the next day but I kept on watching on-demand back then( had the black box) this movie came up for some reason I caught my attention and I watched it till the end. And for the life of me everytime I see John coffeys death scene I cry the same way I did when I was 11. I'm 34 now and seeing this again with you guys made me cry even more.
The “what are you made of steel” got me because no matter how many times I’ve seen this it makes me bawl everytime! 😭 I have a very strong, love-hate relationship for this movie!
As good as he was, being a black man in the 30's he had no chance. The people wanted to see someone punished. He was a good scapegoat. I've seen it a dozen times, and I tear up every time. RIP MCD.
The book was actually inspired by the true story of George Tilley Jnr and the two little girls in the 30s in the deep south. The two little girls were found murdered and s. Assaulted. The police department really didn't investigate but wanted someone to go down for the crime and their victim was a poor,simple minded,skinny little ( black ) boy who at the time of the murders was as always working on the family farm. While he was walking down the road they arrested him, beaten and bullied into signing a confession. In the newspaper they made him out to be this big monstrous black man but he was so skinny and small he was for the age of 14 he looked like a 8 year old ( they put telephone books under him to electricute him ) It took a all white jury just 6 hours to sentence him to death by electric chair a year later would be the D.O.E. the whole time he was imprisoned he was cut off from his family so the fear of this poor child I do not want to imagine, he must have thought that his family didn't love him anymore but that could not be further from the truth cause they did everything they could even after his death through the generations to clear his name. In 2006 the innocent project took the case and his name was cleared due to lack of evidence and corruption within the police dept, I also believe a death bed confession too his name was finally cleared. A true innocent child murdered because of the colour of his skin. I suggest reading the book as it is a wonderful book and gives u more information about John's life and powers. Such a great book and movie.
I'm so happy that you guys enjoyed it, it's definitely a classic in my eyes it always has been. You know what I take that back it was a master piece but that's just my opinion. rest in peace Michael Clarke Duncan😢
an ex bf of mine once said, after watching this with me, "what if the old guy is just telling lies to the ladies in the rest home to get laid, and he just happens to have an elderly mouse as his wingman" and i never got over it lol
"It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent person suffer.” Known as Blackstone’s Ratio, expressed by the English jurist William Blackstone in the 1760’s, this idea of protecting and safeguarding an innocent person, even at the expense of many guilty people going free, is a concept rooted deep within many legal systems. Other legal commentators have used numbers other than “ten”, in terms of how many guilty people should go free to safeguard one innocent person. Benjamin Franklin referred to “one hundred persons”, and the Jewish legal theorist Moses Maimonides wrote in the 1100’s, “it is better and more satisfactory to acquit a thousand guilty persons that to put a single innocent one to death.
This Movie is one of the best emotional rollercoaster there is. Watched 3 time cried , Watching the reaction still cried. The best performance of all casts. What a great movie❤❤
“You made of steel? What’s wrong with you?”
I feel the same.
yeah she is definelty a psycho. I would not trust her one bit
I was privileged to have worked with Frank Darabont on this film…interestingly, he was having real problems casting John Coffey’s role. In fact, less than a month before rolling, ( I was in the car w Frank for almost 2 straight months scouting locations as he was inundated w requests from actors) he still had found no one, until several people from Disney (including Bruce Willis) suggested Michael Clark Duncan for the role based on his ability to cry in “Armageddon”. MCD read twice for the role and Frank cast him with haste. No, MCD didn’t win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, losing to Michael Caine for “Cider House Rules”. Such a shame for MCD who would never again have a role like that; he was characteristically good humored and even funny about the loss (I worked w him on several projects after TGM). RIP to a really great soul.
There are always snubs for whatever reason, and there's no doubt they play politics with who wins quite often, but MCD had to know his performance was legendary and very Oscar worthy, whether he won or not.
Thanks for sharing that.
Big Mike was one of a kind like his character, John Coffey.
He was up against Haley Joel Osment from Sixth Sense, and Michael Caine from Cider House. Michael Caine won best supporting Oscar.
Wow what a interesting fun career you have had , I always thought having a career in the movie business would be so difficult , almost have to know somebody, thanks
Micheal Clark Duncan was like 6'5 and like 300 pounds of muscle but could cry on command and was well spoken and funny what a person
he wasn't actually all muscle at max 40% of his mass would be from muscle
Nominated for 4 Oscars including Best Picture.
