Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Green Book

film

Green Book

2018

Tony Lip, a bouncer in 1962, is hired to drive pianist Don Shirley on a tour through the Deep South in the days when African Americans, forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line, relied on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 material includes racist abuse and segregation, threats with guns, a beating, police intimidation, a brief same-sex sexual encounter, adult conflict, and emotionally complex historical themes. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • LGBTQIA characters3/5
  • Strong language3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Real venues, a record company, and the historical Green Book appear as story elements, not as prominent product promotion.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of past deaths and the eventual passing of the real-life subjects in the epilogue.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Brief, non-gory depictions of injuries from fights.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Contains frequent strong language and period-appropriate racial slurs used in the context of the era's prejudices.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

Don's sexuality and vulnerability are significant parts of his character and treatment, though not the film's sole focus.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to Catholic identity and traditional family values.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the platonic bond, but includes Tony's marriage and implied closeted sexuality for Don.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Threatening racist crowds, armed intimidation, police danger, possible ambush, and isolation during a blizzard create sustained tension.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Don is found in a homosexual sexual encounter in a public shower; the supplied synopsis gives no indication of graphic depiction.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are shown drinking alcohol and smoking in social settings.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Don is beaten and threatened at gunpoint; Tony punches a police officer, confronts possible attackers with a firearm, and uses threats to protect Don.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Don insists on dignity and fair treatment, while Tony confronts threats and rejects pressure to accept discriminatory treatment.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Features the musical artistry of the pianist and the improvisational nature of the road trip.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

The story centers an African American gay pianist and an Italian American driver, exploring race, class, sexuality, and cultural difference.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

It introduces Jim Crow segregation, the Green Book, racism in the 1960s South, and aspects of Don Shirley's touring life.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists increasingly protect, support, listen to, and welcome one another despite serious cultural and personal differences.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes dignity, friendship across racial lines, resisting discrimination, and standing up for people facing injustice.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Tony and Don are flawed adults who grow in empathy and courage, though both initially show prejudice, anger, pride, or poor judgment.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Green Book would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Green Book, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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