Student Film Reviews

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1. Cesar Becerra 01.28.19 / 8pm

   Great review, I just got done watching the film and your comment about an incrementally changing heart in an otherwise dark time is spot on! The success of the film undoubtedly stems, at least in part, from the chemistry between Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali. Their relationship gives the audience an opportunity to experience a sense of hope and brings levity to a film that pushes the audience to grapple with the violent and discriminatory realities of the Black experience during the Jim Crow era. Both actors delivered a great performance, but I think Mahershala Ali really nuanced the role of Don Shirley. I could sense his inner conflicts, and his performance conveyed the isolation that came along with constantly rejecting the stereotypes imposed on him. Ultimately, Don cannot escape his identity as he travels through the South, and Mahershala Ali does a great job of displaying the character’s consequent growth.
2. Shayne Cloonan 02.01.19 / 8pm

   Beautifully said.
   I watched the film for the first time just last week and felt a similar way. It was fascinating to witness Tony Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) develop so drastically from the beginning of the film to the end. He went from throwing away dishes used by black men to whole-heartedly defending one in the face of harm. Even with Vallelonga’s protection of Dr. Shirley (Mahershala Ali), towards the end of the film, it was really Vallelonga actively being saved from his own obvious ignorance.
   I feel that Dr.Shirley is more relatable when regarding emotional distress. His personal struggles are more prominent than that of his new friend, but with this, there is an unspoken understanding between the two characters.
   I agree with Chase that the film “touches on all themes” and can be highly refreshing to the creative palate of the viewer.
3. Logan Ruybalid 03.11.19 / 2pm

   I thoroughly enjoyed this review and thought it did the film great justice. Green Book was an amazing film and touched on a topic almost everyone can sympathize with. The dynamic between the two characters, Tony and Dr. Shurley, was executed beautifully and created a sense of warmth for the audience and made the story extremely interesting as their friendship developed and progressed. Each of their performances complemented each other perfectly and had it been cast any different way I don’t believe the film would have been nearly as good.
4. Tiantian Zhao 06.06.20 / 8pm

   Good review. In just a two-month journey, the two have changed dramatically. Recognizing the outstanding talent and good education of black doctors, the protagonist adopted a completely different attitude towards black people and became a friend of black people.The black elite has also changed his high attitude, showing a cold attitude towards others, and is more friendly towards life and friends.This film as a whole is a linear structure that occurs over time. Characters and plot are basically formed by dialogue and expression. The demand for actors in such a play is relatively high. The performance of the two actors is very exciting, the dialogue is natural, there is no unexpected plot throughout, and it is a good movie worth watching.
5. Alyssa Pama 07.16.20 / 8pm

   I believe the description of how this film, The Green Book, leaves the audience’s emotions is spot on. I agree that both of the characters fit both of their roles perfectly and had great on screen chemistry. Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen helped the director bring his vision to life and proved the importance of casting actors. I especially admired how the director decided to portray this story and bring attention to different racial perspectives. I believe the director was able to successfully incorporate many themes through the film’s form and actors.
6. Hayley Martin 07.17.20 / 1pm

   I watched the film Green Book as part of my english class my Junior year and I completely agree that the films message is in fact deeper than “mere appraisal or vanity”. Along to that, I completely agree with the idea on how this film is gut wrenching and leaves so many emotions on the audience. I admired how you stated that the film itself relied of pure simplicity, as many people would not be bold enough to leave a statement on how the message is so clearly presented yet deeper searching of the message reveals so much more than the naked eye could ever see. Overall, I really enjoyed reading your review on the film as your perspective opened my eyes to many things I had missed watching the film the first time.
7. Cian Connor 10.13.20 / 1pm

   I enjoyed reading your review on this film, and totally agree that it is both “gut wrenching” and “incredibly heart warming”. The film was a fantastic depiction of the relationship that two people who seem to be totally different can have. The development of the characters throughout the film, and the development of thier relationship was incredible to watch. I like how the film takes both a broad and direct view of the relationship between people of different races during this time, and how different you perspective can change once you get to know someone. Your take on it being an honest exploration of society and the human condition captured it perfectly. Great review.

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