RIP, Michael Clarke Duncan and Michael Jeter.
And sadly didn't win one that Year!
Yeah that was a tough year at the Oscars, some great films in the lineup although TGM absolutely deserved something.
Michael Clarke Duncan was robbed he deserved it more than Michael Caine . And it was Ving Rhames
who wanted to give his Golden Globe Award to Jack Lemmon not an Oscar .
it should've won best Picture
the matrix won that year didnt it?
“I've done some things in my life I'm not proud of, but this is the first time I've ever felt in real danger of hell,” is the quote that brings me to tears. Paul Edgecomb had to make a terrible decision either way but it was only John Coffey’s kind words that resolved the inner conflict.
In the book, it’s Brutus’s line and Paul has to reflect on it.
It’s one of those right to the heart choices.
John Coffey "MOST OF ALL I'M TIRED OF PEOPLE BEING UGLY TO EACH OTHER" is a line that gets me each time I see this .
I love the scene where Paul asks John Coffey what he's meant to say when God asks why he killed one of His true miracles, "Because it was my job?"
I'm not a religious man, but I do try to be a moral one and whether you're answering to The Almighty or simply to yourself, "Because it was my job," is never a sufficient justification for having done the wrong thing. Paul knows this.
John's response is beautifully layered. He tells Paul it's a kindness they're doing in killing him, as John is so very tired from living with and feeling the suffering and sadness of people all over the world. At the same time, however, John is doing these good men who will have to carry out his execution a kindness by ensuring them that he longs for death and them delivering it will end his own suffering. He knew not only what they needed to hear in order to be able to deliver to him that kindness, but also what they needed to hear in order to live with it afterwards.
It's a wonderfully written story.
Best comment about this movie EVER, everyone is just so commemorating about the actor and forgot the message. Also another thing people tends to overlook: John gave closure to the grieving parents who lost their daughters, John knows he is innocent but never disputes his innocence and takes the blame, the reason behind it I think, is one he is truely tired and want to end his suffering and two, since Wild Bill is dead (killed by Percy) he took away the suffering of those grieving parents and gave them Justice, albeit men's Justice, but justice in some measure... in another words, he took away their pain without performing any miracle.
King later confirmed that John Coffey JC, is an allegory for Jesus Christ. After all, ALL he ever wanted was for us to treat each other with kindness and if you are suffering he will take away your pain (literally and figuratively). And still we killed him for it. My limited understanding is that we cannot stand in front of pure kindness and goodness, because we are ashamed of our own inadequacies (the potencial of what we could become and be) that we are left with only 2 choices, REPENT and GROW or KILL the source that shames us.
For most of my childhood, until his death, I wanted Michael Clarke Duncan to be my big brother. I had dreams of us traveling the world to ride the greatest rollercoasters together. Still breaks my heart he’s gone
“What are you, made of steel?! What’s wrong with you” LMAO awww bahaha my thoughts exactly 😂
This got me also.
Yeah i have no respect for anyone that dont cry here
This movie....oh my gosh. Perfection. Michael Clarke Duncan just ripped my heart out. "Tell God the Father it was a kindness you done." Tearing up again just typing it.
" I'm tired of people being ugly to each other " , same.
41:20 That was Ving Rhames, not Michael Clarke Duncan, and was at the golden globes. Michael Clarke Duncan was nominated for the oscar but lost to Michael Caine
One of my favorite roles for Ving Rhames is as Buddy in "Out Of Sight."
You're right. I actually watched the show. It was 2000 before The Green Mile Academy Awards nominations. The Green Mile deserved wins but unfortunately didn't receive any.
CinePals: So many people have done reactions for this movie, and I typically don't even bother watching any that are less than 45min. i just don't feel you can adequately encapsulate a 3hr+ movie in that mount of time, unless you chop out some critical plot points or dialog. Your reaction is among the 5 best I've seen, and I've seen plenty. Your genuinely humane response was heartwarming, you gave enough time to include all the important stuff, and reacted how I would expect anyone with a soul to react on the first watch (or even the 100th). Nicely done!
The entire cast was superb.
Director Frank Darabont was brilliant directing this and “Shawshank Redemption”
...and "The Walking Dead" and "The Mist".....
