Yep. And when Del says to the guys, "I wish I had met you guys somewheres else", it makes me think of fate and redemption and how one little change can make such a huge difference. Del did some terrible things* but even he can be redeemed. * Not mentioned in the movie because they wanted us to be able to feel compassion for him, but in the book it's said that Del raped, murdered and set fire to a young girl, then that fire caught the building next door on fire where six more people died.
John Coffey's line about how much everyone's negativity hurts him is what really sticks with me. Not only because it's relatable for anyone who has a decent soul, but because this movie made me realize how awful it would be to be an empath in real life. It wouldn't be a superpower, it would be a curse.
@susanberrier5727 Same. I've always said that of all the characters I've ever seen, his resonates with me the most because of how strong of an empath I am. It is in fact a double edged sword. To understand on a deeper level, means to feel everything on a deeper level. Good & bad & everything in between.
Agreed! This is his best dramatic performance. My favorite comedic performance of his is The Slammin' Salmon. I've never seen a bad performance of his.
Even when you've read the book years previously, sometimes a great performance comes along and that's how you picture the character forever. This is a great example. (Also Idris Elba as Roland. He had terrible writing, but he truly became the gunslinger IMO)
Interestingly, Michael was not doing great when they first started filming, but Frank Darabont the director had faith in him and brought in an acting coach to work with Michael while they were filming other scenes. He was able to finally do the part justice and ended up getting a best supporting actor nomination!
Tom Hanks really had one of the best golden ages in Hollywood history. He really picked some amazing projects and there is a reason he is so beloved, even now.
“the golden child of God” they didn’t give him the initials JC for nothing. i’m an atheist who loves the idea of jesus, i literally can’t stop myself from crying at the end of this film, every time.
I'm in the same boat as you. Love Jesus quotes, love your neighbour as yourself, let the one of you without sin cast the first stone, judge not lest ye be judged. We are all potential Jesus.
Even though the entire cast is strong, I feel like the portrayal of Brutal is massively underrated. David Morse gave such a brilliant portrayal. There's never a moment that isn't entirely in character, so when he tears up at the execution, that frame breaks me no matter how hard I prep.
David Morse is such a good actor. His character was my favorite on the television show St, Elsewhere. That's saying something considering the show also had Denzel Washington, Howey Mandel, William Daniels and Ed Begley Jr. to name just a few of the great actors.
I love David Morse, too, and he is fantastic as Brutal. I always remember him for his portrayal of George Washington in the John Adams miniseries - easily the greatest acting portrayal of George Washington that I’ve ever seen. My personal favorite pick for this film is Michael Jeter as Del, though. Really underrated actor who steals every scene, and it’s absolutely critical that he make us care about Del as a human being (and not just a caricature) in the very short screen time he has, and he pulls it off.
Not a character I see mentioned often, but Brutal is one of my all-time favorite side characters in a movie: Also large in stature (though obviously nothing like John), he is also gentle at heart. He shows fierce loyalty to Paul, those on death row (before and after their death), and also fierce loyalty to right and wrong. A character who its purposely shown has strength yet empathy as well.
@yourthaiguy from what I know of the actor himself, he's kind of a piece of shit. He married a 16 year old with parents consent when he was in his 50s. Then proceeded to control her and turn her into a living barbie doll. They're divorced now. He's a creep.
@@MamadNobari Age of consent in Nevada is 16, so ... who's worse, Hutchinson or the legislators? That being said, it's a creepy age gap for sure. But that doesn't take away his peformance in the movie.
The novel was published as a serial. Six novels published separately. When the first book was published Steven King had no clue how the story would end. The man has a wonderful mind and brass balls.
I bought a boxset of this once it was all released. The box is only about as thick as War and Peace, which is crazy, but it also came with a 3.5" floppy with a Green Mile screensaver.
This is one of the few movies that I watched, where I forgot I was watching a movie because I was so immersed in what was happening. That's when you know it's a good movie....you forget it's a movie, and it feels like you are there, in it.
@@JamesVSCinema yeah but unfortunately, Darabont has more or less retired because of how he feels Hollywood treated him. He made a shit load of money off of the walking dead though after suing them.👍
@@JamesVSCinema Loved your reactions to Darabont's Stephen King Triptych: Shawshank Redemption, Green Mile and the Mist. Thank you for doing all of them and your insights. Its been a joy.
I really appreciate these reactions. This is one of my favorite films, but I can't watch it too often because it emotionally wrecks me. Excited to watch! Have a great day everyone :)
I read the book about 25 years ago, literally months before the movie came out and I have to say it is, to this day, the best adaptation of a novel I have ever seen (2nd being The Shawshank Redemption... yes 2 Stephen Kings!). The characters are exactly how I imagined them, the tone is perfect and it has just as much emotional impact. Props to Doug Hutchison for making me hate movie Percy just as much as novel Percy.
I remember they came out in serial form. I think 6 short books spread out, maybe 1 a month. I bought them at the corner store the first day they were available. Should have kept them.
