Green Book [DVD]

The Green Book records a sad chapter in America, racism in the 1960s. The film title comes from a real book that was used especially by Black citizens to determine which cities in the Deep South were safe for African-Americans to be out in public after sundown. It also listed hotels and restaurants that served Black Americans. The story or plot line of the movie is based on real events. Dr. Don Shirley, a pianist of genius formed a jazz trio and went on tour into the South in the early 1960s. He traveled alone in his Cadillac with his only company being his white Italian-American chauffeur, Tony Lap. The tour takes place in the eight weeks prior to Christmas Eve. People often compare the film (or rather contrast it) with Driving Miss Daisy. But, that is a mistake. Viewed from that comparison the movie is considered by some film critics and movie makers such as Spike Lee as being racist. The Green Book did win the Oscar for Best Picture and Mahshala Ali won a much-deserved Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley. Viggo Mortensen was nominated for Best Actor, but did not win. My first viewing was like reading a mystery novel. I wanted to focus on Ali and his story. I came away from that screening with the feeling that the movie could indeed be considered racist. It is the product of wealthy and powerful white writers, director, and producers. It is, after all, the story of a Black musical genius during a dangerous tour through Jim Crow America. However, on second and third viewings, I began to realize that movie is about the total transformation of the Italian-American Bronx tough guy, Tony Lap, from a racist New Yorker into a very decent man. The movie is really more about the chauffeur than his famous passenger. The performances are outstanding and the musical score is magnificent. I still think it would be interesting to see a second movie of from the same material, but a version written, produced, and directed (e.g., Spike Lee) by Black artists. Given the expense of film creation, that scenario is highly unlikely. Enjoy Driving Miss Daisy with Jessica Tandy and Morgan friends, just do not confused it with the real-life story of one of America's greatest mid-20th century musical artists. Advice. The Green Book is a movie that must be seen at least twice. Incidentally, a pleasant surprise is the genuine humor in the film such as the subject of whether or not Tony carries a gun. There is also the tender side story of the letters that Tony writes to his wife in his absence at a family time of the year. This movie would make a great discussion point for movie versions of book clubs. Ideally, such a screening should be shown to an audience of both whites and Blacks. It should definitely been seen and discussed. The real Green Book was a horrible book that confirmed and perhaps even glorified racism, but the movie is all about social redemption and it is beautifully filmed.

Great movie, great true story. Well acted. Enjoyed as the story develops and the friendship grows. Several poignant scenes

Loved the movie! Hating the GD cussing. The usual for Hollywood today tho ...

I have watched this film more than a dozen times. A rare quality of perfection. Amazing acting and best of all based on real people. I watch it mostly for the great soundtrack and the amazing story. Who would have known there was a child prodigy invited to play the piano at 18 with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops back in the day. A true gem. Hard to find films made like this in this day and age. A 10-star film everyone needs to see.

Excellent movie! They could've done less with the foul language, but that's Hollywood for ya. I would not recommend watching with little ones around. Like I said, in the beginning it has some pretty bad language (in my opinion), but there are a couple of scenes that are pretty sensitive and would need some parental explanations. Overall, it's a keeper! I have watched it several times. I think Viggo Mortensen should have won the BEST Supporting Actor Oscar. All of the cast are great!