And Stephen King was the real genius writing them in the first place.
@@js0988 Indeed!
Not just direction, but he also wrote the screenplay... both of them.
Make no mistake that The Green Mile is powerful and draws on our emotions.
This was not my original thought, but one I saw from a review of this movie. When the woman with the tumor is healed, she said that she and John Coffey "found each other in the dark." This implies that John had to go into the darkness to find and heal. John was so afraid of the dark that he didn't want the hood over his head during his execution, but was still willing to go into "the dark" to find and help someone. True bravery and compassion.
I always wonder what happened to her afterwards. Since John always seems to give a piece of himself to everyone he heals (I know with Paul it was also for him to see what actually happened to the two girls, but that wasn't the case with Mr Jingles and he STILL lives too!) she might have lived a longer life than usual too. Maybe it would have been a healing experience for both of them to reconnect as they were both there to witness the miracles of John firsthand, something difficult to explain to outsiders.
@@adrianaheiler9794 As mister Jingles lived a very high multiply of a mouse live, and Hanks is also alive now, the wife of the director lives on or died at an accident,
Even long life from coffee can not prevent death of an accident.
@@adrianaheiler9794- Mr. Jingles and Paul Edgecomb didn’t get extra life from being healed by John Coffey. Mr. Jingles got it accidentally when John was feeling Del getting executed, and he gave Paul a “bit of himself” in order to show him what Wild Bill did. Miranda was healed, but she didn’t get any extra life.
For those who are critical of Paul for putting Percy in charge of Del's execution after Del laughed at Percy peeing his pants: When Paul got Percy to promise to get a different job he already had it in mind to take John to Melinda and wanted Percy transferred to Briar Ridge ASAP. After the execution Hal tells him it will take 30 days to effect the job transfer, but Paul doesn't think Melinda will survive another month. So he comes up with the alternative of locking Percy up. This is really risky because all their jobs will be at risk. That's why he meets with the guys, and why he insisted Dean not be part of it. Dean had little kids and needed his job.
This is per the book, which is probably one of the best book to movie scripts, ever. Darabont strictly adheres to the book, almost word for word.
I'm really glad that he decided to keep dark what landed Del on death row in the film adaptation. As horrid as it is, it's undeniably poetic justice.
Yeah, it is one of the best film adaptions to a book.
Others are not so close to the book (but also good films)
This movie is life changing. The stunned silence from the two of you during Edward's execution, it brought me back to the first time I watched it. And John reminding them during his execution that he's afraid of the dark makes me bawl every time.
As a guy with spina bifida, I felt every bit of that urine infection part. Watching Tom Hanks lie on the floor with his mouth open, terrified to move. That is exactly how it is. And the issue isn't just confined to the area you think it is. You feel foggy in the head, dizzy, with bad headaches, you feel like you have to go constantly and the pain and burning are excruciating, and you have a fever on top of all of it. If you have spina bifida, it's even worse and you can get it more frequently, and I won't go into details here on why that is. Let's just say people like me don't just go to the bathroom "normally," so that adds to the pain. I take Macrodantin (Nitrofurantoin) as a preventative antibiotic, which helps, but every once in a while it happens anyway, and it's exactly like Tom Hanks is depicting it, only worse - and when you're finally cured, it's the best feeling in the world.
Do that which is correct & trouble this man no more.
also tom hanks comment about the sulfa tablets, modern day sulfa meds make me so sick like they do to toms character XD
Hey, my mum has spine bifida constantly in pain, she catheterised ( bad spelling) ended up with bladder cancer, she now has a stoma…. She doing alot better now, she’s very disabled, but nothing she can’t do, other than walk miles. She has a scooter to get around x
The Green Mile truly a masterpiece
I'm very glad you checked the movie out. The entire cast and the script was phenomenal in this movie.
I just wish that Michael Duncan got that Oscar for best supporting actor.
I just noticed for the first time after watching this several times john is singing 'heaven' as they're about to flip the switch. never caught that before. oh god, cried again.
I felt in love with the novel 'The Green Mile' written by Stephen King the moment I read it....and then they went on to make a movie out of it and did such a superb work... It will remain one of my most favourite movie... Great casting.
