Green Book: 10 Most Inspiring Quotes, Ranked

2018’s Green Brook is a tremendous movie, based on the true story between jazz pianist, Don Shirley and his bodyguard and driver, Tony Vallelonga. It’s a movie that managed to handle the serious topic of racism in an informative, and eye-opening manner, with an odd bromance that just connects beautifully on-screen.

Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali play their roles to perfection within this movie, which helped take this movie to an Oscar win for Best Picture. The movie has an incredibly heartwarming story, opening the eyes of two polar opposites into the worlds that they live in. Each character teaches the other huge lessons that make each of them better people, and they provide some truly inspiring quotes along the way.

10 “Being Genius Is Not Enough, It Takes Courage To Change People’s Hearts.”

There is no denying the talent and skill that Don has as a pianist, but what really makes him stand out is how he behaves right at the end of the movie. He showcases this quote, which is said by his bandmate Oleg when standing up to the racism that is put in front of him.

Don does his best to stand up for himself and other Black people by refusing to play due to not being allowed to eat in the same restaurant like everyone else. This quote is certainly a good one though, proving that courage is truly needed, even in the most skilled people.

9 “I know It’s A… Complicated World.”

During one section of the movie, Tony finds Don arrested after being caught having sex with a man. At this point, audiences get to really see what Tony is like as a character, and it’s clear by the way he responds, making it known to Don that he doesn’t judge him or have any issues, and he knows things are complicated.

He says that because of the fact Don has to sneak around, which is something nobody should have to do. If everyone viewed things in this manner, the world would certainly be a nicer place, and it’s positive to see a character like Tony’s portrayed in such a big film, having this mindset.

8 “Nature takes care of the earth!

This is a quick comment that Tony makes in an argument with Don about him littering, with Don wanting Tony to pick things up after himself. However, while it is quite a funny moment from the film, it is also an inspiring quote about nature and how important it is.

It’s something most take for granted, including Tony, who doesn’t understand that littering isn’t helping the situation. However, it is important to appreciate it and this quote and the argument itself brings some light to that.

7 “Ahh That Was A Good Time. I’d Do That Once A Month For Free.”

A lot of times, people take what they do as a living for granted. Even people who get into work that they truly enjoy can find it too much, and that is certainly the case with Don. Yet at the end of the movie when he plays with the jazz band, it becomes clear to him how much fun can be had.

The fact he’s willing to do it for free once a month showcases the importance of doing something fun and how liberating that can truly be.

6 “Who Said Liar? I Said Bulls*** Artist!”

A lesson that Tony teaches to Don throughout this movie is that you don’t always have to be perfectly honest and straight-talking all the time. Of course, that could be taken as being a liar and someone who isn’t honest, but Tony makes it clear that he never lies.

It’s actually quite inspirational to see because there are certainly different ways of being successful. Tony points out to Don that he got the job with him through this method, letting him know it can work when done right, and with good intentions.

5 “So If I’m Not Black Enough And If I’m Not White Enough, Then Tell Me, Tony, What Am I?”

This particular scene between Don and Tony in the rain is one of the most poignant within the entire movie. It’s an emotional moment and all of Don’s feelings come spilling out as he discusses passionately the fact he doesn’t believe he fits in.

This quote doesn’t just look at racism, but it’s more a matter of fitting in and having a sense of belonging. It is something Don admits to not having and it is an incredibly sad point as he breaks down. However, it is also an inspiring moment, as this is where he begins to learn about himself by admitting this.

4 “Falling In Love With You Was The Easiest Thing I’ve Ever Done.”

A large part of this movie tackles the serious conversation surrounding racism. However, there is also a big element of the movie that is a love story as well, with Tony’s letters to his wife, Dolores. It provides some heartwarming moments and this quote from one of the letters is certainly inspiring.

True love isn’t as easy as people think to come by, as Don is well aware of. However, for those who have found it, there will no doubt be the ability to relate to this particular quote, which is certainly a great one.

3 “Whatever You Do, Do It 100%. When You Work, Work. When You Laugh, Laugh. When You Eat, Eat Like It’s Your Last Meal.”

Even though this quote is actually just Tony explaining why he’s got such a huge appetite, it is certainly a very inspiring one that can be put into practice in a whole manner of different ways. One of the reasons Don is so trusting of Tony is because he knows he commits 100% into his job, which is something Tony does to all aspects of his life, as the quote reveals.

However, this is a very inspiring comment for everyone to live by. People should give everything they’ve got into any situation, as it makes things more worthwhile and enjoyable. Normally, people only say this quote when it comes to the tough parts, but that’s what makes it so great, as Tony teaches Don to commit to the fun just as much.

2 “You Never Win With Violence. You Only Win When You Maintain Your Dignity.”

A big lesson that Don teaches Tony throughout the movie s that violence isn’t always the answer to a problem. Normally, when there is an issue, Don will use his fists to settle the matter, which is shown right from the start of the movie when he throws someone out of the bar and beats him to a pulp.

His aggression ends up landing him and Don in jail later on in the film, which is something Don isn’t used to. He teaches Tony that when you use violence, you lose. It’s a great lesson that he gives to his bodyguard, and is an inspiring quote that everyone can learn a little something from.

1 “The World’s Full Of Lonely People Afraid To Make The First Move.”

Tony Lip isn’t the type of character that most people would associate with being an old romantic, but that is exactly what he is. This inspiring quote is the perfect example of that, with Tony making it clear he understands Don is a lonely person.

They share a great bond and one way that Tony tries to help is through how he feels about family and loved ones. The way he sees the world is certainly very fitting and honest, and it is hard to argue that this quote isn’t perfectly true, as sad as that may be.

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