Inspired by a true story, this is a tale, set in the early 60s USA, of a refined and cultured (and somewhat out of touch with his country’s mid-to-lower brow culture) world-renowned African-American pianist (Dr. Don Shirley, wonderfully played by Mahershala Ali) whose record company sponsors his concert tour of states south of New York, including venues south of the Mason-Dixon line. For a chauffeur (and bodyguard), he hires a definitely unrefined Bronx bouncer (Viggo Mortensen, always impressive) to travel with him. Part buddy flick, part witness to some of the horrors of racism — the title refers to a travel guide for African-Americans, letting them know where they could stay and eat in southern cities to keep safe while on the road. While there are plenty of clichés to be found, and some downplaying (or playing a bit too lightly) the racism that continues to scar our neighbour to the south in favour of playing up the “white guy learns to appreciate his black-skinned friend by hanging out with him” angle, it is likely you will be moved.
