Green Book Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sophisticated pianist and a lovable bigot bond over fried chicken and racism in the Deep South, somehow solving America’s problems along the way.

🍿 Green Book: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Tony Lip and Don Shirley

The movie opens in 1962 New York City, introducing Tony Lip, an Italian-American bouncer looking for work after his nightclub closes for renovations. Simultaneously, we meet Dr. Don Shirley, a refined African-American pianist preparing for a concert tour through the Deep South. These contrasting characters are set on a collision course due to their professional needs.

The Job Offer and Initial Clashes

Don Shirley hires Tony Lip to be his driver and protector during the tour. Despite Tony’s initial prejudices and Don’s sophisticated demeanor, they embark on their journey armed with ‘The Negro Motorist Green Book,’ a guide for safe travel for African Americans in the segregated South. The early part of their journey is marked by constant clashes in personality and lifestyle, highlighting their differences.

Facing Racism and Growing Respect

As they venture deeper into the South, they encounter blatant racism and discrimination. Tony witnesses firsthand the injustices Don faces, fostering a growing respect for the pianist. Tony’s protective instincts kick in, and he begins to challenge the prejudiced treatment Don receives. This shared experience gradually bridges the gap between them.

Arrest and a Turning Point

A pivotal moment occurs when they are arrested in a ‘sundown town.’ Don uses his connections to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy to secure their release, but the experience deeply humiliates him. This event sparks a raw and honest conversation where Don expresses his feelings of isolation and not belonging, revealing his vulnerability and deepening the connection with Tony.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen): A tough, working-class Italian-American bouncer who becomes Dr. Shirley’s driver and protector during a tour through the segregated South.
• Dr. Donald Shirley (Mahershala Ali): An erudite and talented African-American classical pianist who hires Tony Lip as his driver for a concert tour through the Deep South.
• Dolores (Linda Cardellini): Tony Lip’s loving and supportive wife, who appreciates his heartfelt letters from the road.
• Oleg (Dimiter D. Marinov): The Russian cellist in Don Shirley’s trio, accompanying him on his tour.
• George (Mike Hatton): The bassist in Don Shirley’s trio, traveling with him and Tony through the South.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tony Lip: “The world’s full of lonely people afraid to make the first move.” – Tony says this when explaining his easygoing nature, reflecting his belief that many people are simply too afraid to reach out to others.
• Dr. Donald Shirley: “So if I’m not black enough, and if I’m not white enough, then tell me, Tony, what am I?” – Don expresses his frustration at not fitting neatly into racial categories, highlighting his isolation.
• Dr. Donald Shirley: “You never win with violence, Tony. You only win when you maintain your dignity.” – Dr. Shirley says this after Tony gets into a fight, emphasizing his belief in the power of restraint and moral high ground.
• Tony Lip: “Genius is not enough. It takes courage to change people’s hearts.” – Tony said this to Don when speaking of his life choices and what the pianist has to face.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $23,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $85,080,171
• Worldwide Gross: $321,752,656

💥 Green Book Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved “Green Book.” It’s one of those movies that stays with you long after you’ve left the theater. The performances were incredible – Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali had such amazing chemistry. The scene where Tony writes the letters for Dr. Shirley was hilarious and touching. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me think. I especially loved the ending where Dr. Shirley shows up at Tony’s house on Christmas Eve. It was the perfect way to end the movie and left me feeling so warm and fuzzy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of road trip movies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about race relations and social issues”
  • “Those who appreciate strong character-driven narratives”
  • “People who enjoy films with a blend of humor and drama”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racist language and depictions of racial discrimination”
  • “Some scenes of violence and brief strong language”
  • “Brief reference to a gay encounter, handled discreetly”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Green Book wins you over with its charm and terrific performances. Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are a joy to watch, and their chemistry elevates a familiar story into something special. The movie tackles important issues with grace and humor, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• Rolling Stone: “While the film sometimes simplifies complex issues, it never fails to entertain. Mortensen’s committed performance captures the nuances of his character’s transformation, and Ali brings depth and dignity to his role. Green Book is a heartwarming story about overcoming prejudice and finding common ground.
• New York Times: “Green Book offers an engaging narrative with moments of both humor and pathos. It explores racial dynamics with a light touch, focusing on the developing friendship between its two central characters. The film’s strength lies in its performances and ability to resonate with audiences.