@@TrumanSparxyeah I've found the whole "set" at half price book store about a month ago. All 6 original. Very interesting King or his publisher did it like that. I think these original books may be worth some money but I quite like having them. Especially for 14$
I've seen this movie so many times but just now thanks to you made the connection that John Coffee tried to take at least some of the pain away from Dale. I always thought he was reacting like that just because he felt the pain, not that he took it upon himself. Energy can't be created or destroyed so if he felt his pain too, then Dale at least suffered less of it. Thanks for noticing that and pointing it out! Btw John Coffee has the same initials as Jesus Christ.
The way I literally cheered to see you posting this reaction. 🙌🏾 I read the book in high school, and I think this is a near perfect film adaptation. Darabont knows how to adapt Stephen King like no other.
It amazes me that Michael Clarke Duncan's first film role was a non- speaking part in Friday, only four years before The Green Mile's release. Putting that in perspective speaks so much more to Michael's talent. He left us with one of Hollywood's greatest home runs.
The film is extremely faithful to the 6 novellas it's adapted from. The only big difference is there's a man who works at the retirement home that has a cruel streak and reminds Paul Edgecombe of Percy Whitmore, but other than that it's an almost page for page adaptation
You drop the best reactions exactly when I need them! Great choice! This is one hell of a movie full of so many iconic performances. Not a single frame or second of dialogue is wasted!
On a controversial note, The Green Mile is one of the films that prompted Spike Lee to issue his criticism of the "Magical Negro" trope back in 2001. That said, the film works despite of or because of its length. Michael Clarke Duncan, RIP.
A childhood favorite of mine. I got really excited when I saw the patreon notification. I'm going to enjoy your reaction to this regardless of how you feel.
James, my cinema brother! I appreciate the fact you didn’t steer away from the “tough” parts of this magnificent film. Thank You for your honesty my friend.
When Stephen King wrote this he wanted to mimic how Charles Dickens used to release his books where it would be released in sections and crowds waited on the docks of New York harbor to catch the latest segment as the boat would dock. King released these in several small books. I bought them all and it was so much fun to wait for the next one to arrive. I still have the books.
This is a fantastic film. Michael Clarke Duncan should have gotten the Oscar for this film. It’s great seeing your reaction to this man. Hope you’re doing well James, hope your Independence Day was great yesterday. Take care!
I'd already read the novel so I knew what the story was about. It's my favorite King novel and imo the absolute best adaptation of his works. The film got everything right from casting to angles and shots and editing, music, acting. Even though it's a fantasy it has so much truth to it that's not hammered in, but feels like a river. Great reaction.
If there is a man that doesn't shed tears watching this film, then I don't want to know them. The line "Don't put me in the dark boss" is the one that always breaks me. I also know the story about the child that was put to death like you mentioned earlier and that was so saddening to learn about too.
I've read the book; this is a very faithful adaptation. The most noticeable difference is the personality of Paul Hedgecomb. In the book, he is more of a rough, bitter man, while Tom Hanks' portrayal of the character makes him tender and compassionate. Another difference is that Mr Jingles the mouse dies at the end. This makes Paul realise that he too will die after living a very long time.
Just finished watching. Fantastic reaction. I love watching this film along with reactors since it takes me with them on the first time journey once again. Thank you for allowing yourself to cry; it let me connect to my emotions as well. :)
I can NEVER get through this movie without crying. Execution scene wrecks me like so few movies can. "... I'm afraid of the dark." Is my breaking point for sure.
So glad you watched and really enjoyed this amazing film! It is one of my favorites, but so incredibly heart breaking. You voiced so well the more existential ideas and feelings about this film. ALL the performances are so good in this film, but especially Michael Clark Duncan. He was perfection. I'm so sorry he has already walked his green mile.
I'm already a patreon and at first I was like OK I've seen this movie enough times let me just watch the reaction but your speech about human study, and exploration made me wanna go full reaction again!
Great reaction James. Every time I watch you watch and hear all the great points you make and all the insights you have, I always think: “Damn, I can wait to watch one of his films someday. I bet it will be excellent.” !
I have seen the movie. And watched several reactions. And I think you are the first to comment as much on the cinematography as the story's emotion. Kudos! I appreciate your work!
Its 1am here, and Ijust finished watching. This is such an emotional story and such a beautiful film. Worth staying up to watch your reaction 😊 Thanks James 💚
My dad and I say, Roll on one," and, "I thought the sponge was wet" a lot. My family speaks in movie quotes a lot, and this is definitely one we pull from. This is a classic that I probably saw earlier than i should've, lol. Little fun fact, but John's gift is a part of his "shine."
The book is really good and the movie is pretty on par... its one of my favorite movies, I've seen it so many times and it never gets old. Appreciate you and your reactions 😊
I remember when the Stephen King story came out. It was released in serial format a few chapters at a time with cool illustrated covers. I couldn't wait for the next one to come out.
