Green Book

Pros: The movie was engaging. There were no moments where we were wondering when this seen will end. The actors embodied the characters very well and delivered their lines in a superb manner. Good story line. The movie is not a documentary about the life of Dr. Don Shirley. It is documenting an Italian driver/body guard’s experience, who was hired by the record company to accompanying an African American musician through the Deep South during the sixties and insure the success of this journey. It simplifies racism for an audience that otherwise may not have wanted to see the movie. There are many tragically comedic moments and some moments showing the dichotomy of a situation. While the story does not have an academic level of documentation, at the very least it motivates an intellectual curiosity to want to learn more about Dr. Shirley. The movie has very well written dialogue, such as “the world is full of lonely people who are waiting for the other person to make a move”, another one “genius is not enough, it takes courage..” (I maybe paraphrasing). I particularly appreciated the lack of heavy musical background which made it possible to concentrate on the essence of the movie. Cons: Not at all appropriate for young audience (even if they are older than 13) or family viewing. Swear words were used. It felt like if the director was taking a cheap and easy stab by relying heavily on negative Italian stereotype. The driver character played by non-Italian was made to look stupid and illiterate. But never the less had the ability to navigate successfully through difficult situations. Dr. Shirley was portrayed as a homosexual. Not sure if this is an authentic depiction, however this diversion in the story was sudden and unexpected, it did not seem real. Especially when Dr. Shirley in the movie stated his marriage failed because he could not be a piano player and a husband at the same time. If it is true that he was homosexual, the dialogue at this point should have had some additional discussion of his orientation. Although there was no nudity, I think the movie would have been better if it did not include this unrealistic seen. The end was predictable but I cannot say that I did not enjoy the “feel good” ending.

Watched it.

I like it all.

A great movie that makes me feel good. Two very different people realize they arent so different after all.

Very good content the end was good as the beginning

Great movie

I have been wanting to watch this movie for so long, but I was hesitating because the level of racism in the South (and Im from LA) at that time was unfathomable. Its still not great, but this movie made the past so real to me. When I was teaching, I fought it on many levels because prejudice of any kind just boils my blood. However, would I have had the courage to fight it back then when it could have meant my life? Id like to hope that I would have been. The two main characters in this movie are both heroes and are so superbly portrayed by Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen. Linda Cardellini is, as always, so full of depth, emotion and vulnerability that she too adds to the overall dramatic impact of this beautiful film. I watched it for the first time three days ago, and I have watched it every day sense then. Once it starts playing, Im transported. The computer, the phone, everything just disappears, and it feels as if I too am taking a journey.

I enjoyed this movie because it is filled with real life experiences! While the story is simple, it paints a beautiful portrait of two men, polar opposites, who bond and become lifelong friends exhibiting respect for each other, despite their obvious flaws! This film offers viewers a glimpse of what interpersonal relationships can result, if we just listed to someone else! Bravo to all involved in creating this screen gem!