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Green Book—A Movie Review

Pack your bags, load up the snacks and make sure you’re comfortable. We’re taking a long car trip.

By Marielle SabbagPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Pack your bags, load up the snacks and make sure you’re comfortable. We’re taking a long car trip. I wonder if we’ll encounter Tony Lip and Dr. Don Shirley while on our adventure.

Green Book was a moving and very impactful film under the direction of Peter Farrelly. It was a true story about a white man, Tony Lip, asked to be the driver to an African American musician named Dr. Don Shirley. Little do these two men know that they are about to embark on an eventful journey through the deep south along with an unexpected friendship.

I have been waiting for some time to see Green Book. Hearing all sorts of good reviews and witnessing it win for Best Picture was worth that wait. Movies about road travel have always been my favorite. The best conversations transpire. Green Book is a heavy dialogue film. That’s what instantly grabs my attention. Dialogue is so important.

The acting was so incredibly genuine. Nobody else could have played the title characters unlike Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. Mortenson definitely had to gain a BIG appetite for his role. And he has his nickname ‘Lip’ for a reason.

Moviegoers should recognize Mahershala Ali from the academy award-winning, Moonlight. Ali does such a splendid job expressing himself only through facial expressions. His best scene has to be when he is fed up with the way he is treated and explodes in a tirade to Mortenson. The essence of his speech weighs in how tough the world is for African Americans.

Taking place in the 60s race was a burning topic of discussion. Nobody can erase history. Green Book is very important to history as it shares with viewers the brutality of segregation. Even how it affects the mind, whether you’re black or white. My favorite scene had to be when Tony and Don were discussing the way to act. Do you have to follow how your own race acts? That was so powerful. Every conversation in Green Book is powerful.

Farrelly is known for his direction on comedies. The comedy in this film is a perfect mixture with drama. One minute you’re laughing, and then the next you’re gasping, or you’re angry until it finally leads to crying. That is the best audience response. The film even did a wonderful job when it didn’t have to explain. Audiences were only shown pieces of information. It’s up to you how you want to respond.

Other than enriching cinematography, a powerful story, and incredible acting there are plate loads of food. Honestly, I felt full after watching Green Book. You have to see this film. Adventure is one of the most important elements about life. It’s mandatory to take a trip to a state or a country you’ve never been to. You’ll be surprised about what you learn. And you may even develop a new taste for food.

The men’s friendship grew all while sitting in a car together. Tony learns to trust Don Shirley. Tony is not the most gentleman of all men. Seriously. But, he does receive an eye-opening lesson. One powerful line that really spoke to me is how courage changes people. I have a saying that only you can change yourself. Others may have a hand in the resolution, but only you can change.

Experience the world. We cannot forget about the brutalities of segregation. It’s not the best topic, but everyone needs to discuss it. Even in today’s world. It helps to experience the contrast of all the beings in the world. We cannot live in hate.

Green Book definitely deserved the Oscar for Best Picture. It heavily impacts our relationships with those we have. Tony Lip and Dr. Don Shirley will forever be a powerful friendship and carry through the history of change.

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About the Creator

Marielle Sabbag

Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.

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