The chairs during execution are not for "entertaiment", they usually are for the lawyers, police staff and family of the criminal and the victims.
True but make no mistake the United States has a very long and dark history with executions as entertainment. Literally had picnics underneath dead bodies. In particular black people lynched.
And the journalists. No Twitter in those days and lots of journalists show up to report.
Couldn't believe he said such an ignorant thing.
Hey honey, get the kids and some popcorn! Executions tonight!
@@fester2306definitely not an ignorant thing to say since public executions used to be a thing..🙄. It’s all history.
This film changed me as a kid, it was the first film I ever watched where I understood how tragedy could be so beautiful.
It was the first time I was happy I cried.
It has always stuck in the back of my mind throughout my years.. The way it was written, directed.. It less feels like a movie and more like you were taken there and you were allowed to see this moment.. This real human moment..
Moments of uncomfortable truth.. Pauses, gaps in the story, the fact that it doesn't end with everyone getting away and living happily.
It ended how it would have ended.
And in the end were all walking the green mile.. Its okay to sit down and cry for him sometimes.. To cry for the miracle who was taken too soon.
This is a magnificent movie, I have seen it over 25 times, and cry at it everytime, anyone who says they didn't or don't cry at it, is lying or they have no heart
6:23 Graham Greene is a great actor. Years after this movie, he played in my one of my old favorite shows called, "Defiance!" Incredible acting! 🙏🏽💪
This is my favorite movie of all time. It is impossible to watch it for me without crying like a baby. Everything about the movie just seeps into my soul and I love it.
The best part of Green Mile reactions is when the movie switches genres on them. 😁 Love it!
The performances by every one in this story was beyond incredible. The story guts me every single time.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. The ending devastates me every time I watch it. Never cried so hard after finishing a movie.
this one and Forrest Gump... both are turning me into a crybaby 😅
Michael used to train at my gym in Chicago in the 90s. I met him via a gym owner a few times. He was super nice. Rest in peace.
Paul said that if Mr. Jingles - a mouse, lived as long as he did, how much longer will he live. Well, it always gets me thinking about how long John himself wandered the earth, before being able to go Home.
I went without seeing the film for over 20 years and every time I see it, I can’t help but weep. I’d have to say at 68 years old, it’s in my top ten all time. Very glad you two reacted, thank you for sharing. Peace.
As soon as John healed the mouse I knew what he was referring to with them girls in his arms crying
I really enjoyed your thoughtful discussion of the themes of the movie afterward. I came to your channel for your Pitch Meeting reactions, but now I'm going to seek out more of your full movie reactions.
It’s worth noting in the original story that Gary Sinise’s character was a journalist rather than a lawyer. James Cromwell is great in this movie as well.
I saw THE GREEN MILE in theater and it was packed. an entire room full of people openly expressing every emotion as every scene rolled onscreen. This was special.
Unfortunately the late, great Michael Clarke Duncan though nominated for the Best Supporting Actor award in 2000, the Oscar went to another Michael -- Michael Caine for the film Cider House Rules. I remember watching that evening. I was crushed; no offense to Mr. Caine... but still! IJS.
The memorable moment where an actor wanted to give his award to the legendary actor, Jack Lemmon, happened not at the Oscars. It occurred at the 1998 Golden Globes.
Actor Ving Rhames earned the Best Actor award for his role in "DON KING...". The whole audience, and i too, was moved by Ving's heartfelt gesture to an actor he'd admired, personally & professionally, for years.
Great reaction, guys! Keep up the earnest and excellent work!
this was one of the only films i sat and watched in the theater and never got up to pee. i was that wrapt up in the story
Goddamn it Tom Hanks always has me crying , and this one is just unexpected magic powers, and love ugh
Jaby and Steph
We have to give thanks to Bruce Willis on suggesting Michael Clarke Duncan for the role of John Coffey. As both of you know that Big Mike was one of Bruce's costars on Armageddon as Bruce's Harry's worker, Bear year before this one. As we know that Big Mike died in 2012, according to his friends and other actors, Big Mike was like his character, John Coffey as a gentle giant. During his funeral, Tom Hanks eulogized Big Mike. I read that an interviewer asked Stephen King, "is John Coffey reference to another JC, Jesus Christ?" King replied, "yes".
I've been telling people this but they won't believe me.
A simple reference everything to me reminds me of a song Joan Osborne 1995 what if God was one of us?
In the book it gives you so much more information about John's life, powers and how they effect him pl us those around them.
With John Coffey being Jesus Christ, I think that would make Paul the Roman soldier Longinus, the one who pierced Jesus's side with the spear and was, supposedly, cursed by God to walk the earth until Jesus returned as his punishment for what he did. You can go further, too, with Delacroix and Bitterbuck. They could be seen as the two sinners that were crucified along side Jesus, with one of them truly repenting his crimes.
I absolutely love this movie and how it was built. I love it with or without the biblical inferences. MCD gave the performance of a lifetime and I cannot imagine ANYONE doing, even, a tenth as well. Rest in Peace big man.
This and Shawshank are Top-Tier Stephen King adaptations!!! GREAT Reaction!!!
The Green Mile, Cast away & Forrest gump Tom Hanks best of all time
This is a perfect movie for me. The story, the unbelievable great acting, the whole movie is amazing. It's so painful to watch but worth it.
Frank Darabont, Thomas Newman and Michael Clarke Duncan were totally robbed of oscars
Wait, I think it was Ving Rhames who gave his Golden Globe to Jack Lemmon. An amazing gesture and Jack was totally shocked.
Just like Shawshank, and/or Stand By Me, it's amazing that these flics are from the mind of Stephen King
Remember this is a Stephen king story, so he has the shine
Line of dialog "I want to get at least 2 rehearsals done"
3 seconds later, Jaby "I think this a rehearsal or something"
😂
@35:40 he was nominated but didn't win. I think he totally deserved it though....his performance was mind blowing...RIP Michael Clark Duncan...
This movie is a masterpiece, Frank Darabont is a genius. It's like 3 hours but it so f*cking good that you don't notice it at all! Stephen King is a genius also. Shame that Hollywood doesn't do this kind of gems no more...
I was expecting Steph to be all teary eyed and blubbery, but it was Jaby. I had no idea Steph was so cold blooded! I keed! I keed! Fun reaction, guys. Especially enjoy the post watch conversation about the movie, too.
Love that you two watched this. It’s a tough watch, but I love this movie. Love the channel. Keep up the great work
Maaan! I've never teared up watching a reaction but this movie will do it to you. It's a Phenomenal movie and everyone did a great job in this movie. Another genius film from Frank Darabont. RIP Michael Clarke Duncan. He definitely should've won the supporting actor Oscar. Can't watch this movie again anytime soon though. It's too strong.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Top 5! I never get tired of watching reactions or just watching this movie again and again.
I genuinely believe this is one of those rare "perfect" films.
This movie never fails to make me sad, and when I showed it to my GF she cried too, very good movie honestly, hope your first experience was good as well and didn't make you feel too sad near the end
20:44 I agree! I have huge respect for Paul! 💪
I saw this in the theater when it came out, and had to walk out into the hall during Del's botched execution because I was about to be sick. But it remains one of my favorite movies, and my second favorite Stephen King movie. Great reaction.
I WISH I’d seen it in theaters! I’ve always wondered what the reaction of a group was when Percy stepped on Mr. Jingles. It’s one of the most infuriating moments I’ve ever seen and usually gets a visceral reaction from TH-camrs, so I just would have loved to be in a big 90s-busy theater and felt that in person with others.
John Coffey sensed trouble when Wild Bill arrived on the cell block. He didn't see Will Bill from his end of the green mile, but he knew something was about to happen. John Coffey whispered, "Careful...careful."
I read the serialized novels in college back in 90s and was so impressed by the story so I used it in my thesis in Literature. I watched the movie in theater the next year. Every characters in the movie was very spot on from the book, especially Michael Clarke Duncan.
Frank Darabont was the director, who also directed the Shawshank Redemption. The older guard in this movie was also in season one of the Walking Dead, produced by Frank Darabont.
Great reaction. This movie always makes me tear up no matter how many times I've seen it.
Did you notice that the actor( William Sadler ) who played the girls dad was the same actor who played Hayward in The Shawshank Redemption.
I love how when John is watching the movie, they used the light from the projector behind his head like a halo type thing.
In my opinion Percy is one of the most vile characters ever created.
