One of the Best Films of 2018

Rating: 10/10 (3 March 2019)

Green Book is directed by Peter Farrelly and tells the true story of Tony Vallelonga, played by Viggo Mortensen, an Italian-American bouncer who becomes a driver and bodyguard for Don Shirley, played by Mahershala Ali, which was set in 1962.
Viggo Mortensen played a lot of roles in the past and has become one of the most well known actors in the film industry. At this point of his career, it's a pleasure to see him in a role that his character was written. Tony Vallelonga was part charismatic, part vulgar, and part funny. His character becomes very well rounded as his relationship with Don Shirley grows deeper as the film progresses, while giving his best performance yet.
As for Mahershala Ali, who has been great in Moonlight, has shown to be greater in this film. He plays Don Shirley, a renowned pianist who is very conflicted and incomplete. He encounters different forms of discrimination against him and his fellow race during their whole trip with Tony. He tries to belong to be accepted by the "civilized" society he struggles to interact with. A society where he is only respected when on stage and becoming demoralized as he steps off, leaving him sympathetic and compelling to the audience, along with Ali's very powerful performance.
The chemistry between the two characters are no doubt the heart of the film, almost becoming a buddy film in a good way. The screenplay throughout balances the humor and the heavy moments perfectly, making scene between scene flow better with no dragging nor pacing issues. It's mainstream approach also makes it more accessible to the public, paired with amusing dialogue between each characters from Tony to Shirley, to his wife, and others. They also incorporate very well written characters as audiences will know about their inner struggles, especially with Shirley.
The underlying themes may be obvious, but to the extent of having heavy subject matter and making it digestable for all audiences with the use of humor, some light and some dark. The events accurately depicts the intention of the message of the film and still be relevant to today's times, considering it's set in the 1960's.
This film has great performances, great writing, and great chemistry between the two main characters. It is one of those films where you forget you're watching one and it becomes an experience. It's Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay win at the 91st Academy Awards is well deserved by everyone who worked on this masterpiece. This is a movie everyone should see in regards to the reality of our world today.
-Yman Dayawon