Green Book

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.

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.

I love the honesty of this film.

Was an excellent movie and I would watch it again

Loved watching this movie

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.

Excellent movie. I had all of my friends and family watch it also

This movie is amazing!

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!

Neighborhood women got together and had a movie night with this gem!