I didn't notice that! Thanks
It was Ving Rhames, who gave his Golden Globe to Jack Lemon. I got to see him on The Tonight Show (was in the audience) talk about it.
Superb film. Note: First, you were surprised that Hanks' character wasn't doing more for Duncan's character.....It was the 30s. It was the South. Those two facts should explain most everything. I grew up in the South and my parents grew up in the South in the 30s. I'm not saying it was right, just saying that most people wouldn't even have done what Hank's character did. Second: The people at the executions were not there for "entertainment". At this point in history, it wasn't a public event. Those people were the inmates' victims' family/survivors that were given the chance to come see them die in order to have some closure. Others in attendance would have been prison officials, maybe govt officials, and perhaps a journalist or two. None of it is pretty, but all of it was quite common at that time.
Basically. Everyone tries to put 2023 sensibilities on things that were based on things that was almost done a 100 years ago
It always surprises me when reactors ask that. Its like she said in the beginning. In reality they would have murdered John Coffey, brutality.
@@ghostlee6434 An excellent point. Nearly every single work of classic literature has been updated and amended to reflect current norms. Every piece of history that doesn't fit in with current ideology has to be removed. The result is that people no longer remember or appreciate that times were different. I learned history, art, religion, politics, geography and about different cultures though classic literature (not Disney cartoons bearing the same titles). In order to appreciate were we are, we need to be familiar with how we got here.
Not just the south. Northerners were any kinder.
Now I strongly recommend you read the book or listen to the wonderful audiobook if you prefer (Frank Muller does an exceptionally good job reading it).
It will fill in the gaps of things that didn’t make it to the film (like why John wasn’t killed on the spot) and give more depth to characters like Jan and Ellie.
One of the few stories where I say, “Watch the movie first.”
I read that novel back in high school, the book is fantastic but that botched execution turned my stomach. I had to stop reading that scene multiple times to stop myself from being sick.
The book first came out in 6 parts about 100 pages each mini book. They came out like every week or month, I can't remember but i think rach month. But watch any Stephen King before you read the book cuz if you don't you'll be disappointed cuz they usually change it a little.
21:30, Remember this is taking place in 1935. If the authorities and judicial system had been alerted about John's healing abilities, they would have most likely accused him of receiving his abilities from the devil😅
I was the camera Operator for the Green Mile 😅
‘I always keep a spare mouse in my wallet’ brilliant 😂
Great reaction! I remember seeing MCD talking about the final conversation scene in his cell, and he was expected to just say his lines to either empty air or a stand in, as the camera was only set up to capture him. But Tom Hanks sat down across from him and delivered his lines and MCD said it was the best acting Hanks had ever done, just as a courtesy to a fellow cast member. What an amazing ensemble & movie!
Michael Clarke Duncan was nominated but did not win the Oscar for this performance.
Yeah I don't know why he didn't just google that lol
3:51 "You're saying they wouldn't murder him right there?"
Aha, very nice. Good spot. In the book the sheriff is thinking the same, and confiscates the father's ammo before they get to the crime scene.
This is one of my favourites. Cant watch this without crying EVER 😭
In the book there’s a Nurse in the old home during present scenes who acts exactly like Percy.
Don’t forget the great soundtrack. Adds so much emotion!!!!
"Lonely as a sparrow in the rain" 😢 everytime.
33:15 Well, it kinda does... If John wasn't out of his jail cell, he wouldn't have been grabbed by Billy and wouldn't have seen what he did. If John didn't heal Melinda, he wouldn't have had the brain tumor inside to pass to Percy, and subsequently, Percy wouldn't have killed Billy. It's kinda all connected to what happened at Hall's house.
33:32 I agree! Insane but really an incredible film! 🙏🏽💪
One of the best Stephen King books ❤ The way they originally released the books was great too. I remember going to the grocery store and was always excited when a new book was out in this serial novel.
@7:00 It's not "entertainment", it's watching justice be served for your loved one who was killed. To make sure you see it for yourself. You ought to give the state more credit than offering up tickets for the fun of it.
My oldest son was a peace officer in our jail and could only handle it for 3 weeks because he said the atmosphere was just toxic. He is a very empathetic soul and could FEEL the energy around him wasn't good. Can't imagine being a death row guard.
One of the greatest Tom Hanks films.
Thanks for an awesome reaction.
