Green Book

A very well acted film, covering the relationship that develops between a brilliant ,famous piano player and an not well educated immigrant Italian American "fixer" who drives him around various concert halls in the early winter of a segregated USA. The piano player is black, and looks down on the Italian American whom he finds distasteful,and whom he assumes is a thief amongst other preconceived judgements he makes about his driver. The driver, we see in an early scene, is not too happy to have his wife alone with black plumbers in his apartment, and gets some male cousins to be there too. As the story unfolds, both go on a journey. The actual concerts and travelling are really just a backdrop. The real journey is not the concert halls and towns, although there are many incidents involved. The real journey is how each of the protagonists learns to see, and appreciate the talents and abilities the other person has. Talents and abilities which enrich their lives. The music,and virtuoso skill, and courage of the black piano player, gives a growing appreciation and respect to the driver. In return the piano player learns to appreciate food, jokes, life and beauty in simple things and a different courage from the driver. A great story that deserves a very wide audience.

Loved this movie! I laughed so much. Beautiful true story. It’s lovely to see how racism can be overcome. Truly uplifting, whilst keeping true to historical facts of widespread racism especially in the south of USA.My only complaint is with the production. There are subtitles for people hard of hearing, but they are only on the main movie and not on the “extras.” Which I personally think is discriminating. Whilst I am not deaf, I have an illness/disability which means I need subtitles in order to be able to concentrate and hear whilst watching a movie.My DVD did get stuck on one part, but worked when I rewound it. So not sure if it’s scratched. Will check it again.As for the actual movie, it should’ve definitely won an Oscar. Truly beautifully acted & directed.

This is a must-see. A beautifully acted, subtly directed story of the relationship between the black musician and the low-town white wheeler-dealer chauffeur. Mutual incomprehension changes slowly but surely to profound mutual respect as each comes to understand a little more about each other’s lives. In turn charming, funny, sad and downright shocking (the endemic and appalling racism of the southern states of the USA in the 1950s) , the film is even more poignant because it is in fact the true story of the birth of a friendship which endured for the rest of their lives. I’ve seen it twice, and enjoyed it even more the second time. It will not be the last.

In my Honest opinion, this is my Favourite Film in a Decade. The True story of Tony "Lip" and his Drive across the States into the Deep South in an era when Racism was Rampant with a Black Concert Pianist Dr. Don Shirley. Fantastic Moments of Humour, Inspiration, Humanity, Friendship, growing Mutual Respect to becoming Life long Friends dying in real life within months of each other. Tony's Wife was Priceless in the last scene over the letters. Fantastic Film i saw it on Prime and had to buy the Film for my Collection. Take a Bow Tony (Viggo Mortensen) and Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) Brilliantly Acted to a Superb Soundtrack. Brilliant! All of Life is there!

It's an interesting truth-based story and one worthy of a film, certainly. The trick is to avoid the clichéd acting of an Italian-American wisecracking hard man 'minder' from the Bronx - and to present a 1962 black concert pianist in a rightly intelligent and sophisticated way. Throughout, we thought that both principle actors managed that very well (see special features interview with Tony Lip's son). Indeed, Viggo Mortensen all the way through made the character distinctive and real (and likeable) and Mahershala Ali captured a convincing tone and manner (and stance/ bearing) very nicely. Well done both.It could of course have been made darker (a la Mississippi Burning or In the heat of the night) but it made a significant point nonetheless.**Slight spoiler alert** There were, however, a few irritatingly over sweet moments - not least 'getting home for Christmas' (where every cliché seemed to have been employed - a bit cloying to say the least) and the north USA cop pulling them over on the way home, only to be helpful and respectful (in stark contracts to their experience with various southern cops). But that apart we found it a warming and enjoyable film.That it was a double winning Oscar is, however, something of a surprise - but that's academy awards for you. All in all, a very watchable and likeable film that can be viewed more than once.

Character based film revolving around 2 main protagonists from very different backgrounds. Themes include racism, morality, behaviour and friendship

I just love this film ! It’s a real feel good movie and will make you laugh and give you a warm fuzzy feeling AND it’s a true story ! I saw it for the first time only two years ago and I have watched it multiple times since , it never gets tired with me .

After a slow start, which set the scene for the role of the central character, this film built layer by layer. It proved to be a really fascinating insight into discrimination in 1960s USA. Based on a true story and a friendship which ultimately lasted a lifetime, the film depicts the story of a New York Italian American who becomes a driver for a renowned musician. They are from totally different backgrounds. Sometimes values conflict but bit by bit, they engage at a work and personal level, changing boundaries and working to achieve what they set out to do. I was totally drawn in to this story. It’s well told, engaging and very watchable. I enjoyed it.