Recently I decided to see the Oscar award-winning film Green Book. Green Book is a road based film were famous African-American piano player, Don Shirley, decides to take his talents out of New York, and embark on a concert tour through the deep south. Let me remind you that this isn't the deep south in 2019, but in 1962. You can instantly see the problem here, and so did Shirley, so he decided to hire the recently jobless bouncer Tony Lip. As the story sets sail you can constantly see the racial tension surrounding Shirley and Tony. Tony, while not being unabashedly racist, but still harbors prejudice ideas. Although, Tony previously showed a dislike to Black people, his inability to keep his mouth shut help Tony and Shirley to create an early bond that we will see evolve through the movie.
So once that bond is formed we begin to see the creation of many subplots that we will see throughout the movie's subplots, that although may seem ridiculous, have a massive impact on the film. For example, Shirley being so famous and high class, he refuses to eat the fried chicken Tony buys when they enter Kentucky. This leads to the Shirley actually enjoying something without a knife or fork and the audience starts to see Shirley slowly open up to things that he never has before. Ultimately ending in a great bond that viewers can see lasting a lifetime.
Green Book doesn’t take on racism with a confrontational approach the way recent films such as BlacKkKlansman have. Instead of challenging white viewers it more aims to appease them, making Green Book a very “feel good” film. Don’s success allows him to live comfortably in New York, but when the tour obligations have him leaving his familiar surroundings, he is forced to confront the loneliness he deals with. These challenging circumstances allow his friendship with Tony to develop and for the film to emphasize the necessity of empathy and connection. This leads to many truly touching moments between Don and Tony that feel nothing but genuine.
Of course, there is the question every viewer was wondering but didn't get the answer to until the end of the film. That question being, why did Don embark on this tour through the south if he is already rich and famous? That question was answered in one line, “It takes courage to change people’s hearts.” Don embarks on his tour believing that his exceptional talent and commitment to his craft will offer those he encounters an opportunity to see African Americans in a different light. Green Book may not be revolutionary, and it does often play it safe when it could have dug deeper when it comes to the film's themes, but this is a movie that champions courage and does a remarkable job at it.
I spite of the fact, I could see why this film was not everybody's cup of tea. I can see why people are saying, ”it's just a film to make white people feel good about themselves”, and how the movie plot is just Oscar-bait. Although, there may be many things to criticize and critique this film about. There is no denying that every person who watches this film was moved. The way they tackled the sensitive topic of racism from an angle never done before, while still having a ton of comedic moments. leading to a great overall viewing experience.
Overall, I would give Green Book a GOOD/GOOD rating. The director's approach to racism is cleaver and different, leaving the audience feeling refreshed and satisfied. I would recommend this film to anyone who has the time to watch it.
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