There's more — a lot more — to the story than just that. But Darabont somehow manages to condense nearly all of King's novel into the movie. Again, almost all of the story and character details are necessary, including a framing sequence that only seems pointless at first.

And for a three-hour movie, it moves pretty well and doesn't really drag, though superb performances from the leads help to keep it compelling.

As Paul, the always-dependable Hanks is a case study in inner turmoil, while Duncan (who was squandered in a minor role in "Armageddon") provides the film with its real emotional center. Don't be surprised if one or both get an Oscar nomination for their work here.

That's not to slight the supporting cast, though. Darabont makes good use of Bonnie Hunt, David Morse and Michael Jeter and throws in some well-placed cameos (include Gary Sinise, William Sadler, Harry Dean Stanton, Graham Greene and veteran actor Dabbs Greer).

"The Green Mile" is rated R for profanity, violent beatings, a shooting and scenes depicting executions, use of crude sexual slang terms and racial epithets, gore, sex (overheard), simulated drug use (a sedative) and brief male nudity.