'You never win with violence. You only win when you maintain your dignity.'

Rating: 8/10 (16 March 2019)

Director Peter Farrelly co-wrote with Brian Currie and Nick Vallelonga, brother of the main character, this true story adaptation for film. It succeeds on many levels, not the least of which is a reflection on the racism of the 1960s era as a too close comparison for the current status of prejudice. It is a powerful movie that makes its point simply and strongly, largely due to the very fine performances By Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali.
Briefly, the story takes place in 1962 when Tony "Tony Lip" Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), a tough bouncer at the Copa, is looking for work when his nightclub is closed for renovations. The most promising offer for employment is to be the driver for the African-American classical/jazz pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) for a concert tour into the Deep South states. Although hardly enthused at working for a black man, Tony accepts the job and they begin the concert tour armed with The Motorist Green Book, a travel guide for safe travel through America's racial segregation. They are accompanied in a following car by the other two members of the Don Shirley Trio (Dimiter B. Marinov and Mike Hatton). Together, the snobbishly erudite pianist and the crudely practical bouncer can barely get along with their clashing attitudes to life and ideals. However, as the disparate pair witness and endure America's appalling injustices on the road, they find a newfound respect for each other's talents and start to face them together. In doing so, they would nurture a friendship and understanding that would change both their lives.
One reason the film works so well is the use of bipartite examination of the response of each man to the stat us of the other: Don Shirley gains respect for the importance of family milieu (especially the Italian-American version) as Tony learns by direct observation the African American plight in a world of prejudice. Of note, a post-script after the film reveals that in real life, Tony became the maitre'D of the Copa, and Dr. Shirley continued being successful in music. They remained friends for the rest of their lives.
Both Ali and Mortensen provide outstanding performances and head a cast that is consistently of high caliber. This is a powerful film with a very important message. Recommended.