One of my top five all time hits. Mahershala Ali won the Academy award for his portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley a black classical pianist and Viggo Mortensen was nominated and should have won for his portrayal of Tony the Lip. Mortensen has lost his job as a bouncer at the famed Copacabana. He has a family to support and applies for the position of driving Ali around the south to perform. The green book is for blacks and details motels, hotels and restaurants that cater to blacks travelling down south, for this is Jim Crow times. Lovely scene when Tony finds out that Shirley lives in Carnegie Hall and sees the very exquisite rooms that Shirley lives in. They are confronted with the racism of the times, Ali can perform on stage but not eat in the restaurants or use the washrooms at the places he performs in. Viggo is assisted by Ali when he is asked to write home, the letters get better with Ali's assistance. The last concert is at a restaurant and Ali gets a small closet to dress in, when he is told he can't eat at the restaurant but they will bring food to his dressing room the 2 leave and enter a black establishment with music, Ali performs in an astounding performance and after when they leave, Tony shoots his gun to scare off a robber. There are many great scenes, in one hotel, Tony meets some friends who tell him they will pay him extra to work for them, they speak in Italian and put down Shirley, Tony is surprised that Shirley also speaks and understands what they said, he offers him more money but Tony turns it down. another great scene is when Shirley goes to a white bar for a drink is confronted by some racists. The trip home to reach New York is very difficult with snow conditions, but Shirley drives Tony home just before Christmas, Shirley comes back to Tony's home for Christmas celebration. This is remarkable for it is based on fact, the 2 remained friends for many years. I purchased a couple of Don Shirleys music cds. This film is one of the best of the decade. Virtuoso performances by the cast.

This is a nice, but unexpected story. A tough guy becomes friends with gay, alcoholic musician. I liked it.

Others have discussed the plot, so I will confine my review to impressions and what I came away with after watching the movie. First: this is a study of contrasting characters. The beginning of the movie portrays two main characters who, on the surface, are polar opposites. As the movie unfolds you begin to see how alike both are in certain ways. To be sure, they are still worlds apart, but one striking similarity that I observed is Dr. Shirley exhibited both high intelligence and education. He imparts some of his knowledge to Tony who proves to be intelligent enough to grow (to a point) intellectually. Both also have strong personal codes and integrity. Dr. Shirley comes across as refined; Tony comes across as profane, unpolished and streetwise - but unyielding in his commitment to keeping his word and other matters of honor. True, they are still worlds apart, but the core similarities are there if you observe closely enough. Second: there are a number of themes, some subtle, some not so much. Both men came to not only respect each other by the end of the movie, but also lifelong friends. Tony was literally educated by Dr. Shirley, and came away with a different way of seeing the world (although there were moments of interaction between the two that portrayed Tony as having a wider and deeper view of things than his crude character would otherwise indicate.) Dr. Shirley was affected by Tony's views and actions, but from what I gleaned from the film, not nearly as dramatically. Tony actually grew as a human being, as well as intellectually; Dr. Shirley changed in outlook, but maintained his core strengths and impeccable manners and standards. Third: I loved the cinematography. I was fourteen when the events in the movie happened and the colors and feel were not only authentic; I felt as though I was transported back in time. To be honest, I was ignorant of the layers of racism that permeated American society during that time. In that respect I could empathize with Tony's oblivious notions and beliefs expressed during the film. Perhaps "empathize" is the wrong word - I understood Tony's frame of reference because I was equally oblivious back then. Both the writing and the acting were some of the best I've seen in recent movies. It is a deep and nuanced character study, drawn from real life events and people, and things move at real life speed. Slow. Deep. If you love action, romance, humor - you probably will NOT like this movie. On the other hand, if you like excellent story telling with layers of nuance, with the added bonus of being based on actual events, you will probably love this film.

Leider ist eine Englische Version geliefert worden, die der DVD Player mit falschem Länder Code als Fehler angibt. Lieferung nach Zeit und Preis waren OK. Leider das Mißgeschick der falschen DVD mit fehlender Sprache in Deutsch.

I have seen this movie four times and the story is so good especially since it is based upon a true story. The bond between the two men is so good .

En España no se puede ver, no coge.... Pero la vi en el cine y la peli es preciosa.

Fantastic 60's vibe, sets and costumes. Very nice, colorful transfer. The "on the road" outdoor scenes were exceptionally crisp along with the shine and chrome of the cars. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack was very adequate, especially good during the musical sequences. I haven't watched the accompanying Blu Ray, so can't comment on it.

A compra foi muito fácil e a entrega, super rápida. Recomendo.