Green Book

Green Book

Year: 2018

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Farrelly

BiographyDramaHistoryComedyMusic

In 1962, Italian-American bouncer Tony Lip accompanies acclaimed African-American pianist Dr. Don Shirley on a concert tour through the Deep South. Guided by the "Green Book," a directory of establishments that serve Black travelers, the unlikely pair encounters prejudice and discrimination while forging an unexpected bond. Through their shared experiences, they discover common ground and challenge their preconceived notions, finding humor and humanity amidst the racial tensions of the era.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Green Book yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Green Book (2018) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Green Book (2018), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

New York City bouncer Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) finds himself in search of a new job after the nightclub he works at is temporarily closed for renovations. Although he harbors racial prejudices, his wife Dolores (Linda Cardellini) does not share his views. In a fortunate twist, Tony receives an invitation for an interview with Dr. Donald Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a talented African American pianist in need of a driver for an extensive eight-week concert tour through the Deep South. Don decides to hire Tony based on his strong references, and they set off with the intention of returning to New York by Christmas Eve.

During their journey, Don provides Tony with the Green Book, a crucial guide for African American travelers to locate motels, restaurants, and gas stations that cater to their community. Their tour starts in the Midwest, gradually moving southward. Initially, Tony and Don struggle to get along. Tony feels uneasy with Don’s requests for refined behavior, while Don finds Tony’s habits—such as urinating in public and his gambling and cursing—repulsive.

As the tour unfolds, Tony begins to appreciate Don’s extraordinary piano talent and becomes increasingly appalled by the blatant discrimination Don faces, both from their hosts and the general public when he is not performing. After a group of white men threatens Don’s safety in a bar, Tony springs into action and instructs Don to refrain from going anywhere without him for the rest of the tour. Throughout this eye-opening experience, Don assists Tony in composing heartfelt letters to his wife, evoking a deep emotional response from her.

Tony urges Don to reconnect with his estranged brother, yet Don hesitates, feeling the weight of isolation brought on by his professional success. In a troubling encounter at a YMCA pool, Don is found in a compromising situation with a white man, and Tony steps in to bribe the officers and prevent Don’s arrest. The situation escalates when both men are arrested after a late-night stop in a sundown town, leading to a heated confrontation that ends with Tony punching an officer after being insulted. In their cell, Don asks to contact his “lawyer,” managing instead to reach Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who intervenes to secure their release. While Tony is in awe of this encounter, Don feels humiliated, which triggers an intense argument between them.

Don expresses his turmoil, revealing that his wealth alienates him from his own race, while his race confines him from being accepted by whites, leaving him with an overwhelming sense of loneliness.

On the final night of their tour in Birmingham, Alabama, Don faces racial discrimination when he is denied entry into the whites-only dining room of their hotel. In an act of defiance, Tony confronts the owner, while Don resolutely refuses to perform unless he is granted the same dignity as his audience. They opt to play at a predominantly Black blues club, where Don’s music electrifies the crowd.

As they make their way back north through a snowstorm, determined to arrive home for Christmas Eve, a fatigued Tony relinquishes driving to Don. They successfully return in time for Tony’s family dinner, where he extends an invitation to Don. Ultimately, while Don initially heads back to his apartment, he makes the sincere choice to join Tony’s family gathering, where he is greeted with warmth and acceptance after a moment of surprise.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 07:25

Unlock the Full Story of Green Book

Don't stop at just watching — explore Green Book in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Green Book is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Green Book Timeline

Track the full timeline of Green Book with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Green Book Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Green Book

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Green Book. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Green Book

More About Green Book

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Green Book: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Green Book

Similar Movies to Green Book

Discover movies like Green Book that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.