Green Book (2018)
Raiting: 
8,2 /10
Genre: Biography
Director: Peter Farrelly
Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali and Linda Cardellini
Country: United States
Release date: 16 November 2018
Length: 130 minutes
"Green Book," directed by Peter Farrelly, is a heartwarming film inspired by a true friendship that transcended race, class, and the societal constraints of the early 1960s. Released in 2018, the film tells the story of an Italian-American bouncer, Tony "Lip" Vallelonga, and an African-American pianist, Dr. Don Shirley, as they embark on a concert tour through the Deep South.
Tony is a tough, working-class man from the Bronx, known for his ability to handle trouble in the nightclubs where he works. When the club closes for renovations, he seeks temporary employment and is hired to be Dr. Shirley's driver and bodyguard during his tour. Despite their differences, Tony and Dr. Shirley are bound together for the duration of a journey that will challenge both their worldviews.
Armed with the "Green Book," a guide that informed African-American travelers of safe places to stay and eat in the segregated South, the duo sets out on their trip. As they navigate the perils of racism and the dangers of the Jim Crow era, an unlikely bond begins to form between the eloquent and refined pianist and his brash and uneducated driver.
Throughout their travels, Dr. Shirley faces numerous indignities and injustices, while Tony witnesses the stark realities of segregation and prejudice firsthand. The pianist's immense talent often places him in the paradoxical position of being celebrated on stage while simultaneously being discriminated against offstage. Despite the challenges, Dr. Shirley remains dignified and steadfast in his convictions, while Tony's initial prejudices and rough edges are slowly softened through his exposure to Dr. Shirley's experiences.
The film culminates in a series of events that solidify the bond between the two men. Tony is forced to confront his own biases, and Dr. Shirley finds a sense of camaraderie and understanding that he has long been missing in his isolated world. By the end of the tour, what started as a mere business arrangement has grown into a genuine and enduring friendship.
"Green Book" is a touching narrative that tackles heavy themes with humor, warmth, and a sense of hope. The film was well-received for its performances, particularly by Viggo Mortensen as Tony and Mahershala Ali as Dr. Shirley, both of whom brought depth and nuance to their roles. It is a story about overcoming differences to find common humanity, and a poignant reminder of the power of friendship to change hearts and minds.
Top cast - Green Book (2018)
Trailer - Green Book (2018)
"Green Book," directed by Peter Farrelly, is a poignant and compelling film set against the backdrop of the racially divided American South during the 1960s. The movie is based on the true story of an unlikely friendship between Tony "Lip" Vallelonga, a rough-around-the-edges Italian-American bouncer from the Bronx, and Dr. Don Shirley, a refined African-American classical pianist. The film, named after The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide for safe travel through America's racial segregation, provides the foundation for this road-trip drama that delves into themes of racism, friendship, and personal growth.
The chemistry between the two leads, Viggo Mortensen as Tony and Mahershala Ali as Dr. Shirley, is the driving force of the film. Mortensen perfectly encapsulates the brash, uneducated, yet innately kind-hearted nature of Tony, while Ali delivers a performance that is both dignified and nuanced, capturing the isolation and conflict Dr. Shirley feels as an African-American artist in a prejudiced society. Their interactions range from humorous clashes of culture to deeply affecting moments of shared vulnerability, creating a dynamic and engaging on-screen relationship.
Farrelly, known for his comedic work, takes a more serious turn with "Green Book," but manages to infuse the film with moments of levity that balance the weight of the subject matter. The film navigates the difficult conversations and situations with a sense of warmth and sincerity that makes the characters' journey accessible and relatable. The narrative does not shy away from the ugliness of racism, yet it approaches these issues with a hopeful perspective, highlighting the potential for change in each individual.
While "Green Book" has been critiqued for its "feel-good" approach to tackling complex racial issues and for adhering to certain road movie clichés, it has also been praised for its heartfelt storytelling and the strong performances of its cast. The film's production design, costumes, and soundtrack all meticulously recreate the era, immersing the audience in the time period and setting the stage for the characters' transformative journey.
In conclusion, "Green Book" is a touching portrayal of friendship and the potential for unity in a divided world. It is a reminder of the human capacity for change and compassion, delivered through stellar performances and a well-crafted narrative. While it may not delve as deeply into the American racial landscape as some may wish, it stands as a crowd-pleasing film that sparks conversation and reflects on a significant era of history with relevance to contemporary society.