The Green Book: Guide to Freedom (2019 TV Movie) User Reviews

Interesting and informative

[drjgardner · 9/10 · 28 February 2019]

If you've seen the "Green Book" then you have got to see this documentary, but even if you missed the film, this hour documentary will be of some interest. It tells the story of the emergence of the black middle class and their journeys in cars outside their own towns/cities. In the 1940s and 1950s this was a perilous journey, so a black man named Green started a book that let black people know where they could eat, drink, shop, and (most important) stay over night. Over time the book changed just as society changed, and thankfully there came a time when the book was no longer necessary. But in the interim, this documentary takes you to some of the places where history was made and gives you some detailed biographies about people who were brave enough to fight against the prevailing sentiments and make the world better for everyone.

Beautiful

[maeveeoshea · 10/10 · 26 February 2019]

I went to see this at the cinema just a week before the Oscars and was truly moved by this heart warming story of change and hardship. After idolizing Viggo Mortensen's character, Aragorn, in The Lord of the Rings trilogy as a child, I was hopeful to see him in something new and fresh. His performance was mesmerizing and extremely convincing as a an Italian-American. It was my first time watching Mahershala Ali in anything and I was so appreciative of his representation of such a brave and wonderful man, Don Shirley. Personally, I really liked the fact that his sexuality was addressed but did not dominate the story as the plot was mainly about the reality of what life for an African American in 1962 was like. Although the film tore open the wound that is racism, and exposed the damage it did at this time, it also documented the evolution and change of Viggo's character, Tony. He makes many racist remarks and at the very beginning of the film, throws away glasses that some African-American men had drank out of. But by the end of this extraordinary story, Tony's views change for the better. The Costume Design was simply flawless and Betsy Heimann did a wonderful job. Along with that, Tim Galvin's production design was breathtaking. I conclude that this film is a beautiful work of art and storytelling for the screen and I think it's a must watch, not only for its excellence visually and dramatically, but also for its educational properties.

Amazing movie. Didn't expect to love it this much

[scarredangel2469 · 10/10 · 13 May 2019]

I was absolutely in love with this movie. I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. This movie had heart, soul, and comedy.