Green Book

Pros: The movie was engaging. There were no moments where we were wondering when this seen will end. The actors embodied the characters very well and delivered their lines in a superb manner. Good story line. The movie is not a documentary about the life of Dr. Don Shirley. It is documenting an Italian driver/body guard’s experience, who was hired by the record company to accompanying an African American musician through the Deep South during the sixties and insure the success of this journey. It simplifies racism for an audience that otherwise may not have wanted to see the movie. There are many tragically comedic moments and some moments showing the dichotomy of a situation. While the story does not have an academic level of documentation, at the very least it motivates an intellectual curiosity to want to learn more about Dr. Shirley. The movie has very well written dialogue, such as “the world is full of lonely people who are waiting for the other person to make a move”, another one “genius is not enough, it takes courage..” (I maybe paraphrasing). I particularly appreciated the lack of heavy musical background which made it possible to concentrate on the essence of the movie. Cons: Not at all appropriate for young audience (even if they are older than 13) or family viewing. Swear words were used. It felt like if the director was taking a cheap and easy stab by relying heavily on negative Italian stereotype. The driver character played by non-Italian was made to look stupid and illiterate. But never the less had the ability to navigate successfully through difficult situations. Dr. Shirley was portrayed as a homosexual. Not sure if this is an authentic depiction, however this diversion in the story was sudden and unexpected, it did not seem real. Especially when Dr. Shirley in the movie stated his marriage failed because he could not be a piano player and a husband at the same time. If it is true that he was homosexual, the dialogue at this point should have had some additional discussion of his orientation. Although there was no nudity, I think the movie would have been better if it did not include this unrealistic seen. The end was predictable but I cannot say that I did not enjoy the “feel good” ending.

The DVD played fine without any skips. However, there were two or three places in the DVD where there were light inconsistencies regarding reflections on the windshield and light shining around the characters heads which I do not remember when watching it when it aired on cable. Why was this a copy made in Mexico? I thought that the DVD was US made.

I enjoyed this movie because it is filled with real life experiences! While the story is simple, it paints a beautiful portrait of two men, polar opposites, who bond and become lifelong friends exhibiting respect for each other, despite their obvious flaws! This film offers viewers a glimpse of what interpersonal relationships can result, if we just listed to someone else! Bravo to all involved in creating this screen gem!

Very good content the end was good as the beginning

I usually do not care to watch a movie more than once so I dont have a reason to purchase many DVDs. I have, maybe, a dozen favorites in my collection that I gladly will watch again and again. This one made the list! Funny thing, I almost didnt rent it - it was on my maybe watch list for so long it no long was available from my movie service. Then a friend rented it and highly recommended it. I watched it and knew it was something I could easily watch again - and have it on hand when guests come over and want to watch a good movie. Excellent story - excellent acting - powerful message.

This movie was well acted and well written. The content was thought-provoking and timely. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone/everyone.

I had no idea what the green book was before watching this heartwarming, sad, lovely movie. The story of these two gentlemen from very different worlds and how they shared this tough moment in time together, which ultimately brought them together as true friends, was wonderful. I cant recommend it enough. Simply a beautiful story.

I absolutely loved this movie and i rarely ever watch movies, i sat down and took the time after seeing some reviews on it and Im absolutely astonished at how wonderful this movie is, its full of all sorts of exciting scenes and everytime they moved on to a different show I expected something different in each one, it showcased how each of them had bad habits and opposite lifestyles and they both changed each other for the better, this is a great movie!

I was aware of the Green Book, however the movie puts in real life perspective of how horrible the experience was for those restricted to certain motels and restaurants. Dr. Shirley, who was highly educated, did not receive the professionalism he deserved. I HIGHLY recommend this movie.

Great movie I’ve never heard of. Would recommend it to others.