In 1962, Tony "Tony Lip" Vallelonga, a tough bouncer, is looking for work when his nightclub is closed for renovations. The most promising offer turns out to be the driver for the African-American classical pianist Don Shirley for a concert tour into the Deep South states. Although hardly enthused at working for a black man, Tony accepts the job and they begin their trek armed with The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide for safe travel through America's racial segregation. Together, the snobbishly erudite pianist and the crudely practical bouncer can barely get along with their clashing attitudes to life and ideals. However, as the disparate pair witness and endure America's appalling injustices on the road, they find a newfound respect for each other's talents and start to face them together. In doing so, they would nurture a friendship and understanding that would change both their lives.
Kenneth Chisholm
Green Book stars Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali in a based on a true story drama in the south during the peak of racial segregation. The title of the movie is based on the "The Negro Motorist Green Book" colored people had to use to find "colored friendly" hotels. The movie follows classical and jazz pianist Don Shirley as he goes on tour in the south.
Viggo plays Tony Lip, a mafia bouncer hired by a colored Don Shirley looking for protection as he travels the country to play piano.
A lot of time is spent on the road as two completely opposite life styles are forced to interact and communicate. Throughout the movie you sit in the passenger seat as both characters change and develop as they are forced into each other's lifestyle.
I really enjoyed this movie, when I first watched it I had no idea what it was about and only saw the outstanding ratings (8.2 on IMDb). Ratings that high I felt didn't even need to spoil the movie by reading the description. I will admit, I was heavily influenced by Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen in Lord of the Rings) and didn't need to know anything else to watch it.
Life was harsh for African Americans during the time period this movie is based on, this is the main antagonist in this film.
Don Shirley is a very successful musician of great wealth and looks down on anyone else especially Tony Lip, he makes no effort to hide this fact. Don is not without his own demons though. Mahershala Ali absolutely kills it playing Doctor Don Shirley.
One thing I really liked about the movie is the color styling and filming. It really made the movie a pleasure to experience.
That being said, there are some flaws with the movie, the main one one being Tony Lip's own racism and ignorance that is quickly ignored as the movie goes on. Although it is noticeable, it doesn't ruin the movie's fantastic story telling.
Movie URL: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/490132-green-book
Critic: AAA
All images are from IMDb
