Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • 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.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

The Green Mile is a 1999 fantasy drama based on Stephen King's novel. It follows a death row guard who discovers an inmate's supernatural gifts.

What it is

Set in Depression-era Louisiana, the film centres on Paul Edgecomb, a prison guard at Cold Mountain Penitentiary. He becomes fascinated by John Coffey, a condemned inmate whose gentle nature and miraculous healing powers challenge the staff's assumptions about guilt and justice.

Why it matters

The film explores capital punishment, compassion, and moral uncertainty. It was praised for its emotional depth and performances, earning four Academy Award nominations. Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan were widely lauded for their roles.

Key details

Frank Darabont wrote and directed the adaptation of Stephen King's 1996 serial novel. Released by Warner Bros. on December 10, 1999, the film runs 188 minutes and has remained a familiar title for Canadian audiences through streaming and home video.

In short

  • Based on Stephen King's 1996 novel.
  • Tom Hanks stars as Paul Edgecomb.
  • Michael Clarke Duncan plays John Coffey.
  • Nominated for four Academy Awards.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick 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.

Sources

  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.