Green Book Movie Review

• Charu Chhitwal
• 27 Nov 2018
• Reviews ,Movies/series

Film "Green Book" starring Academy winner Mahershala Ali as Donald Shirley and Viggo Mortensen as Tony Lip Vallelonga is one of the finest movies of year 2018. And not just for the powerful quotes or performances. It is for the true friendship between two people who have nothing in common. And through the most testing times. That this movie is based on real life incidents, just makes it all the more magnificent. 

   Movie Review- Green Book

   Director- Peter Farrelly

   Production Company- Universal Pictures

   Writer- Nick Vallelonga, Peter Farrelly, Brian Currie

   KetchupMoms Rating - 4/5 

   Ratings - PG 13

             

When we picked the tickets for the movie 'Green Book', we did not have too many expectations. When we walked out of the theatre one and half hour later we felt enriched. Watching Green movie, was like we had been through the dark chapters of human behaviour only to step into the warmest Christmas get together. This movie needs to top your list of must watch from 2018. 

   Interesting Fact:

This movie has been co-produced and co-written by Tony Vallelonga's son. And is based on real life friendship between Tony and Donald. 

Film Green Book, charters a road-trip that Jamaican-American classical pianist Donald Shirley had to undertake for his 1962 concert tour.  Italian-American chauffeur Tony Vallelonga, was hired by him for his reputation of smooth-talking out of any situation. And for an added sense of security while scooting through towns where Afro Americans were totally unwelcome. Yes, this movie is based in 1962. 

The title is a strong reference to a travel guide - The Negro Motorist Green Book, published first time in 1936. Sadly, this book was an outcome of the racism that Afro Americans faced back then. On the brighter side, Harlem postal worker named Victor Hugo Green put this guide together so Afro Americans could travel across America and enjoy a 'vacation without aggravation'. 

              

   The Story- 

The movie is set in the background of the racism and slavery in the 1960's. It takes you on a road-trip with a working class Italian American 'Lip', who even dumps the water glasses used by Afro Americans in his house. And a world renowned Pianist, Dr. Don Shirley who is celebrated for his music. But is neither welcome to break bread with the whites, nor use the same washrooms as them. These two come together to ensure a safe and successful concert tour for Don from Manhattan to the deep South. And end up becoming friends for a lifetime. 

It proves to be a life changing trip for Tony who finally sees racism for what it is. Dr. Shirley finally bares himself when he says 'I am not black enough for black, and not white enough for white'. He also takes a stand for himself when he finally refuses to play in a restaurant, where he is refused a table. 

   Five powerful quotes from Green Book:

- Tony Lip: How does he smile and shake their hands like that?
Oleg: Because it takes courage to change people’s hearts.

                  

- Don Shirley: So if I’m not black enough and if I’m not white enough, then tell me, Tony, what am I?

- Don Shirley: [to Tony] You never win with violence. You only win when you maintain your dignity.

           

- Tony Lip: I didn't like the way he was treatin' you.

Don Shirley: I've had to endure that my entire life. You should be able to take it for at least one night

        

- Tony - Lip: Tell me that don't smell good?
Don Shirley: I've never had fried chicken in my life.
Tony Lip: You people love the fried chicken.
Don Shirley: You have a very narrow assessment of me, Tony.
Tony Lip: Yeah, right. I'm good.

           

At KetchupMoms we suggest you watch it today.

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