Green Book

I had no idea what the green book was before watching this heartwarming, sad, lovely movie. The story of these two gentlemen from very different worlds and how they shared this tough moment in time together, which ultimately brought them together as true friends, was wonderful. I cant recommend it enough. Simply a beautiful story.

Pros: The movie was engaging. There were no moments where we were wondering when this seen will end. The actors embodied the characters very well and delivered their lines in a superb manner. Good story line. The movie is not a documentary about the life of Dr. Don Shirley. It is documenting an Italian driver/body guard’s experience, who was hired by the record company to accompanying an African American musician through the Deep South during the sixties and insure the success of this journey. It simplifies racism for an audience that otherwise may not have wanted to see the movie. There are many tragically comedic moments and some moments showing the dichotomy of a situation. While the story does not have an academic level of documentation, at the very least it motivates an intellectual curiosity to want to learn more about Dr. Shirley. The movie has very well written dialogue, such as “the world is full of lonely people who are waiting for the other person to make a move”, another one “genius is not enough, it takes courage..” (I maybe paraphrasing). I particularly appreciated the lack of heavy musical background which made it possible to concentrate on the essence of the movie. Cons: Not at all appropriate for young audience (even if they are older than 13) or family viewing. Swear words were used. It felt like if the director was taking a cheap and easy stab by relying heavily on negative Italian stereotype. The driver character played by non-Italian was made to look stupid and illiterate. But never the less had the ability to navigate successfully through difficult situations. Dr. Shirley was portrayed as a homosexual. Not sure if this is an authentic depiction, however this diversion in the story was sudden and unexpected, it did not seem real. Especially when Dr. Shirley in the movie stated his marriage failed because he could not be a piano player and a husband at the same time. If it is true that he was homosexual, the dialogue at this point should have had some additional discussion of his orientation. Although there was no nudity, I think the movie would have been better if it did not include this unrealistic seen. The end was predictable but I cannot say that I did not enjoy the “feel good” ending.

I didn’t like the rough language. But it was a good story.

This movie is, simply put, beyond Oscar worthy. It is HUMANE worthy. It is a significant history lesson, a personal story on both sides of grasping with what is acceptable and who you are and how far you are willing to go to be truly YOU. Maheshala Ali is a flawless actor, but in Green Book he gives us his soul performance. You cant fake that. He is as pure as a character actor can get. I almost didnt recognize Vigo Mortensen, but fell in love with his caricature of the Italian mob stereotype which he played on for purpose in the role of his character. Two more atypical and diverse characters you could not have put together. Their scenes together are raw and smooth at once. The supporting cast really are the foundation of the two characters and deserve as much accolade as the stars. Im usually not into emotion driven movies but movies like this and Moonlight are just too alluring not to get captured by and held riveted to the significant power of it. All those awards were more than deserved. In fact it should have been a clean sweep. It WAS the best movie of 2018 with the best of everything it entailed. I am so in love with this movie.

I didnt think I would, but really enjoyed this movie. Great acting and a great story. Highly recommended.

It came with a scratch that causes a pause from time to time, but the film still plays entirely..

Wonderful heartwarming account of friendship between 2 unlikely men of vastly different backgrounds.

My husband and I really enjoyed this movie. It’s based on a true story.

I like it all.

Based on a true life story will pull me in every time. Real people can change, if they want to, for the betterment of all!