It is the remarkable story of a prison guard who develops a poignant, unusual relationship with one inmate who possesses a magical gift that is both mysterious and miraculous.

Two-time Academy Award-winner Tom Hanks stars as Paul Edgecomb, the Death Row head guard.

He relates in flashback a mystical account about his time at Louisiana State Penitentiary and his watch over convicted killers awaiting execution in the electric chair.

Michael Clarke Duncan, in his first starring role, plays John Coffey, a massive, seven-foot inmate convicted of brutally murdering two young girls.

His gentle, naive nature and unusual powers starkly contrast with his appearance, and raise questions in Edgecomb's mind about Coffey's guilt.

Award-winning filmmaker Frank Darabont returns to the director's chair for the first time in five years to bring The Green Mile, his second King adaptation, to the screen.

Good performances compensate for the overblown theme and running-time.