Genre: Biographical Comedy-Drama Film
Runtime: 130 minutes
Director: Peter Farrelly
Writers: Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie, and Peter Farrelly
Green Book is a beautiful movie. It’s the kind of movie that will make you laugh out loud, make you a little emotional, make you think.
The Green Book is a 2018 comedy-drama film directed by Peter Farrelly. The film is inspired by the true story of African-American pianist Don Shirley and his driver/bodyguard Tony Lip, who met for a concert tour through the racially segregated South in the 1960s.
The film received critical acclaim and won several awards, including Best Picture at the 91st Academy Awards. The Green Book is a heart-touching story that explores themes of race, friendship, and personal growth.
The film’s script is well-written and strikes a balance between humor and drama. The chemistry between Mortensen and Ali is undeniable, and their on-screen dynamic is one of the film’s biggest strengths.
While The Green Book has been criticized for its portrayal of race and its reliance on a white savior narrative, it is nonetheless an engaging and powerful film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.
Ever wondered about the universality of prejudice? It’s not like there’s anyone free of it. That’s sort of what differentiates our species from all others- our ability to form opinions. And forming opinions inevitably leads to prejudice.
But understanding that they are nothing more than thoughts is what most people don’t do. A man may be polite and very well-behaved, but at times he might wish a person he doesn’t like killed. But that doesn’t mean he will ever ‘act’ on those thoughts. Heck, he might not even have meant it in the first place.
So mere thoughts are not harmful, right? That is if we are sensible enough not to act on such thoughts. But that’s where prejudice gets a free leeway.
We choose not to exercise our senses. If everyone you know does something, they must have a reason, right? If all your ancestors did something, they must have had a reason, right?
Right from the first scene with its music and beautiful period set that immediately transported me to the past, this movie had me hooked! Another reason why I immediately liked the movie was Viggo Mortensen’s character, Tony.
Tony is exactly the anti-theses of Mahershala Ali’s character, Don Shirley. He’s carefree, devious, humorous, prejudiced, and has a huge family.
As different as they may be, they start to respect each other and learn from each other during the eight weeks they spend on the road. This is one of the best movies that I’ve seen about friendship. The way their friendship blossoms is a sight to behold!
Though the movie focuses on friendship, it’s also a beautiful concept of family life. Especially the love that Tony Lip and his wife shares simply warm our hearts.
For those of you who may not already know, America has had its fair share of problems related to racism, and during the 1960s it was quite polarizing, especially in the Southern States.
Watching the movie will make us realize that most people aren’t purposefully racist, rather, as I mentioned above, they just seem to forget to exercise their senses when the term ‘tradition’ complicates things.
The wonderful cinematography makes the film beautiful to watch and the tranquil background music adds even more beauty to the scenes. A true feel-good movie! Don’t miss it!
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Maria Afsha
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE