Factual error: This movie is set in 1935. Back then, executions were done by hanging. The Louisiana Legislature changed the method from hanging to electrocution in 1940.
The Green Mile (1999)
Ending / spoiler
Directed by: Frank Darabont
Starring: Tom Hanks, James Cromwell, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, Michael Clarke Duncan
Melinda is saved from brain cancer. John Coffey punishes Percy (for sabotaging Del's execution) and Wild Bill (for raping and murdering two little girls) by putting Melinda's cancer stuff into Percy, making Percy shoot Wild Bill and leaving Percy as a vegetable.John gets electrocuted, even though he is innocent. When he touches Paul Edgcombe's hand to show him what Wild Bill had done, some of John's power transferred to Paul. Some of John's power also passed into Mr. Jingles, Del's mouse. Back in the present day, Paul Edgecombe and Mr. Jingles are still alive. Paul is 108, and has had to see all of his loved ones die over the years. The film ends with Paul waiting (and wishing) for death.
Natti-Lou
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Old Paul Edgecomb: I'm a hundred and eight years old, Elaine. I was forty-four the year that John Coffey walked the Green Mile. You mustn't blame John. He couldn't help what happened to him...he was just a force of nature. Oh I've lived to see some amazing things Elly. Another century come to past, but I've...I've had to see my friends and loved ones die off through the years... Hal and Melinda...Brutus Howell...my wife... my boy. And you Elaine...you'll die too, and my curse is knowing that I'll be there to see it. It's my atonement you see; it's my punishment, for letting John Coffey ride the lightning; for killing a miracle of God. You'll be gone like all the others. I'll have to stay. Oh, I'll die eventually, that I'm sure. I have no illusions of immortality, but I will wished for death...long before death finds me. In truth, I wish for it already.
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Chosen answer: Percy's aunt is married to the state Governor, giving Percy powerful connections. All it would take is one phone call from Percy and Paul and the other guards could lose their jobs and if Percy wanted to, never find jobs again. Something Paul or his friends didn't want to happen.
The characters talk about this several different times in the movies, how political connections can ruin careers.
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