6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Two of the most moving, powerful films ever made, November 29, 2003
This review is from: The Green Mile / The Shawshank Redemption (DVD)
Well, you can hardly beat this duo: two of the most impressive, critically acclaimed motion pictures based on the work of Stephen King. These two films, more than any others, have done much to remove the stigma that has burdened Stephen King movies in the past (many of which are, frankly, weak versions of terrific stories). Many viewers were probably surprised to learn that these movies actually were based on Stephen King novels, as the movies were wisely promoted without mentioning the dean of horror at all. After all, these are not horror movies; both are movies that touch the soul and work emotional magic on the human heart.
The Shawshank Redemption, based on King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption from Different Seasons, is a moving story of an innocent man jailed for the murder of his wife. The main character's fellow cellmates are depicted not as criminals but as human beings with hopes, fears, dreams, and goodness within their souls. Perhaps the most tear-inducing subdrama involves an old man who has been in prison so long that he cannot adapt to life as a free man. Tim Robbins shines in the role of Andy Dufresne, an innocent man determined to escape and make a new life for himself far away from Shawshank Prison, while Morgan Freeman, for my money the best actor in Hollywood, is brilliant as Red, the long-timer who ultimately becomes a true and trusted friend to Andy, whom he first dismisses as a hopeless case.
The Green Mile of course offers brilliant performances of its own: the always-impressive Tom Hanks is absolutely stellar as Paul Edgecomb, the head of a depression-era Death Row cellblock, but even Hanks is almost overshadowed by the performance of Michael Clarke Duncan, a talented actor who finally got a chance to show the depth and passion of his abilities in this breakthrough role of John Coffey. If ever there were a giant of a man with a giant heart, it is this poor black man who is wrongly convicted and sentenced to death for killing two white girls. Coffey has a remarkable gift, one which touches the heart of Edgecomb, his fellow jailers (with one notable, despicable exception), and anyone who watches the movie.
In one sense, the true star of both of these films is Frank Darabont. Darabont does the impossible not once but twice, actually improving upon already powerful stories from the mind of Stephen King. Both movies are rather lengthy, but Darabont uses every second to create two viewing experiences that are almost perfect from start to finish. These are movies even the most virulent Stephen King critic can enjoy, and both films will touch your heart and remain in your memory for some time to come.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice Teaming, March 12, 2006
This review is from: The Green Mile / The Shawshank Redemption (DVD)
This two pack actually makes sense. Both movies are based on Stephen King short stories, and both take place primarily in prisons. Green Mile has a lot of the King supernatural in it, while Shawshank is a straight drama. Stellar casts for both films. Shawshank is 6 stars in my book, with Mile being a 4 1/2 to 5. You can't go wrong with this for the price if you want to own the movies. There is a fantastic 2 disc special edition of Shawshank if you love the movie and want a lot of extras.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
2 excellent movies based on 2 excellent stories, June 21, 2005
This review is from: The Green Mile / The Shawshank Redemption (DVD)
These movies are a masterpiece and are some of the best movies ever. In the Green Mile, John Coffey played by Michael Clark Duncan is accused of killing two young girls. He is then sent to a penitentiary with Paul Edgecombe played by Tom Hanks as the boss of it. Edgecombe knows though that Coffey is special and unique and after Coffey starts doing miracles, Edgecombe doesn't know what to do.
In the Shawnshank Redemption, Tim Robbins plays a man who is wrongfully accused of murdering his wife. While then he encounters Morgan Freeman's character, and learns the atrocities of life in prison. He gets abused there and desperately tries to find a way to escape.
Both are excellent movies and both will touch your heart. But the green mile has to be my favorite and it really touched my heart. These movies will make you cry, laugh, and will be some of the greatest movies that you have seen.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
