The Green Mile

Main Plot

The Green Mile follows the story of Paul Edgecomb, a death row prison guard during the Great Depression, who oversees a group of inmates on death row known as the Green Mile. The narrative centers around John Coffey, a large, gentle man with a mysterious past, who is sentenced to death for the murder of two young girls. As Paul and his fellow guards interact with Coffey, they discover that he possesses a miraculous healing ability and a deep empathy for others. The film explores themes of justice, compassion, and the moral complexities of capital punishment as Paul grapples with the reality of Coffey's innocence and the nature of his own beliefs about right and wrong. The story unfolds through a series of poignant encounters that challenge the characters' perceptions of guilt, redemption, and the human condition.

Characters

• Tom Hanks plays Paul Edgecomb, a death row corrections officer who witnesses miraculous events involving an inmate with extraordinary abilities.
• John Coffey, a gentle giant with miraculous healing powers, is a death row inmate who profoundly impacts the lives of the prison guards.
• David Morse plays Brutus "Brutal" Howell, a compassionate prison guard who assists in overseeing death row inmates and supports Paul Edgecomb in uncovering the truth about John Coffey.

Ending Explained

In the ending of The Green Mile, John Coffey, a death row inmate with miraculous healing abilities, faces his execution despite his innocence. The narrative culminates in a poignant moment where Paul Edgecomb, the prison guard, grapples with the moral implications of Coffey's fate. Before his execution, Coffey reveals the true nature of his powers, having healed others and even brought life back to a dying mouse, Mr. Jingles. As Coffey is led to the electric chair, he expresses his fear and confusion about humanity's cruelty, highlighting the film's themes of compassion and injustice. His execution is a heartbreaking moment that underscores the tragic reality of wrongful convictions. After Coffey's death, Paul and his fellow guards are left to confront the weight of their actions and the loss of an innocent life. The narrative resolves the main conflict by illustrating the profound impact of Coffey's presence on those around him, ultimately leading Paul to reflect on the nature of justice and mercy. The film concludes with Paul, now an elderly man, sharing his story, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Coffey's kindness and the haunting memories of a life taken too soon. This ending reinforces the film's exploration of empathy and the human condition.