Green Book is a charming story of friendship that details the the cultural problems during times of segregation, and doesn’t show growth in just one of the characters but both of them.
It’s an interesting dynamic between Don Shirley played by Mahershala Ali and Tony Lip played by Viggo Mortensen.
The movie really surprised me and is not only extremely funny but also an important commentary on what it meant to be black during the 60s and provides a different viewpoint from a wealthy/famous black pianist.
What I really loved about this movie was that it didn’t just show growth with one character it showed it in both of them.
Tony changed by understanding Don’s struggles of having to live separate and do things separate because of the color of his skin. He learns that they are people just like him and don’t deserve this wrong treatment.
Don changed because he somewhat didn’t understand the black community that was living in poverty or extreme discrimination, and there is a scene at the end where it all comes full circle for him and finally stands up and uses his platform to create change.
It’s an incredible true story of friendship, struggle, and acceptance that was great to watch.
One of the best quotes of the movie from Don was “If I’m not black enough and I’m not white enough, then what am I?” and really encapsulates the struggle for identity in Don.
That quote still reigns true today in how we expect a certain “standard” from the black community and when we don’t see it we are confused when in reality everyone is different and we cant feed into al the stereotypes we think are true.
The movie still had it’s cliche moments just like any other movie that dives into this topic but it comes at them from a different point of view.
Green Book creates this dialogue that not all black people are the same and trying to erase those stereotypes that are usually thought of.
It’s really entertaining to watch the friendship grow between the two men and is one that everyone can enjoy.
I loved how Tony was unwilling to be that person that would kiss your feet and do your every command but was always looking out for Don’s best interest and to keep him safe.
When Tony stands up for Don in the face of racism time after time it’s really heartwarming and something that Don learns from Tony.
This movie was also very funny and as we travel along with the two men we grow closer to the characters and really appreciate their relationship, their motives, and their growth.
I would say that while the movie is very good and very well acted it is a movie that can be forgettable to some, but to many is an important commentary on how we have not come far from the segregated era and still have a lot of work to do.
Tony and Don are two men that can teach everyone a lesson in the movie.
Their ability to break down each others walls and understand and learn from each other is a powerful thing to watch.
Green Book is a hilarious, charming and heartfelt journey that may lack longevity but during current times hits just the right note, and is quite a powerful evolution between two characters.
I give Green Book a B+
