Bittersweet

Rating: 9/10 (20 March 2019)

It was supposed to be sad, yet it made me laugh most of the time. Ineffable story, it touched my sensation sometimes, although I knew it's different from the reality.
The most unforgettable plot is when the pianist saw the black slave farming laboriously under the heat, Dr. Shirley was well dressed and sat inside the car while his white driver needed to check the car motor. That contrast was so strong; The white driver and the black farmers, they all doing the labor work regardless color. Meanwhile, Dr.Shirley and those farmers are all black, but their status are totally different. This part aroused audiences sensation for purpose. Not in favor, but strong contrast indeed, it's a good trick to leave impressions.
The movie also got me down every time when the pianist suffered unequal treatments. A top educated pianist with two honorary doctorates couldn't win him any respect in South. The movie named Green Book, it's a travel guide, only its listed businesses would accept African American customers. Dr.Shirley was refused to many place under the segregation, even a bathroom - to handle a man's basic needs. The host of the house would still turned his request down, the irony is they claimed themselves the most educated and powerful in the area. They appreciated Dr. Shirley's skill, but didn't respect him as an equal person. Dr. Shirley endures all these unequal treatments. He still put out a big smile, act courteous and speak mannerly to his white audiences. This suffer is silent but I seem to hear the heartbreaking from his soul. A silent torture of a man's pride, again and again, but a brave soul always born with endless courage.
Despite this, the rhythm of the movie is not depressing at all, it's bittersweet and heartwarming. The journey is funny with the Foodaholic driver, Tony lip's character image is hilarious. Dr. Shirley and Tony became friend, and their understanding of each other is more than just two cultures or any stereotypes. Their friendship is beautiful and rich in layers. However in real life, the pianist's family claimed Dr. Shirley never be friend with Tony, the movie was edited by Tony's son. Whatsoever, the script provoked thoughts, But when you walk out the theater, you would still memorize it as being short and sweet.