In 1935, John Coffey, an enigmatically massive convict, is transferred to Cold Mountain Penitentiary in Louisiana. The prison is a microcosm of the American South during the Great Depression. The inmates and guards are struggling to survive in a harsh environment. Coffey quickly becomes friends with the prison’s white guard, Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks). As the two men get to know each other, they begin to see Coffey’s humanity. However, their friendship is threatened by the racist attitudes of most of the inmates and staff. ..
Coffey is a man who has been through a lot in his life. He’s been through a lot of pain, and he’s also been through a lot of suffering. He’s not just some guy who just wants to hurt people. Coffey is somebody who really wants to do good in the world, and he does it by killing people.
Why does Paul Edgecomb feel Coffey is special
John Coffey was sentenced to death after being convicted of rape and the brutal murder of two girls. However, Coffey’s horrendous crime is at odds with his caring and miraculous personality. The big man does all that’s within his capabilities to rid people of pain.
He cures Paul’s bladder infection with his healing touch, inexplicably gives a new life to a fellow prisoner’s pet mouse, Mr Jingles, and similarly keeps giving people what they deserve. Paul notices Coffey has reverence in his heart for good people and a part of him is aching to remove all that’s evil.
In a scene, Paul tells his colleague that he is sure Coffey hasn’t committed any crime because an evil man is not gifted by the gods. Simply put, he’s the god’s man as per Paul.
How does Coffey feel about his execution?
Coffey is constantly thinking about the possibility of execution. He is afraid that he will be executed and that his family will be left behind.
He enjoys the death penalty if something amusing happens on The Green Mile. Yes, the death row in the movie is nicknamed The Green Mile. He doesn’t offer any resistance during his execution. If anything, he just expresses his fear of darkness and requests Paul not cover his head while he is on the electric chair.
In a broad smile and with an apologetic tone, right before his execution, he gives a broad apology to the families of the victims for a crime he didn’t commit.
The hidden meaning behind John Coffey’s execution
John Coffey was executed unjustly, which is consistent with Jesus’ crucifixion.
Coffey is tired of seeing the sufferings and agony of people. The gentleman set out to reform the essence of humanity but realized he couldn’t go on. He has fears just like every other mortal in the world.
The man in the Bible is known as the “man with the broken heart.” He is ready to die for the sins of others, which is another biblical reference. He might be huge, but inside he is as broken and as feeble as the man depicted in the Bible. And lastly, his apology was nothing but an effort to provide peace to those who are hurt before he dies.
John Coffey’s fate was decided by something he himself chose.
Coffey’s gift to Paul: boon or bane?
In a move that may have far-reaching consequences for both Paul and the people of the town, Coffey passes on his healing powers to Paul. Though it’s not clearly stated, the man has a role to play in Paul’s extended life in all probability. In scenes that show Paul to be 108 years old and he still has Mr Jingles, while Paul believes his extended life is the painful price he has to pay for his part in Coffey’s execution, it is generally understood that Coffey actually blessed him to live long. This move may have far-reaching consequences for both Paul and the people of the town, as it could mean that those who are left behind will have to bear the burden of Coffey’s death for longer than they would like.
After all, Paul Coffey wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. That’s what he was all about.
