| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Viggo Mortensen | ... | Tony Lip | |
| Mahershala Ali | ... | Dr. Don Shirley | |
| Linda Cardellini | ... | Dolores | |
| Sebastian Maniscalco | ... | Johnny Venere | |
| Dimiter D. Marinov | ... | Oleg | |
| Mike Hatton | ... | George | |
| P.J. Byrne | ... | Record Exec | |
| Joe Cortese | ... | Gio Loscudo | |
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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 with 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 heart to face them together. In doing so, they would nurture a friendship and understanding that would change both their lives. Written by Kenneth Chisholm ([email protected])
A journey of reawakening in a Country like ours - Gore Vidal called it the United States Of Amnesia - the absurdity of the behavior in the Southern communities even the kindest ones have a jarring effect. Viggo Mortensen is sheer perfection as the all American Italian. The opening of his heart and of his mind is a total joy and Mahershala Ali provides another magnetic character to his already rich list of magnetic characters but what makes this film fly so high is the humanity that Mortensen and Ali infuse their characters with. I loved them and Green Book provided me with one of the most satisfying endings of 2018. It leaves you with the hopeful thought that perhaps we're not there yet but that we are on our way. Happy New Year!