Not a new film by any means I know. But I stumbled on this again after putting it on my watch list and I am so glad I did.
Telling the story of a proud Italian American father who is forced to befriend and work for a talented musician. The film, at its core, tells a story of racism and prejudice within the deep South of the 1960s.
It’s a heart-warming film created by the wonderful Peter Farrelly who’s well known for directing the Dumb and Dumber franchise. However, this is certainly not a comedy or a joke, even if there are a few funny aspects. This is a hard-hitting and emotional tale of a real-life Classical and Jazz Pianist named Don Shirley who tours the south during one of the most deadly times for black people in America.
Many do not understand the struggles black and ethnic minorities go through but certainly know how crippling it can be, so during these times, Green Book has never been more important. However, it isn’t just its subject matter that makes it such an important watch, it’s mostly the beautiful scenery, colour grading, gripping script and incredible acting.
Mahershala Ali, playing Dr. Donald Shirley provides a hard to swallow reality of life in the 60s and does it with such compassion that it will be remembered as one of his best roles. The character arc we see Dr. Shirley go through is often moving as well as frustrating and is certainly a vivid one, much like his driver Tony Lip.
The renowned Viggo Mortensen plays Tony Lip and does an equally as wonderful job, perhaps going through the biggest change in the film. His acting is second to none and should have definitely been nominated for an award. He plays a wonderful vision of an Italian American man in the 60s, intent on giving his family the best life and often finding himself in a fair amount of privilege, even if he doesn’t have it all.
Ultimately, this film, while surrounded by a fair amount of controversy behind the whitewashing presented, is a film that shouldn’t be missed.
7/10 Stars
The Film Nerdette