“Masterpiece” Tom Hanks prison drama with “gripping emotion” The Green Mile is on TV tonight

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Don’t miss *The Green Mile* tonight on Film 4! Starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan, this acclaimed prison drama—based on the 1996 Stephen King novel—airs at 9pm. Fans have called it a masterpiece and one of the best films ever made.

Directed by Frank Darabont, who also made the acclaimed film *The Shawshank Redemption* (1994), this movie centers on Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), a prison guard at Cold Mountain Penitentiary during the difficult years of the Great Depression.

After John Coffey, a man wrongly convicted of a terrible crime, arrives at the prison, Paul starts to experience strange, unexplainable events. Paul begins to believe John is a good person and that he couldn’t possibly be guilty.

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The film also features performances by David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, James Cromwell, Michael Jeter, Graham Greene, Doug Hutchison, and Sam Rockwell.

Since its debut in 1999, *The Green Mile* has been highly praised by both critics and audiences, earning a ‘Certified Fresh’ rating of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes.

One IMDb user described *The Green Mile* as a masterpiece, calling it a prime example of film as art. They particularly praised the incredibly talented cast, noting that every actor delivered a strong performance. It’s clear, the user wrote, that everyone involved in making the film recognized its potential and gave it their best effort.

I totally agree with another player who said this movie is a masterpiece. Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan were incredible, and honestly, everyone else in the cast was amazing too!

One viewer wondered if *The Green Mile* is one of the greatest movie adaptations of a book ever made, and after twenty years, they still find it enchanting.

In a 2022 interview with *Forbes*, actor Michael Morse, who played Brutus Howell in the film, discussed why it remains so popular.

He said he understood the movie as soon as he saw it at the premiere. Even now, people still discuss *The Green Mile* with the same enthusiasm they did 23 years ago.

People always seem deeply moved when they talk about that movie – it’s often one of their all-time favorites, and they share that with genuine emotion. I’ve had strong reactions to other work I’ve done, but nothing compares to the response I get with *The Green Mile*.

Stephen King has written a huge number of books, and many have been adapted into films and TV series, though some are better than others. (We recommend skipping his directorial debut, *Maximum Overdrive*.) Here are our picks for the five best adaptations. Of course, everyone has different tastes!

5. Carrie

Brian De Palma’s adaptation of Stephen King’s first novel remains shocking and was highly influential in its use of twist endings. However, the film’s focus on watching and being watched can be unsettling for some viewers.

4. The Green Mile

While the story’s religious themes occasionally feel heavy-handed and the plot unfolds in somewhat disconnected segments, making it a bit lengthy, this film is ultimately a deeply moving experience. Doug Hutchinson delivers a fantastic performance as a truly despicable villain.

3. Misery

This film launched Kathy Bates to stardom and largely revolves around the dynamic between her and James Caan. He portrays a writer recovering from an injury, looked after in a remote location by his biggest admirer – who is dangerously unstable.

2. The Shining

While Kubrick’s film is likely the most technically brilliant and impactful on this list, it doesn’t quite capture the heart of Stephen King’s novel. King’s story focuses on how addiction affects an ordinary family, but Kubrick seemed to have a different vision for the film.

1. The Shawshank Redemption

Initially a box office failure, this film tells the story of a quiet accountant trying to survive in a 1930s prison. While unrealistic – he likely wouldn’t last long – it builds to a brilliant and surprising ending that completely changes how you view everything that came before.

The Green Mile will air tonight (15 October) at 9pm on Film4.

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2025-10-15 14:51