Film Review | Green Book

Green Book is directed by Peter Farrelly and stars Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali.

Biopic, Drama. Released 2018.

Green Book is based on the true friendship between Tony Lip and Dr. Don Shirley. Tony, an Italian-American bouncer becomes the chauffeur for an African-American pianist who is about to embark on a concert tour through the deep south in 1960s America. 

I first saw this film in late November last year, simply attending a 'secret advanced screening' where I was completely unaware about what I was going to be watching, and to my unexpected delight, the BBFC certificate for Green Book came up on screen. I was incredibly surprised, since this film was not going to be released until early February the next year, but I was thrilled because I was aware of the awards buzz this film was getting and I felt very lucky to be watching it a few months early. 

And I felt even more lucky when it finished. Green Book is a heart-warming, feel-good, comedic drama centred around the relationship between two people. What many people have said is its weakness but what I think one of Green Book's strongest elements is its simplicity. Green Book is a very simple story that breathes and feels natural throughout, with smooth, easy direction from Peter Farrelly and a script full of warmth and heart. 

...And with two characters, a friendship, which you are so emotionally invested in by the end, thanks to the stunning performances from both Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. What is so special about these portrayals is that they both start off as archetypes - a small concern I had towards the beginning - but as the film progresses and the friendship with it, more layers of these characters are peeled away and by the end, you feel like you have been on the journey with them, and as though you know these people. There are some overtly touching moments in this film, but the moments I found the most powerful were incredibly subtle, with one very small and subtle moment moving me to tears. 

Regardless of whether it is factually accurate, Green Book is an utter joy - you will leave feeling emotionally fulfilled and a desire to go on the journey with these characters again.

A+