Also dude I have been watching your channel for years, even though I'm not commenting much. I want to take a minute to tell you how much I enjoy your reactions. You are always calm and amicable. You seem like a really cool person and listening to you talking about movies is really pleasant. So thanks for you good work ! 👍
Idk if anyone else has talked about this, but when King first published this, it wasn't a single book - it was several very short novels released over time (I can't remember how many or how long between each installment) kind of the way Dickens released his novels as serial pieces published in journals- I have never waited so impatiently for "sequels" to be released. And the first time I watched the movie, I bawled like a baby and swore I'd never watch it again, even though I loved it - it was just too hard - the first time I watched it on YT as a reaction, I realized that I really needed to put my big-girl pants on and watch it again - and now I not only fully embrace the meaning, but marvel at the elegance of the storyteling (RIP Michael Clarke Dumcan - the world is a lesser place without you in it). thanks for the reaction James...
Years ago he wrote a memoir about his writing process called On Writing. It is a fantastic read for writers and fans alike. It really is worth checking out and gives you a glimpse into the way he captures lightning the way he does. I re-read it like once a decade for inspiration.
3 of my top 10 favorite movies of all time are Stephen King stories: Green Mile, Shawshank Redemption, and Stand by Me. Hell, Green Mile and Shawshank are in my top 5. King has such an amazing, beautiful, and horrifying imagination.
I love the novel, too. It's a serial novel made up of 6 installments that were released about a month apart. The movie is overall very faithful to King's work, but there are some significant differences - for example, in the novel you find out what Bitterbuck and Del did.
Such an amazing film! Never clicked on one of your videos so fast my man! Percy is up there with umbridge as one of the most hated characters on screen, which goes to show the skill of the actor! We need Zootopia and James Camerons The Abyss, the movie he did in between Aliens and Terminator 2!! Both are epic films man! Just liked and subscribed! Let's go!!! Keep delivering the cool vibes my dude! 👍👌🔥💯😎😎
I remember finishing the book during my advisory class in high school in 2016. I had to put my head down on my desk. My teacher asked me if I was okay and I just held up the book. All he said was "I understand." and left me alone the rest of the hour.
Fun fact: Tom Hanks was Frank Darabont's first choice to play Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, but Hanks was already booked to play Forest Gump. So of course Darabont had to bring Hanks on for his next film.
You are the first person I have ever known who knew the story of George Junius Stinney Jr. This is real and feels even more real if you know that story. Much love and keep on keepin on J.
Apropos of your firefly question, James - I’ve been spending the summer up in Maine and I had literally hundreds of them in my yard every night for the month of June, it was really stunningly beautiful. And great review of a great film - I actually think this is one of the best Stephen King adaptations ever put to film, definitely belongs in the top 5 with Shawshank Redenption, which was of course also directed by Frank Darabont, and bears more than a few similarities.
The books, as he originally wrote it in serial form, are wonderful. The screenplay is one of the best adaptations in film history. If you wish to see a film about the power of film I recommend Sullivan's Travels. It's a comedy, and when you watch it you'll recognize so many lines and situations that are still applicable even though it was made in the 1940s. I think it's a movie film students have watched often. The Coen brothers used an inside joke from it. Plus it's just plain fun. Geat reaction, and few people are very articulate right after watching it.
I had no plans of crying my eyes and heart out this weekend, but here we are. Btw, there's a "behind the scenes/making of" about this movie on UA-cam. It's worth a watch too. 🙂
This is possibly the greatest movie ever made in my opinion. This movie wrecks everyone who has a soul. I cry every time I see it and I have seen it 50+ times counting reactions.
It really is masterful how they set up the scene of John's death. They resolved everything else, the anger at Percy and Billy, the wonder and awe of seeing him preform miracles, and the joy of what he was able to do for the Warden's wife. It felt like the only emotion left was sadness, from everything. John can't go on, the guards have to kill an innocent man, even John seeing the film is sad. That childlike wonder will soon be gone, and you know that for certain because even decades later Paul was never able to forgive himself. You've seen his future, you know what's going to happen, that nothing is going to stop it, you have no hope. You can't even be angry at the couple wishing John to die a painful death, only pity them and weep at the injustice.
Your analysis of this great film was so impressive; thank you. The Green Mile is one of the most powerful and thought-provoking films ever made. The juxtaposition of John's herculean presence against the gentle spirit of his soul is heartbreaking. I saw it in the theatre when it was first released, and it brought me to tears.
Amazing film. One of my favorites. Thomas Newman, the composer of the film's score, is one of my absolute favorite. I love every film he's worked on. There's a real sense of beauty and sadness in both the story as well as the music. Funny story...I went to a bible college in Texas and we weren't allowed to have any R-rated films in our possession. Of course, that didn't mean we didn't have any in our possession lol I had a huge collection in a truck that I kept hidden under my bed. Yes, I realize this sounds ridiculous, but this was the late 90s and the college, although a great institution, just wanted to make sure we didn't have anything sketchy. However, films like this one, which were just so great and couldn't be ignored, had to be snuck in. We used to use code names to talk about the films we had seen and owned. For example, this one we referred to as "The Avocado Kilometer" lol I can't remember any other weird names we used to come up with, but it was a play on the real titles. I dunno...I was 19 and rebellious :P lol Anyway, I always think of that trunk full of great films that were technically in violation when I watch this movie. Good times. lol
James, Great as always. As always, some great lighting. We talked a long time ago about The Danish Girl. Great movie all around, Please look at it. Thanks for all the good stuff
The book was a serialized story told in several published "episodes". King didn't know where the main story was headed when he wrote it, which is interesting! Really good adaption and gets almost all of it onto the screen
I didn't see this until this year. A number of well known heartbreaking films were pushed on me since 2020. This is for sure up on the high list of stories that left me busted up after I watched them. And I mostly and even since childhood watch film and sort of just look at the production, composition and performances so it takes a lot for one to get me on inside like that.
