Green Book (2018) Review

"Green Book" is a 2018 comedy-drama film directed by Peter Farrelly and starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. The movie is based on the true story of an Italian-American bouncer who becomes the driver for an African American pianist on a tour through the Deep South in the 1960s.

The film is set in 1962, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) is a bouncer at a club in New York City who is out of work when the club closes for renovations. He is offered a job as a driver for Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a renowned pianist who is embarking on a tour of the Deep South.

The two men couldn't be more different. Tony is a working-class Italian-American from the Bronx, while Don is an upper-class African American who lives in a luxurious apartment above Carnegie Hall. Despite their differences, the two men form an unlikely bond as they travel through the Deep South, facing racism and segregation at every turn.

The title of the movie comes from the "Negro Motorist Green Book," a guidebook for African American travelers in the 1960s that listed safe places to stay, eat, and visit during the era of segregation.

One of the things that makes "Green Book" such a powerful film is the chemistry between Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. Mortensen's portrayal of Tony Lip is both hilarious and touching, as he struggles to come to terms with the racism and prejudice he encounters on the trip. Ali's performance as Don Shirley is equally impressive, as he conveys the pianist's intelligence, dignity, and vulnerability with subtlety and grace.

The film does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of race relations in the Deep South in the 1960s. It portrays the overt racism of some of the white characters in the film, as well as the more subtle forms of prejudice that Tony Lip himself holds. The film also shows the resilience and dignity of the African American characters, who face discrimination and hatred with courage and grace.

The movie is also a tribute to the power of music to bring people together. Don Shirley's performances are a highlight of the film, and his music serves as a bridge between Tony and himself, as well as between different cultures and communities.

Another standout aspect of the movie is its attention to detail. The costumes, sets, and music all evoke the era of the early 1960s, and the film's portrayal of the Deep South is both accurate and haunting. The film also does an excellent job of capturing the nuances of the relationship between Tony and Don, as they navigate their differences and find common ground.

Overall, "Green Book" is a powerful and moving film that explores themes of race, class, and friendship in a nuanced and complex way. The performances by Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are outstanding, and the film's attention to detail and historical accuracy make it a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

However, it's worth noting that the film has also been the subject of some controversy. Some critics have accused it of perpetuating a "white savior" narrative, in which Tony Lip's character is seen as rescuing Don Shirley from the racism of the Deep South. Others have criticized the film for oversimplifying the complexities of race relations in the era of segregation.

Despite these criticisms, "Green Book" remains an important and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about race, identity, and the power of friendship to overcome prejudice and hatred.