Green Book - Film Review

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Green Book is a 2018 film directed by Peter Farrelly, starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. The movie tells the story of a working-class Italian-American bouncer, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), who is hired as the driver and bodyguard for Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a world-class African-American pianist, during his concert tour of the Deep South in the 1960s. The film is based on a true story and won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

At its core, Green Book is a movie about friendship and overcoming differences. The relationship between Tony Lip and Dr. Don Shirley is initially rocky, as they come from very different backgrounds and have little in common. Tony Lip is a rough-around-the-edges working-class man with limited education, while Dr. Don Shirley is a refined and highly educated musician who has spent much of his life in elite circles. However, throughout their journey, the two men begin to form a bond and mutual respect for one another.



The performances by Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are the standout features of Green Book. Both actors give powerful and nuanced performances that bring their characters to life. Viggo Mortensen is particularly impressive as Tony Lip, bringing a rough charm and humour to the character while also capturing his underlying sense of decency and compassion. Mahershala Ali, meanwhile, gives a dignified and nuanced portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley, capturing his intelligence, wit, and the pain of his own personal struggles.

The movie also tackles themes of racism, prejudice, and segregation, and how these issues affected the lives of African-Americans in the Deep South during the 1960s. The title Green Book refers to a guidebook for African-American travellers that listed safe places to stay, eat, and visit during the era of segregation. The guidebook plays a key role in the movie, highlighting the dangers that Dr. Don Shirley faced as an African-American travelling through the South during this time.

The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of racism and discrimination, but it also offers a message of hope and redemption. Through the evolving friendship between Tony Lip and Dr. Don Shirley, the movie shows that even people with vastly different backgrounds and experiences can find common ground and learn from one another.

Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of Tony Lip is particularly impressive, as he imbues the character with a warmth and humanity that makes him both likable and relatable. Despite his flaws, Tony is a character that we can all root for, and his journey of personal growth and self-discovery is both touching and inspiring.

Mahershala Ali's portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley is equally impressive, as he brings a quiet dignity and gravitas to the character that is both moving and powerful. Dr. Shirley's struggles with racism and discrimination are never far from the surface, and Ali's performance captures the pain and isolation of a man who is constantly fighting against forces beyond his control.

The chemistry between Mortensen and Ali is also a highlight of the movie, as their characters' friendship and mutual respect grows over the course of the journey. The scenes of the two men bonding and learning from one another are some of the most powerful in the movie, and they serve to highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in overcoming our differences.

The direction and cinematography of Green Book are also notable. The movie is shot in a classic style that evokes the era in which it is set, with warm, rich colours and detailed period costumes and sets. The direction by Peter Farrelly is understated, allowing the performances and the story to take centre stage. The movie also features a strong and memorable soundtrack, with music playing a key role in the story.

One criticism of Green Book is that it has been accused of oversimplifying and romanticizing the relationship between Tony Lip and Dr. Don Shirley. Some have argued that the movie downplays the real-life struggles and hardships faced by African-Americans during the era of segregation and that it portrays a white saviour narrative in which Tony Lip is the hero who saves Dr. Don Shirley from the racism and discrimination he faces.

While these criticisms have some validity, I believe that the movie is still an important and moving story about friendship, empathy, and the power of human connection. The film does not ignore the systemic racism and discrimination that African Americans faced during this time, but it does offer a message of hope and optimism in the face of these challenges.

In conclusion, Green Book is a powerful and emotionally resonant film that tells a story of friendship and overcoming differences in a time of deep social and political division. The strong performances, direction, and themes make it a must-see movie that offers an important and timely message of hope and empowerment. The film's exploration of issues of race and class is both thought-provoking and inspiring, and the story it tells is both heart-warming and heart-breaking.

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