This and the Shawshank Redemption are the best adaptations of stories written by Stephen King. This was originally published as a series of novellas. I patiently waited until they were all published before reading it.
Always fun to watch a first-timer getting to know Percy. In the scene where Paul is seeing the flashback to Wild Bill's crime, Klaus Detterick is hammering nails into a shed roof. If you listen closely, each hammer strike is accompanied by the sound whispered effect 'wharton...wharton...wharton....'
I have indeed read the book (and am coincidentally rereading it right now, actually). In my honest opinion, this adaptation is by far THE most faithful to the source material. It's a damn near perfect replica when it comes to most, if not ALL major themes/events that needed to be there. The main "glaring" difference is which characters say which dialogues. For example, the final conversation between Paul and Coffey, where Paul asks what he'll tell God on the day of his judgment, was actually Brutal's speech to Paul in the book. There's actually quite a bit of dialogue that was given to Paul in the movie that actually belonged to the other characters. The changes still worked, though, in the movie and I totally accept and embrace the changes. Frankly, I'd rather have the dialogue spoken by ANYONE than to not be present at all. It truly was a phenomenal adaption from SUCH a stellar book.
This is a great adaption. It changes and leaves out very little from the book. The only scene I wish was in the movie was when Tom Hanks’s wife dies in a bus crash. It happens at night during a storm. His character holds her dead body in the dark and rain, pleading for John Coffey to help, and sees John on the flash of the lightning, knowing that John can’t help because he killed him. It gave me chills!
The absolute humanity of this film - showing us criminals and not getting context for their crimes just how human they are; guards who give patience and grace to condemned men.
“He immediately got active” almost had an actual spit take LMAO
It kills me that when its his time John is actually comforting THEM.
Yep. And when Del says to the guys, "I wish I had met you guys somewheres else", it makes me think of fate and redemption and how one little change can make such a huge difference. Del did some terrible things* but even he can be redeemed.
* Not mentioned in the movie because they wanted us to be able to feel compassion for him, but in the book it's said that Del raped, murdered and set fire to a young girl, then that fire caught the building next door on fire where six more people died.
John Coffey's line about how much everyone's negativity hurts him is what really sticks with me. Not only because it's relatable for anyone who has a decent soul, but because this movie made me realize how awful it would be to be an empath in real life. It wouldn't be a superpower, it would be a curse.
It is a curse. I can't feel it like John does but I can feel all the hate in the world right now. It's suffocating.
@susanberrier5727 Same. I've always said that of all the characters I've ever seen, his resonates with me the most because of how strong of an empath I am. It is in fact a double edged sword. To understand on a deeper level, means to feel everything on a deeper level. Good & bad & everything in between.
This is a truly beautiful story. Michael Clarke Duncan's best performance ever, may he rest in peace.
Agreed! This is his best dramatic performance. My favorite comedic performance of his is The Slammin' Salmon. I've never seen a bad performance of his.
Even when you've read the book years previously, sometimes a great performance comes along and that's how you picture the character forever. This is a great example.
(Also Idris Elba as Roland. He had terrible writing, but he truly became the gunslinger IMO)
Interestingly, Michael was not doing great when they first started filming, but Frank Darabont the director had faith in him and brought in an acting coach to work with Michael while they were filming other scenes. He was able to finally do the part justice and ended up getting a best supporting actor nomination!
This film always gets me into tears.
Don’t blame ya!
Every time!
Tom Hanks really had one of the best golden ages in Hollywood history. He really picked some amazing projects and there is a reason he is so beloved, even now.
The truth is - most actors wouldn't even be offered 3/4 of the roles that Hanks played. He is a master actor.
“the golden child of God” they didn’t give him the initials JC for nothing. i’m an atheist who loves the idea of jesus, i literally can’t stop myself from crying at the end of this film, every time.
I'm in the same boat as you. Love Jesus quotes, love your neighbour as yourself, let the one of you without sin cast the first stone, judge not lest ye be judged. We are all potential Jesus.
Even though the entire cast is strong, I feel like the portrayal of Brutal is massively underrated. David Morse gave such a brilliant portrayal. There's never a moment that isn't entirely in character, so when he tears up at the execution, that frame breaks me no matter how hard I prep.
David Morse is such a good actor. His character was my favorite on the television show St, Elsewhere. That's saying something considering the show also had Denzel Washington, Howey Mandel, William Daniels and Ed Begley Jr. to name just a few of the great actors.
I love David Morse, too, and he is fantastic as Brutal. I always remember him for his portrayal of George Washington in the John Adams miniseries - easily the greatest acting portrayal of George Washington that I’ve ever seen.
