And the Best Picture goes to....

Released in 2018, “Green Book” is directed by Peter Farrelly and tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between two men from vastly different backgrounds: Tony Lip, a working-class Italian-American, and Dr. Don Shirley, an African American classical pianist. Set during the 1960s, the film explores themes of racism, friendship, and personal growth against the backdrop of the American South.

The film captures the essence of an era, all while addressing complex social issues. The title refers to “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” a guide that was essential for African Americans to navigate safe travel during segregation.

The story begins when Tony Lip, played by Viggo Mortensen, finds himself out of work and in need of money. When hired to drive and safeguard Dr. Shirley, the film establishes a clash of cultures—Tony is a brash, street-smart Italian, while Shirley, an eloquent musician, is socially refined yet deeply isolated (and perhaps a bit pretentious—after all he does have a throne in his apartment).  Much like the classic “Driving Miss Daisy” this film uses humor and warmth as a device for serious conversations about race relations.  As the two men embark on their road trip, their relationship evolves into a friendship that challenges their preconceptions of one another.

The film boasts powerful performances from Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali, with Linda Cardellini delivering a strong supporting role as Tony’s wife, Delores.  Among its other notable strengths is the engaging script, which, combined with meticulously crafted settings, costumes, and music, effectively captures the essence of the 1960s.

Visually, “Green Book” is beautifully shot, offering a nostalgic quality that immerses viewers in the era. The road trip structure provides a chance to share a series of compelling vignettes illustrating the degrees of racial prejudice encountered along the way, from the infamous “whites only” signs to encounters with people who embody both the best and worst of humanity.

In summary, “Green Book” is a deeply engaging and entertaining film that prompts thoughts of friendship and the importance of using compassion to overcome cultural barriers. Over the course of two hours and ten minutes, Peter Farrelly effectively illustrates how things used to be and, hopefully, how far we have come as a society.