Green Book

This is another movie I watched and it became an instant classic. Awesome.

Recommended by a friend. Had no previous knowledge of this musician. Topics touched were thought provoking

The DVD played fine without any skips. However, there were two or three places in the DVD where there were light inconsistencies regarding reflections on the windshield and light shining around the characters heads which I do not remember when watching it when it aired on cable. Why was this a copy made in Mexico? I thought that the DVD was US made.

My family loves the movie

Quick Story Recap: Tony, played by Viggo Mortensen, is a simple man from the Bronx. He works as a grunt and bouncer at the Copacabana nightclub and has a reputation for being able to handle any trouble. The club closes for renovation and Tony is looking for money anywhere he can find it, including food eating contests. Dr. Shirley, played by Mahershala Ali, is a concert pianist who is planning a tour to the deep racist south and needs to find a driver and a body guard of sorts, he hires Tony. The film follows their trip from beginning to finish. Acting wise, I loved every second of both main actors. Viggos Tony was a lovable simple goon who becomes more aware of the world as he experiences it with Dr. Shirley. Every action, facial expression, and his accent seemed spot on every second he got on screen. He wasnt just a committed character which most actors get lauded for - He was a committed character who was real, believable, and lovable. Likewise, Mahershalas Dr. Don Shirley was amazing too. The film is enhanced by their personality push and pull. Mahershaia was able to flesh out his character and use his time on screen both with and without Viggo to convey on powerful moments - as he so often does in his films. A moment that really sticks out as amazing to me was the dialogue where they discuss blackness, and it gets real. They delivered it so well, the truth hits both Tony and the audience and it is magical how you feel it with him. Well done acting team, script team, directors, and editors for how it feels and looks. Overall film wise, I loved it. I watched because it was a nominee. I knew nothing of this film or the story it was based upon coming in so it took a short second to get acclimated to the story and where it was going. But it does have some great moments and the dialogue (and film as well) moves from funny to deep and back again in a perfect way to not go too deep in either direction even as the undertone for the very difficult scenarios they go through together are very serious and upsetting -Jim Crow south. The film kind of makes me think of a reverse Driving Miss Daisy. As I mentioned earlier, I loved Tony and Dr. Shirley. I was glad Tony has a reformation of his own. It made the movie have a great ending. I think I might add this to the home collection.

I have been wanting to watch this movie for so long, but I was hesitating because the level of racism in the South (and Im from LA) at that time was unfathomable. Its still not great, but this movie made the past so real to me. When I was teaching, I fought it on many levels because prejudice of any kind just boils my blood. However, would I have had the courage to fight it back then when it could have meant my life? Id like to hope that I would have been. The two main characters in this movie are both heroes and are so superbly portrayed by Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen. Linda Cardellini is, as always, so full of depth, emotion and vulnerability that she too adds to the overall dramatic impact of this beautiful film. I watched it for the first time three days ago, and I have watched it every day sense then. Once it starts playing, Im transported. The computer, the phone, everything just disappears, and it feels as if I too am taking a journey.

This movie is a gem that I believe is often overlooked. While covering the difficult subject matter, there are also light-hearted and altogether humorous moments to offer balance to the film. Mahershala Ali captivates and shines in this role as Dr. Don Shirley. Truly the real star of this film who offers a complex character full of humor, grace and style. Viggo Mortenson holds his own as Tony Lip, where he finds newfound comradery with Don Shirley, both coming from different backgrounds, culturally, educationally, and monetarily. Not to mention that this movie is during the time period where Martin Luther King Jr. and black men are fighting for equal rights throughout the country. Tony Lip in the beginning remained in ignorance or racial stereotypes only to be faced with it head-on in the deep South. Despite the many boundaries, a friendship of contrast was formed and they learned from one another and with that came appreciation. I read some reviews that were harsh accusing this film of being a White Savior Narrative. And while, Tony had to help bail Don Shirley out on a couple of occasions, he was hired to be a chauffeur and body guard, given that it is absolutely true that Nat King Cole was beaten by an all white audience in Birningham, AL in 1956. Don Shirley had to prepare accordingly. However, Don Shriley, also helped Tony Lip out in terms of writing letters to his wife, getting them both out of prison and being calm, while not resorting to violence when situations presented themselves. He also helped Tony from making some serious mistakes that could of led to some bad outcomes so they equally helped one another. On balance, they helped each other, which is what friends do. White Savior or Black Savior...they both stepped in that role. If you want to watch a movie that explores the attitudes of the 1960s South, Jim Crow Era but at the same time leaves you light-hearted and gives you a measure of hope, I suggest you try this one. For the time you watch it, you will think that anything is indeed possible.

This movie brought to life how awful it was to be of color. I loved the movie and was awed by the courage of the people that were allowed to perform, but they didnt have the rights to eat in the same place ?

Was an excellent movie and I would watch it again

Loved how 2 completely different people can become lifelong friends. Good portrayal of a turbulent time in our history. Reinforces that we should only judge a person by their actions.