My personal favorite pick for this film is Michael Jeter as Del, though. Really underrated actor who steals every scene, and it’s absolutely critical that he make us care about Del as a human being (and not just a caricature) in the very short screen time he has, and he pulls it off.
Not a character I see mentioned often, but Brutal is one of my all-time favorite side characters in a movie:
Also large in stature (though obviously nothing like John), he is also gentle at heart. He shows fierce loyalty to Paul, those on death row (before and after their death), and also fierce loyalty to right and wrong. A character who its purposely shown has strength yet empathy as well.
When he gets to the "feeling like a sparrow in the rain" I'm inevitably in tears. "You tell God the Father, it was a kindness you done."
Percy... One of the most despised movie characters ever
Kudos to Doug Hutchinson's incredible performance as Percy. His stood out in a list of great performances in this film..
Have to credit the actor for making him such a horrible character
@@terrydavis7389 I just found out he married a 16 year-old girl when he was 51, so let's not give him credit lol.
@yourthaiguy from what I know of the actor himself, he's kind of a piece of shit. He married a 16 year old with parents consent when he was in his 50s. Then proceeded to control her and turn her into a living barbie doll. They're divorced now. He's a creep.
@@MamadNobari Age of consent in Nevada is 16, so ... who's worse, Hutchinson or the legislators? That being said, it's a creepy age gap for sure. But that doesn't take away his peformance in the movie.
The novel was published as a serial. Six novels published separately. When the first book was published Steven King had no clue how the story would end. The man has a wonderful mind and brass balls.
I would go to the bookstore regularly to check if the next part was out yet. Each book was about ¼” thick and cost like $2 or so
I bought a boxset of this once it was all released. The box is only about as thick as War and Peace, which is crazy, but it also came with a 3.5" floppy with a Green Mile screensaver.
I love the fact that everyone who reads knows the volume of "War and Peace" and uses it for scale 😂@@SquishyFletcher
This is one of the few movies that I watched, where I forgot I was watching a movie because I was so immersed in what was happening. That's when you know it's a good movie....you forget it's a movie, and it feels like you are there, in it.
Sometimes James drops episodes like these and I’m just like “OH MY GOD IT COULDN’T GET BETTER”
If this film doesn’t make you tear up, then you must not have a heart. Frank Darabont is three for three when it comes to Stephen King adaptions.
Definitely would love more!
@@JamesVSCinema yeah but unfortunately, Darabont has more or less retired because of how he feels Hollywood treated him. He made a shit load of money off of the walking dead though after suing them.👍
Nah man I was cheering and hollering when the villain got what he deserved and finally got the chair.
@@JamesVSCinema Loved your reactions to Darabont's Stephen King Triptych: Shawshank Redemption, Green Mile and the Mist. Thank you for doing all of them and your insights. Its been a joy.
Eh, the Mist is highly overrated. The religious lady is a caricature.
I really appreciate these reactions. This is one of my favorite films, but I can't watch it too often because it emotionally wrecks me. Excited to watch! Have a great day everyone :)
Thanks for the good vibes Olivia!
I love the line at the end. “We each owe a death. There are no exceptions.” And oh how true that is
Tom Hanks drew an amazing performance out of Michael Clark Duncan in that cell. The fact that neither man won an Oscar for this movie is a tragedy.
MCD didn't win because the Untied States of America is full of racists
I read the book about 25 years ago, literally months before the movie came out and I have to say it is, to this day, the best adaptation of a novel I have ever seen (2nd being The Shawshank Redemption... yes 2 Stephen Kings!). The characters are exactly how I imagined them, the tone is perfect and it has just as much emotional impact. Props to Doug Hutchison for making me hate movie Percy just as much as novel Percy.
I remember they came out in serial form. I think 6 short books spread out, maybe 1 a month. I bought them at the corner store the first day they were available. Should have kept them.
@@TrumanSparxyeah I've found the whole "set" at half price book store about a month ago. All 6 original. Very interesting King or his publisher did it like that. I think these original books may be worth some money but I quite like having them. Especially for 14$
Literally the most "Enough to make a grown man cry" movie ever.
I've seen this movie so many times but just now thanks to you made the connection that John Coffee tried to take at least some of the pain away from Dale. I always thought he was reacting like that just because he felt the pain, not that he took it upon himself. Energy can't be created or destroyed so if he felt his pain too, then Dale at least suffered less of it. Thanks for noticing that and pointing it out! Btw John Coffee has the same initials as Jesus Christ.
I can't afford to become a patron but I clicked on the link to increase the traffic and gave this video a like. Thank you for giving us great content!
Thomas Newman is such an underrated composer. What a distinctive mood setter!
The way I literally cheered to see you posting this reaction. 🙌🏾 I read the book in high school, and I think this is a near perfect film adaptation. Darabont knows how to adapt Stephen King like no other.
It amazes me that Michael Clarke Duncan's first film role was a non- speaking part in Friday, only four years before The Green Mile's release. Putting that in perspective speaks so much more to Michael's talent. He left us with one of Hollywood's greatest home runs.
