Heartwarming, heartbreaking. One of my celluloid highlights of the year

Rating: 10/10 (22 September 2019)

Green Book
'Green Book' is a truly captivating story of a blossoming friendship between two men from very different worlds that over the course of the movie realise they have more in common than they initially believed.
Dr Don Shirley played by the brilliant Mahershala Ali is a world-class African-American pianist, who is about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. Shirley recruits Tony Lip, a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighbourhood in the Bronx.
In need of a driver to help him get from gig to gig so Shirley can fulfil his contract he realises he needs someone to protect and guide him through the racial prejudices he meets along the way.
Viggo Mortensen plays Tony Vallelonga or known as 'Tony Lip' to his friends.
Mortensen gives a spellbinding performance here which is often hilarious.
This movie isn't a full blown comedy but Tony's approach to life is often comical.
His sometimes crass and blunt outlook clashes with the soft spoken subtly of Dr Shirley's persona.
Ali is equally good and
the chemistry between the two lead actors is what really drives this road trip movie.
Each other's character rubs off on one another creating a strong bond as the film progresses.
'Green Book' completely surprised me and by a third way into this film I was giving it 10/10.
This is perhaps one of Hollywood's greatest onscreen friendships and by the time credits are about to roll I didn't want to say goodbye to these two engaging characters and their exploits.
Often heartwarming but equally heartbreaking as Shirley struggles to fit in.
Set in a time of extreme racial prejudice. Dr Shirley didn't fit in with his own people and wasn't truly excepted by the rich white people that paid to hear him play.
A scene in a restaurant was upsetting and disappointing.
It saddens the audience to think that not so long back we had very primitive and racist views.
To such an extent where people of different colour could not dine in the same room.
The Green Book featured in the movie is actually a small publication that informed of establishments where people of colour could stay whilst in the Deep South.
'The Green Book' boasts a wonderful soundtrack and is masterfully directed by Peter Farrelly.
There's strong support too
making this movie one of the celluloid highlights of my year.
I urge you to watch this film.
Even if like me this isn't your go to genre.
I was mesmerised by this fantastic film, enjoying every second of it.
One that I can't praise highly enough.