Based on the true story of a truly odd couple on a life changing road
trip, The Green Book, directed by
Peter Farrelly (known for blockbuster comedies), is a moving, character study amid
the civil rights era in America and features outstanding acting by its leads.
In New York City, 1962, a doorman/bouncer, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) answers an ad to escort Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) to his piano concerts for two months through the Deep South. The two disparate men, (a wealthy, culturally refined, black pianist and a streetwise, white driver trying to support his family,) head south, using The Green Book, a survival guide for blacks which lists hotels and restaurants as safe places. As they face harrowing and often racist obstacles, these two come to depend on each other for different reasons as they develop compassion and mutual respect on their fateful journey.
The
film is serious in tone but has funny exchanges of dialogue and amusing moments
(when Dr. Shirley helps Tony write romantic letters to his wife while Tony
shows the doctor the pleasures of pop music and fast food).
There
will be comparisons to Driving Miss Daisy
and even Planes, Trains and Automobiles, but this story is borne of a real life
friendship, and the film does show that, despite racial intolerance and even
differences in social class, people have much in common (although it would not
have hurt to learn more about their respective backgrounds.) Yes, the Christmas
Eve finale is expectedly sentimental, but so what? It packs a well earned, emotional punch, a true holiday film that works
because of these two gifted actors who should be gunning for Oscar gold.
****
of **** stars 
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