'Green Book' Is an Utter Delight

Green Book tells the real-life story of Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), an Italian-American bouncer (and future actor), and Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a famed African-American classical and jazz pianist who embarked on a concert tour in the 1960’s Deep South. At that time, racial discrimination and Jim Crow laws were still rampant at that part of the United States, and thus, the latter hired the former to serve as his driver-bodyguard for the two-month tour.  The film’s title is based on a guidebook that the duo had to use, The Negro Motorist Green Book, which listed down the motels, restaurants, and other places where black people were allowed in.

Anyone who sees Green Book will quickly notice from the story beats and how certain scenes are constructed that it’s a blatant Oscar-bait film.  However, it ironically doesn’t induce cringing and cynicism.  Strangely, even though it’s the type of film that very evidently looks and feels factory-assembled for the primary purpose of attracting awards, it doesn’t come off as hackneyed, artificial, or pretentious.  On the contrary, it’s an utter delight.  I love this film.

It’s a wonderful story of friendship.  Coming from two different worlds, the two initially clash over their differences.  But as time goes on, they grow to appreciate and respect each other.  Meanwhile, due to what they learn from one another, their respective outlooks as individuals gradually change over the trip.  Tony is crude and uncultured, and a tad racially prejudiced, but through being with Dr. Shirley, he’s been able to expand his horizons.  On the other hand, the proud, scholarly, and sophisticated Dr. Shirley becomes more down-to-earth.  Furthermore, their banters are extremely enjoyable, and their heartfelt conversations really go to beautiful, thoughtful places.

Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are magnetic in their performances here, and their chemistry with one another is splendid.  Either one is deserving of the Best Actor award.

Heck, considering it’s an Oscar-bait film, I wouldn’t mind if it actually succeeds in getting all the awards it had shamelessly set off to pursue for itself.  Actually, I might even gladly cheer for it.

All in all, Green Book is, by every definition, a crowd-pleaser.  It has the laughs, the feels, and the fun.  One of 2018’s best.