A Review of The Green Mile

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲 – 𝗔 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗣𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵

“𝘈 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.” – The New York Times

When a film takes on the weighty themes of The Green Mile, it demands a stellar cast, meticulous set design, and an ability to capture both the grand spectacle and intimate emotional turmoil of the original. This local adaptation didn’t just rise to the challenge—it blew past expectations, delivering an unforgettable cinematic experience that left audiences spellbound.

From the outset, the production value was striking. The prison scenes, remarkably filmed in a local dog kennel, were nothing short of ingenious. The attention to detail was astonishing, with cell bars, period-perfect Irish prison guard uniforms, and even a toilet installed for Paddy Loughran’s Paul Edgecomb. These meticulous touches made the setting feel as oppressive and haunting as the infamous E Block itself.

Of course, a film like The Green Mile lives and dies by its performances, and here, the cast delivered in spades.

Denis Duggan’s portrayal of John Coffey was nothing short of extraordinary. His slow, deliberate Southern drawl erased any memory of his Irish roots, immersing the audience in the character’s quiet sorrow and otherworldly presence. But it was the execution scene that truly cemented his performance—his raw, trembling fear, the beads of sweat glistening under the lights, the solemn acceptance of his fate. It was gut-wrenching, mesmerising, and wholly unforgettable.

Matching him in intensity was Paddy Loughran as Paul Edgecomb, the prison officer grappling with an unbearable moral dilemma. Loughran’s performance was layered and compelling, from the physical agony of his UTI to the pained conflict in his eyes as he wrestled with Coffey’s innocence. His chemistry with the rest of the cast—particularly Shay Darby as the steadfast Brutus and Gary Ryan’s level-headed Dean—brought an incredible authenticity to the film’s core dynamic.

On the lighter side, Charles Riviere’s turn as the tragic Delacroix injected moments of levity, his affectionate bond with the ever-enchanting Mr. Jingles melting hearts, while his cheeky jabs at Percy (played with exquisite cruelty by Dean Donoghue) were perfectly timed. And speaking of Percy—Donoghue’s ability to make the audience loathe him was masterful, delivering one of the most despicable villains of the night with unsettling ease.

Ross Mallen’s Harry, Shane Hynan’s Burt, and Mervyn Martin’s Billy the Kid added further depth to the ensemble, while Tony Cormican’s older Paul brought a reflective gravitas, reminding us that the scars of this story last a lifetime. Special mention must go to Eddie Fanning and Maeve O’Donnell, whose brief yet impactful appearances further enriched the world of the film.

Harry Hill, Pete, did far more to ensure the success of this film than his few lines would suggest – leading the team & directing the rehearsals brilliantly.

The film was a true visual delight, taking home two well-earned awards on the night—Best Props & Settings and Best Dramatic Scene for the harrowing execution sequence. The production’s ability to create the illusion of John Coffey’s imposing size, combined with stellar costume work and a perfectly atmospheric setting, was a testament to the sheer dedication of the team behind the scenes. The scenes were brilliantly captured on the day of filming by the still photography of up and coming young photographer Rory O’Donoghue – someone who’s work we look forward to seeing a lot more of in the future.

The Guardian praised the original film for its “unflinching emotional depth,” and this local adaptation stayed true to that spirit. The audience was left grappling with the same heartache, injustice, and bittersweet beauty that made The Green Mile an all-time classic. This was more than just a reimagining—it was special.

A standing ovation was inevitable, and rightly so. In the hands of this exceptional cast and crew, The Green Mile wasn’t just performed—it was lived.