THE GREEN MILE (1999)

Directed by: Frank Darabont
Written by: Frank Darabont
Studio: Warner Brothers
Starring: Tom Hanks, David Morse, Michael Clarke Duncan
Rated: R

About the film:
The guards at a Louisiana prison’s death row come across a convicted murderer with a gentle heart and an unusual power to heal. They become convinced that he is innocent of the crime for which he’s been sentenced to die.

Movie Quote:
“Men under strain can snap. Hurt themselves. Hurt others. That’s why our job is talking, not yelling.”
Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) in The Green Mile (1999)

Bible Quote:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

Commentary:
Paul Edgecomb, the lead jailer in the film The Green Mile, has learned a thing or two about diffusing stressful situations. He may have learned from experience, but the same lessons can be found in the scriptures.

People who believe that the Bible is merely a book of religious mumbo jumbo are missing out on the greatest source of practical, common sense knowledge that exists in this world. God designed and made man. Certainly He knows the inner workings of how man reacts and behaves in different situations.

Take the verse from Proverbs 15 as an example. Fighting fire with fire, in terms of dealing with anger or wrath, will only add fuel to that fire. Remaining calm and rational when provoked will help diffuse even the most volatile situations.

As we learn and apply the knowledge that God has placed in His Word, we will find that His way of doing things is really the best way to achieve the results we desire. There’s only one way to know for sure. Prove Him now. Prove that His Word is true by walking out upon it.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. The prisoner John Coffey exemplifies the kind of attitude that Paul Edgecomb describes. Why does Coffey make the decision that he does at the end of the film?
2. The film is set on the death row of a prison. What does God’s Word say about capital punishment and justice?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com