"They took his damn brain 'cause he didn't know what to do with it" I always love your commentary 😂
Damn good film here! Shoutout to the mouse.
Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema
Have a great day!
his name is Mr. Jangles! (robert paulson?)
The film is extremely faithful to the 6 novellas it's adapted from. The only big difference is there's a man who works at the retirement home that has a cruel streak and reminds Paul Edgecombe of Percy Whitmore, but other than that it's an almost page for page adaptation
@@eighthmanstanding566You just saved me a lot of writing. Thank you.
In reality, Michael Clark Duncan is only slightly taller than David Morse and just shorter than the warden James Cromwell.
What about the film "Dead Man Walking" with Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn? Hard to watch, but an excellent film.
You drop the best reactions exactly when I need them! Great choice!
This is one hell of a movie full of so many iconic performances. Not a single frame or second of dialogue is wasted!
This movie's what got me to really appreciate movies in general, so this will always be one of my favorites. I'm glad you're finally reacting to it.
Man got rid of the UTI and immediately LOCKED IN! lol
No hesitation needed!
Agreed James, love this film. So many great films came out in the 90s like this. Great characters, great story. We need more like this.
There are no "Movie Stars" here.
These are actors.
Great actors, one and all. Even Percy. To make people hate you so much, you have to play the role perfectly.
On a controversial note, The Green Mile is one of the films that prompted Spike Lee to issue his criticism of the "Magical Negro" trope back in 2001. That said, the film works despite of or because of its length. Michael Clarke Duncan, RIP.
A childhood favorite of mine. I got really excited when I saw the patreon notification. I'm going to enjoy your reaction to this regardless of how you feel.
James, my cinema brother! I appreciate the fact you didn’t steer away from the “tough” parts of this magnificent film. Thank You for your honesty my friend.
I appreciate that my man!!
When Stephen King wrote this he wanted to mimic how Charles Dickens used to release his books where it would be released in sections and crowds waited on the docks of New York harbor to catch the latest segment as the boat would dock. King released these in several small books. I bought them all and it was so much fun to wait for the next one to arrive. I still have the books.
This is a fantastic film. Michael Clarke Duncan should have gotten the Oscar for this film. It’s great seeing your reaction to this man. Hope you’re doing well James, hope your Independence Day was great yesterday. Take care!
I'd already read the novel so I knew what the story was about. It's my favorite King novel and imo the absolute best adaptation of his works. The film got everything right from casting to angles and shots and editing, music, acting. Even though it's a fantasy it has so much truth to it that's not hammered in, but feels like a river. Great reaction.
This is literally my favorite movie. I cry every time and I'm lost afterwards
You are spot on about Sam Rockwell's character in comparison to Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. And that was an incredible theatrical experience.
If there is a man that doesn't shed tears watching this film, then I don't want to know them. The line "Don't put me in the dark boss" is the one that always breaks me. I also know the story about the child that was put to death like you mentioned earlier and that was so saddening to learn about too.
If you've never seen "Road to perdition", you've never seen Tom Hanks as a bad guy.
One of my favorite films of all time. Excited to watch your reaction! Keep kicking ass James, thanks for the content.
I've read the book; this is a very faithful adaptation. The most noticeable difference is the personality of Paul Hedgecomb. In the book, he is more of a rough, bitter man, while Tom Hanks' portrayal of the character makes him tender and compassionate. Another difference is that Mr Jingles the mouse dies at the end. This makes Paul realise that he too will die after living a very long time.
This story is such a beautiful Christ allegory.
Just finished watching. Fantastic reaction. I love watching this film along with reactors since it takes me with them on the first time journey once again. Thank you for allowing yourself to cry; it let me connect to my emotions as well. :)
I can NEVER get through this movie without crying. Execution scene wrecks me like so few movies can. "... I'm afraid of the dark." Is my breaking point for sure.
So glad you watched and really enjoyed this amazing film! It is one of my favorites, but so incredibly heart breaking. You voiced so well the more existential ideas and feelings about this film. ALL the performances are so good in this film, but especially Michael Clark Duncan. He was perfection. I'm so sorry he has already walked his green mile.
This is the fastest 3 hours I had ever spent. You are so invested in the story that you aren’t conscious of the passing of time.
Michael Clark Duncan was 6'5" and the camera angle enhanced that. So well done.
They also had blocks for him to walk on to make him taller (just watched the BTS yesterday)
Commenting before I watch! I already know this is going to be a top reaction to this movie! A real classic!!
I'm already a patreon and at first I was like OK I've seen this movie enough times let me just watch the reaction but your speech about human study, and exploration made me wanna go full reaction again!
That’s so awesome! Hell yeah, hope you enjoy it!
Great reaction James. Every time I watch you watch and hear all the great points you make and all the insights you have, I always think: “Damn, I can wait to watch one of his films someday. I bet it will be excellent.” !
I have seen the movie. And watched several reactions. And I think you are the first to comment as much on the cinematography as the story's emotion. Kudos! I appreciate your work!
