Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Viggo Mortensen | ... | Tony Lip | |
Mahershala Ali | ... | Dr. Donald Shirley | |
Linda Cardellini | ... | Dolores | |
Sebastian Maniscalco | ... | Johnny Venere | |
Dimiter D. Marinov | ... | Oleg | |
Mike Hatton | ... | George | |
P.J. Byrne | ... | Record Exec | |
Joe Cortese | ... | Gio Loscudo | |
Maggie Nixon | ... | Copa Coat Check Girl | |
Von Lewis | ... | Bobby Rydell | |
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Jon Sortland | ... | Rydell Band Leader |
Don Stark | ... | Jules Podell | |
Anthony Mangano | ... | Copa Bouncer Danny | |
Paul Sloan | ... | Copa Maître D' Carmine | |
Quinn Duffy | ... | Mikey Cerrone |
In 1962, Tony "Tony Lip" Vallelonga, a tough bouncer, is looking for work when his nightclub is closed for renovations. The most promising offer turns out to be the driver for the African-American classical pianist Don Shirley for a concert tour into the Deep South states. Although hardly enthused at working for a black man, Tony accepts the job and they begin their trek armed with The Negro Motorist Green Book, a travel guide for safe travel through America's racial segregation. Together, the snobbishly erudite pianist and the crudely practical bouncer can barely get along with their clashing attitudes to life and ideals. However, as the disparate pair witness and endure America's appalling injustices on the road, they find a newfound respect for each other's talents and start to face them together. In doing so, they would nurture a friendship and understanding that would change both their lives. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
I saw this at the premier at TIFF and was thrilled to learn the story is about a real friendship. This is not a typical road movie, or buddy film. Given the lead actors, I knew it would be something special, and it is. Entertaining, funny in parts, hard to accept in others - as a white american who wasn't around in the 1960's, the racism was mind boggling and I couldn't help but feel shame. Green Book has so many layers - family, culture, honesty, dignity, genius, respect, acceptance, stereotypes, racism, music, class, friendship, and fried chicken. Whatever your views, race, or age - this film is not 'preachy', but you should appreciate an honest portrayal of a difficult time & place in history. I'll use the term an "unlikely friendship", but knowing the two men were real makes it fantastic. I'm so grateful to have learned about them and their lives. I only wish there had been a Q&A afterward.