Synopsis: A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.
Reminiscent of “Driving Miss Daisy”, Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen are a contrastingly great big screen pair! With a seemingly well-timed Thanksgiving release, amid today’s political and social climate, the inspired-by-a-true-friendship film explores the darkness of racism in the South while highlighting the power of human compassion. Dr. Don Shirley (Ali), defies all stereotypes of a black man in America while “TonyLip” (Mortensen), a self-proclaimed “bullsh*tter”, proves to be the brutish driver/body guard the pianist needs. Worth a trip to the movies!
Review by Arri Henry