Its 1am here, and Ijust finished watching. This is such an emotional story and such a beautiful film. Worth staying up to watch your reaction 😊 Thanks James 💚
I saw this when it first came out. Since then, about a hundred more times. It still hits the emotions hard. Great storytelling. In my top five.
My dad and I say, Roll on one," and, "I thought the sponge was wet" a lot. My family speaks in movie quotes a lot, and this is definitely one we pull from. This is a classic that I probably saw earlier than i should've, lol.
Little fun fact, but John's gift is a part of his "shine."
I want a 'day in the life of James' vlog where he goes walking in the mountains of Philly with his dry, cold toast.
The book is really good and the movie is pretty on par... its one of my favorite movies, I've seen it so many times and it never gets old. Appreciate you and your reactions 😊
I remember when the Stephen King story came out. It was released in serial format a few chapters at a time with cool illustrated covers. I couldn't wait for the next one to come out.
Fantastic movie, the writing and acting is on another level to most films. Loved your reaction!
Also dude I have been watching your channel for years, even though I'm not commenting much.
I want to take a minute to tell you how much I enjoy your reactions. You are always calm and amicable. You seem like a really cool person and listening to you talking about movies is really pleasant.
So thanks for you good work ! 👍
I appreciate that! Genuinely thank you!
Waiting for this!
James, glad you loved this💜
Idk if anyone else has talked about this, but when King first published this, it wasn't a single book - it was several very short novels released over time (I can't remember how many or how long between each installment) kind of the way Dickens released his novels as serial pieces published in journals- I have never waited so impatiently for "sequels" to be released.
And the first time I watched the movie, I bawled like a baby and swore I'd never watch it again, even though I loved it - it was just too hard - the first time I watched it on YT as a reaction, I realized that I really needed to put my big-girl pants on and watch it again - and now I not only fully embrace the meaning, but marvel at the elegance of the storyteling (RIP Michael Clarke Dumcan - the world is a lesser place without you in it). thanks for the reaction James...
I can never wrap my head around the fact, that all these stories, live in Stephen King's mind.
Years ago he wrote a memoir about his writing process called On Writing. It is a fantastic read for writers and fans alike. It really is worth checking out and gives you a glimpse into the way he captures lightning the way he does. I re-read it like once a decade for inspiration.
3 of my top 10 favorite movies of all time are Stephen King stories: Green Mile, Shawshank Redemption, and Stand by Me. Hell, Green Mile and Shawshank are in my top 5. King has such an amazing, beautiful, and horrifying imagination.
Thanks. and that is all i have to say. There's a reason you're one of the best reaction video creators on UA-cam.
Appreciate you my friend 🤘🏽
I love the novel, too. It's a serial novel made up of 6 installments that were released about a month apart. The movie is overall very faithful to King's work, but there are some significant differences - for example, in the novel you find out what Bitterbuck and Del did.
Thanks, James! 🐁 Stephen King's writing combined with Frank Darabont's directing... gold.
18:29 LMAO OMG I had to pause the video from laughing so hard. I mean, how many times can you say that in life lol
LMFAOOO once in a lifetime opportunity
This is about as perfect as a film can get. You don't like movies if you don't like this one.
Such an amazing film! Never clicked on one of your videos so fast my man! Percy is up there with umbridge as one of the most hated characters on screen, which goes to show the skill of the actor!
We need Zootopia and James Camerons The Abyss, the movie he did in between Aliens and Terminator 2!! Both are epic films man! Just liked and subscribed! Let's go!!!
Keep delivering the cool vibes my dude! 👍👌🔥💯😎😎
I remember finishing the book during my advisory class in high school in 2016. I had to put my head down on my desk. My teacher asked me if I was okay and I just held up the book. All he said was "I understand." and left me alone the rest of the hour.
Fun fact: Tom Hanks was Frank Darabont's first choice to play Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, but Hanks was already booked to play Forest Gump. So of course Darabont had to bring Hanks on for his next film.
You are the first person I have ever known who knew the story of George Junius Stinney Jr. This is real and feels even more real if you know that story. Much love and keep on keepin on J.
I never realized how much "pissing" is a recurring theme in this movie. But it's all right, this film will always be "number one" in my heart.
Apropos of your firefly question, James - I’ve been spending the summer up in Maine and I had literally hundreds of them in my yard every night for the month of June, it was really stunningly beautiful.
And great review of a great film - I actually think this is one of the best Stephen King adaptations ever put to film, definitely belongs in the top 5 with Shawshank Redenption, which was of course also directed by Frank Darabont, and bears more than a few similarities.
This movie changes you a little inside. Like a straight shot to your soul. ❤
Always great to bawl my eyes out with a creator I love!
The books, as he originally wrote it in serial form, are wonderful. The screenplay is one of the best adaptations in film history. If you wish to see a film about the power of film I recommend Sullivan's Travels. It's a comedy, and when you watch it you'll recognize so many lines and situations that are still applicable even though it was made in the 1940s. I think it's a movie film students have watched often. The Coen brothers used an inside joke from it. Plus it's just plain fun. Geat reaction, and few people are very articulate right after watching it.