So many beautiful layers in this story.
idk why I continue watching people react to this movie, I'm always crying even at the reactions smh
I was 11 years old when I first saw this movie. It was a Thursday night. Had to go to school the next day but I kept on watching on-demand back then( had the black box) this movie came up for some reason I caught my attention and I watched it till the end. And for the life of me everytime I see John coffeys death scene I cry the same way I did when I was 11. I'm 34 now and seeing this again with you guys made me cry even more.
No Matter How Many Reactions That I Watch, I Still Cry Every Single Time!!!😭
The “what are you made of steel” got me because no matter how many times I’ve seen this it makes me bawl everytime! 😭 I have a very strong, love-hate relationship for this movie!
Awww Jaby, you were soo cute trying to hold the tears in at first!
Great reaction! New subscriber. I was crying along with you. I do every time. This movie is truly a masterpiece!
John Coffee is a miracle worker, He’s innocent of everything and will fix everything!!!
The Emotional Roller Coaster this movie puts you through as a viewer . OMG . GREAT REACTION Guys
As good as he was, being a black man in the 30's he had no chance. The people wanted to see someone punished. He was a good scapegoat. I've seen it a dozen times, and I tear up every time. RIP MCD.
Yes! I even cry like a baby when I watch the reactions to this film. I’ve probably watched about half a dozen reactions.
Enjoyed your reaction. 😊You two are so cute. When Michael Clarke Duncan passed, Tom Hanks did the eulogy. It’s worth watching on TH-cam.
The book was actually inspired by the true story of George Tilley Jnr and the two little girls in the 30s in the deep south. The two little girls were found murdered and s. Assaulted. The police department really didn't investigate but wanted someone to go down for the crime and their victim was a poor,simple minded,skinny little ( black ) boy who at the time of the murders was as always working on the family farm. While he was walking down the road they arrested him, beaten and bullied into signing a confession. In the newspaper they made him out to be this big monstrous black man but he was so skinny and small he was for the age of 14 he looked like a 8 year old ( they put telephone books under him to electricute him ) It took a all white jury just 6 hours to sentence him to death by electric chair a year later would be the D.O.E. the whole time he was imprisoned he was cut off from his family so the fear of this poor child I do not want to imagine, he must have thought that his family didn't love him anymore but that could not be further from the truth cause they did everything they could even after his death through the generations to clear his name. In 2006 the innocent project took the case and his name was cleared due to lack of evidence and corruption within the police dept, I also believe a death bed confession too his name was finally cleared. A true innocent child murdered because of the colour of his skin.
I suggest reading the book as it is a wonderful book and gives u more information about John's life and powers. Such a great book and movie.
Arguably the greatest movie ever made. This movie is the epitome of catharsis. Great reaction.
"Kidney stones are one of my biggest fears."
I've had them twice. That's a crippling kind of pain. Hydrocodone was my best friend.
I'm so happy that you guys enjoyed it, it's definitely a classic in my eyes it always has been. You know what I take that back it was a master piece but that's just my opinion. rest in peace Michael Clarke Duncan😢
an ex bf of mine once said, after watching this with me, "what if the old guy is just telling lies to the ladies in the rest home to get laid, and he just happens to have an elderly mouse as his wingman" and i never got over it lol
One of the greatest movies of all time !😢
This movie was overshadowed by Forrest Gump in 1994. I saw it when it came out and a thousand times since. It always makes me cry.
Nice reaction. I saw this at the show when it came out in 99. Not a dry eye in the house.
"It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent person suffer.”
Known as Blackstone’s Ratio, expressed by the English jurist William Blackstone in the 1760’s, this idea of protecting and safeguarding an innocent person, even at the expense of many guilty people going free, is a concept rooted deep within many legal systems.
Other legal commentators have used numbers other than “ten”, in terms of how many guilty people should go free to safeguard one innocent person. Benjamin Franklin referred to “one hundred persons”, and the Jewish legal theorist Moses Maimonides wrote in the 1100’s, “it is better and more satisfactory to acquit a thousand guilty persons that to put a single innocent one to death.
Classic movie!!!! Hope you two like it! 🙏🏽💪
This Movie is one of the best emotional rollercoaster there is. Watched 3 time cried , Watching the reaction still cried. The best performance of all casts. What a great movie❤❤