Audience Reactions

The film’s heartwarming story and fantastic performances touched the audience.: Viewers appreciated the film’s ability to address serious issues with humor and without being preachy.

The chemistry between Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali was a standout for many viewers.: Audiences highlighted the actors’ ability to bring authenticity and depth to their respective roles, making their friendship believable and engaging.

Overall Consensus: Green Book is a critically acclaimed film celebrated for its heartwarming story, stellar performances, and ability to address sensitive topics with humor and grace. While some critics find it simplistic, most audiences found it to be an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 2019
2. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali))- 2019
3. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 2019
4. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 2019
5. BAFTA Award (Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali))- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The pizza scene, where Tony Lip folds and eats an entire slice, was based on a real-life habit of the actual Tony Lip. Viggo Mortensen insisted on including it after hearing the anecdote.”
• “To prepare for his role, Viggo Mortensen gained approximately 40 pounds to portray Tony Lip’s physical appearance accurately.”
• “The filmmakers used the real ‘Negro Motorist Green Book’ as a reference to ensure authenticity in depicting the challenges faced by African American travelers during that era.”

🖥️ How to Watch Green Book?

Green Book is widely available for streaming. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it’s often available for rent or purchase. It can also be found on Apple TV for purchase. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services. Physical copies (Blu-ray/DVD) are also available for purchase at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Green Book, you might like these similar films:

• Driving Miss Daisy (1989): Both films explore themes of racial prejudice and unlikely friendships forming between individuals from different backgrounds in the segregated South.
• The Intouchables (2011): Features an unlikely friendship between two men from very different socioeconomic backgrounds. Similar focus on breaking down social barriers.
• In the Heat of the Night (1967): Deals with racial tensions in the South through the lens of a crime investigation, offering a more intense and suspenseful take on similar themes.
• Hidden Figures (2016): Highlights the struggles and triumphs of African American women working at NASA during the Space Race, showcasing their contributions in a white-dominated field and fighting against segregation.
• 42 (2013): The biographical sports drama 42 tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American Major League Baseball player of the modern era.

🛒 Green Book Related Products

• The Negro Motorist Green Book: 1962 Facsimile Edition: A reproduction of the actual guide used during the era, providing historical context and a glimpse into the challenges faced by African American travelers.
• Green Book (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Features Kris Bowers’s original score, along with classic tracks that capture the spirit of the film.
• Viggo Mortensen Signed ‘Green Book’ Movie Poster: A limited-edition poster autographed by Viggo Mortensen himself, perfect for collectors and die-hard fans.
• 1962 Cadillac DeVille Model Car: A scale model replica of the car used in the movie, allowing you to own a piece of the film’s iconic imagery.

🎧 Soundtrack

Green Book features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “That Old Black Magic” – performed by Louis Prima
• “Misty” – performed by Johnny Mathis
• “Route 66” – performed by Nat King Cole
• “Bacon and Eggs” – performed by The Hollywood Argyles

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Don Shirley Audio Clips Destroy Green Book Controversy

Ever wonder if the iconic friendship in ‘Green Book’ really existed? This video settles the debate with fascinating audio clips of Don Shirley himself.

Mahershala Ali wins Best Supporting Actor | 91st Oscars (2019)

Witness the heartwarming moment as Mahershala Ali’s exceptional performance in ‘Green Book’ is celebrated with the Academy Award.

Viggo Mortensen on Oscar Nomination & Green Book

Get up close and personal with Viggo Mortensen as he shares his journey in ‘Green Book’, including his thoughts on the film’s Oscar nomination.

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