Rating: 8.5/10
Directed by: Peter Farrelly
Starring: Viggo Mortsensen, Mahershala Ali and Linda Cardellini.
Synopsis:
Dr. Don Shirley is a world-class African-American pianist, who is about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and protection, Shirley recruits Tony Lip, a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighbourhood in the Bronx. Despite their differences, the two men soon develop an unexpected bond while confronting racism and danger in an era of segregation.
Personal Review:
Simple, Heart-Warming and Educational. This wonderful film not only teaches us about the internalized racism of the Italian Americans but a small snippet as to what black people used to endure in racist America no matter what your profession or social status may be.
I personally would of preferred the focal point to be more on Ali’s character Dr. Don Shirley and his struggles being a black musician whilst playing for the white and wealthy. You can understand why Mahershala won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the late Dr. as he completely immersed himself into a different and more challenging role compared to what I’ve usually seen him in i.e Moonlight (which he too won Best Supporting Actor for that makes him two in two).
You see the struggle of how black people (no matter their profession) had to pander to white people and their ludicrous ideologies and demands as they held and still hold the highest “rank” socially, economically etc. The film in its entirety was a smash-hit not only for its directing and acting but for the message and truth it holds that it still relevant in today’s world. Cudos to Viggo and Ali under the guidance of Peter you truly blew my mind with this film.
