With strong performances from Mahershala Ali (following his Oscar-winning turn in Moonlight) and Viggo Mortensen (A History of Violence), Green Book succeeds in making its crucial subject of racial division in 1960s America into a smart, affecting and charming film.

When Tony Lip (Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighbourhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Ali), a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on “The Green Book” to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger as well as unexpected humanity and humour—they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime.

Best known for his crowd-pleasing comedies Dumb and Dumber and There’s Something About Mary, director Peter Farrelly delivers a heartwarming surprise with Green Book and shines while directing both the funnier moments and dramatic beats. Whilst entertaining and easy-to-watch, the film doesn’t sugarcoat the tensions of the time and serves as a significant reminder of the challenges that everyday racism can still bring upon us.