Green Book

     Inspired by a true story, this is a immensely likable comedy/drama about a very unusual friendship that develops between an Italian "bouncer" from the Bronx and lauded pianist Don Shirley. The film stars Viggo Mortensen as Tony (Tony Lip) Vallelonga and Mahershala Ali as Dr. Don Shirley.

    When Dr. Shirley hires Tony to be his driver on a tour through the deep south in 1962, two men who couldn't be any different, learn life lessons from each other and end up better for it.

     The film is directed by Peter Farrelly, who also co-wrote the script with Tony's son Nick Vallelonga and Brian Hayes Currie. Mr. Farrelly is best known for his broad comedies but here shows true depth of emotion and a deft touch with subject matter that grows heavier as the film goes on. The relationship between the two men certainly starts out uneasy as Dr. Shirley's reserved and refined nature clashes with the larger than life Tony. But as the film progresses, despite many cliches, something magical happens and it is heartwarming and joyous to watch.

         I can't think of another film this year that has better chemistry between it's two leads.  They are absolute perfection and both must be recognized come Oscar time (as well as the film itself). The film also co-stars Linda Cardellini as Tony's wife Dolores, who, without much screen time, still delivers a heartwarming performance.

       While a period film, it's depiction of class division and race relations are as relevant today as they were in the '60's. And while that's a sad comment on America, the story of the friendship that develops between these two men shows how people can change and offers hope for the future.

       This is easily one of the best films of the year.