I had no plans of crying my eyes and heart out this weekend, but here we are. Btw, there's a "behind the scenes/making of" about this movie on UA-cam. It's worth a watch too. 🙂
This is possibly the greatest movie ever made in my opinion. This movie wrecks everyone who has a soul. I cry every time I see it and I have seen it 50+ times counting reactions.
It really is masterful how they set up the scene of John's death. They resolved everything else, the anger at Percy and Billy, the wonder and awe of seeing him preform miracles, and the joy of what he was able to do for the Warden's wife. It felt like the only emotion left was sadness, from everything. John can't go on, the guards have to kill an innocent man, even John seeing the film is sad. That childlike wonder will soon be gone, and you know that for certain because even decades later Paul was never able to forgive himself. You've seen his future, you know what's going to happen, that nothing is going to stop it, you have no hope. You can't even be angry at the couple wishing John to die a painful death, only pity them and weep at the injustice.
Your analysis of this great film was so impressive; thank you. The Green Mile is one of the most powerful and thought-provoking films ever made. The juxtaposition of John's herculean presence against the gentle spirit of his soul is heartbreaking. I saw it in the theatre when it was first released, and it brought me to tears.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!
Amazing film. One of my favorites. Thomas Newman, the composer of the film's score, is one of my absolute favorite. I love every film he's worked on. There's a real sense of beauty and sadness in both the story as well as the music. Funny story...I went to a bible college in Texas and we weren't allowed to have any R-rated films in our possession. Of course, that didn't mean we didn't have any in our possession lol I had a huge collection in a truck that I kept hidden under my bed. Yes, I realize this sounds ridiculous, but this was the late 90s and the college, although a great institution, just wanted to make sure we didn't have anything sketchy. However, films like this one, which were just so great and couldn't be ignored, had to be snuck in. We used to use code names to talk about the films we had seen and owned. For example, this one we referred to as "The Avocado Kilometer" lol I can't remember any other weird names we used to come up with, but it was a play on the real titles. I dunno...I was 19 and rebellious :P lol Anyway, I always think of that trunk full of great films that were technically in violation when I watch this movie. Good times. lol
This is one of those adaptations that is as close to the book as you can get.
Glad you watched it, one of my top 20 best movies of all time 🙋🏾♀️🙋🏾♀️
James, Great as always. As always, some great lighting. We talked a long time ago about The Danish Girl. Great movie all around, Please look at it. Thanks for all the good stuff
The book was a serialized story told in several published "episodes". King didn't know where the main story was headed when he wrote it, which is interesting!
Really good adaption and gets almost all of it onto the screen
I didn't see this until this year. A number of well known heartbreaking films were pushed on me since 2020. This is for sure up on the high list of stories that left me busted up after I watched them. And I mostly and even since childhood watch film and sort of just look at the production, composition and performances so it takes a lot for one to get me on inside like that.
Great reaction and analysis on this amazing movie James, this movie has always wrecked me
This and the Shawshank Redemption are the best adaptations of stories written by Stephen King. This was originally published as a series of novellas. I patiently waited until they were all published before reading it.
I live in rural PA and the fireflies are out most nights. Beautiful sight.
Always fun to watch a first-timer getting to know Percy. In the scene where Paul is seeing the flashback to Wild Bill's crime, Klaus Detterick is hammering nails into a shed roof. If you listen closely, each hammer strike is accompanied by the sound whispered effect 'wharton...wharton...wharton....'
I have indeed read the book (and am coincidentally rereading it right now, actually). In my honest opinion, this adaptation is by far THE most faithful to the source material. It's a damn near perfect replica when it comes to most, if not ALL major themes/events that needed to be there. The main "glaring" difference is which characters say which dialogues. For example, the final conversation between Paul and Coffey, where Paul asks what he'll tell God on the day of his judgment, was actually Brutal's speech to Paul in the book. There's actually quite a bit of dialogue that was given to Paul in the movie that actually belonged to the other characters. The changes still worked, though, in the movie and I totally accept and embrace the changes. Frankly, I'd rather have the dialogue spoken by ANYONE than to not be present at all. It truly was a phenomenal adaption from SUCH a stellar book.
This is a great adaption. It changes and leaves out very little from the book. The only scene I wish was in the movie was when Tom Hanks’s wife dies in a bus crash. It happens at night during a storm. His character holds her dead body in the dark and rain, pleading for John Coffey to help, and sees John on the flash of the lightning, knowing that John can’t help because he killed him. It gave me chills!
This is a classic film. Excited for this reaction. Thanks for the effort my guy.
Anytime my friend, enjoy and have a great day!
@@JamesVSCinemaWill do. And he played Zaphod in HGttG i believe. President of earth, and yea pretty identical to wild bill here lol.
Ohhhh here come ALL the emotions!! 😢💔
One of the best movies out there! I still say “ I’m tired boss” at work a lot. Most people don’t get it.
The absolute humanity of this film - showing us criminals and not getting context for their crimes just how human they are; guards who give patience and grace to condemned men.
yea...I was a professor at OU.... whenever lineman (usually 6'8" 340) walk past you on the sidewalk... they block the sun😊 6:00
If you look up the definition of tear-jerker, this movie's picture will be there.