Green Book [DVD]

Amazing movie loved it from start to finish

"Green Book" is a captivating and heartfelt film that tells the true story of an unlikely friendship formed in the face of prejudice and ignorance. Directed by Peter Farrelly and starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali, this 2018 film is a beautiful blend of humor, drama, and poignant social commentary.Viggo Mortensen stars as Tony Lip, a tough, working-class bouncer from the Bronx who is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley, an African-American classical pianist played by Mahershala Ali, on a concert tour through the racially segregated South in the 1960s. Mortensen delivers an outstanding performance, embodying Tony's brash yet good-hearted nature with authenticity and charm. Mahershala Ali's portrayal of Dr. Shirley is equally compelling, capturing the character's sophistication, dignity, and internal struggles with grace and depth.The chemistry between Mortensen and Ali is the heart of the film. Their evolving relationship, from initial suspicion and misunderstanding to genuine respect and friendship, is depicted with sincerity and nuance. The witty and often humorous dialogue between the two characters provides many memorable moments, while the more serious scenes highlight the harsh realities of racism and bigotry during that era."Green Book" is beautifully shot, capturing the contrast between the opulence of Dr. Shirley's world and the gritty reality of Tony's everyday life. The period details, from the costumes to the sets, are meticulously crafted, immersing viewers in the 1960s setting. The film's pacing is well-balanced, allowing for both the development of the central friendship and the exploration of broader social themes.The soundtrack of "Green Book" is another standout element, featuring a mix of classical piano pieces and period-appropriate music that enhances the emotional impact of the story. The music not only serves as a backdrop but also as a reflection of Dr. Shirley's cultural and personal identity.One of the most powerful aspects of "Green Book" is its ability to address serious social issues with a light touch, without diminishing their importance. It tackles topics such as racism, class differences, and cultural identity with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, making it both an entertaining and thought-provoking film. The script, co-written by Nick Vallelonga (Tony Lip's real-life son), Brian Currie, and Peter Farrelly, is sharp and insightful, offering both humor and depth.In addition to the main feature, the Blu-ray/DVD release includes a variety of special features, such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and crew, and commentary that provides additional context and insight into the making of the film and the real-life events that inspired it.Overall, "Green Book" is a remarkable film that offers a powerful message about the transformative power of friendship and understanding. With stellar performances, a compelling story, and a perfect blend of humor and drama, it is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates films that entertain while also enlightening and inspiring. Highly recommended!

The general story line is based on a true story of Dr Don Shirley, a prodigious pianist who hires an Italian bouncer to drive him into the “deep south” on a musical tour in the early ‘60s, in an age of segregation.Coming from an Italian heritage, I can confess that my culture is guilty of having had a history of exclusivity that still lingers to this present day. It’s nothing personal, it’s an Italian thing. Didn’t matter if you’re Black or White, it was if you were or were not a ‘Goomba’.Some of the terms used in the ‘60s are pejoratives today, particularly the n-word, which I’m relieved was refrained from use. The now derogatory term is derived from a reference to folks who hail from Niger.Instead, the script substitutes ‘Black’, a term yet unused in that generational time period, but is the English equivalent for the Latin word negro — which, incidentally, is still used as a nickname by some Latino families (pronounced: nay’-gro)Spoiler alert, there is an interesting scene where Tony drives into Kentucky for the first time and discovers a Kentucky Fried Chicken fast food restaurant and he gets a bucket, to the dismay of the proper Don Shirley.I can personally vouch that I myself remember the first time eating fried chicken and being schooled by my family that it is fully appropriate, and not considered bad manners, to eat chicken without utensils. It’s the one main course that we are permitted to eat using our fingers themselves.Even so, the bigger story here is that as they toured further into the south, there were interesting lessons in the distinctions of venues.For example, Don Shirley was perfectly welcomed at the culturally blended dinner table where the host served up what was thought to be something Don Shirley must like.Even so, Shirley might have been offended of their stereotypical presumptions for this menu selection without having the earlier exposure to the Kentucky Fried Chicken incident prior in the storyline.Later in the film, this becomes more poignant as they learn that in the deeper south, the Virtuoso pianist wasn’t welcomed to sit and to simply eat in the same dining room with everyone.It’s unconscionable and bewildering that identity politics still haunt us today. We shy to speak of varying strengths or weaknesses that tend to accompany different people groups.Personally, I don’t like the term ‘race’ which is misleading since we are all a part of the only one human race on the planet. There are different nationalities, cultures, creeds, and complexions, but there is not a second race existent on God’s green earth, to borrow a phrase used in the film.A good film uses the feature time to build the background story of the characters. It makes sense to me to begin in this worldview of the driver’s background, Tony the Italian, as he is a prototype of the ethnocentric world that they lived in of various migrants in America.That world gets enchantingly swept into the world of the story’s main subject, Don Shirley, an accomplished Black pianist who is the benefactor and employer of a recent layed-off bouncer, Tony, to drive him on a musical tour into the southern countryland of the U.S... which leads to my favorite scene.The movie poster shows our two stars sitting in the Cadillac, almost as if posing for a promotional billboard advertisement.In fact, we find that it’s actually a scene from the film, and maybe the most phenomenal moment, without a word of dialogue.After Tony refills water into an overheated engine and then opens the door for his impeccable employer, both their gazes fall onto the eyes of Black harvesters looking back from the fields.It’s as if time stops!Maybe this explains why the piano maestro, it is reported, actually did not want the biography shared while he was still living.When we as individuals begin to open up and expose our vulnerabilities, we find that we are really more alike deep down than we are different.We are all trying to ease our sufferings, only to find that there are others in the community who are facing even greater inequities.Tony isn’t particularly skilled in any trade, so he’s reduced to being a bouncer without much of a retirement program.Don Shirley is a financially independent and one-of-a-kind, successful pianist, but faces reprehensible discrimination.Then there’s the ethnic workers tilling the land: men and women, young and old.Looking into those eyes, the two main characters in this biographical movie ultimately realize their own multitude of ethical deviations, like Tony’s temper and total disregard to steal or toss waste out into the streets; and for Don Shirley those ethical challenges include finding solace in a bottle of scotch and not reaching out toward his estranged brother, the only surviving family member of his family.

Fantastic movie. Have watched multiple times and will continue to watch again.

I love how it was tastefully done while weaving in historical facts about how blacks 'are' treated in the South! I really like the genuine relationship developed between them as they journeyed together.

Highly recommend, a great movie for movie's night.

Arrived quickly and as described