Discover the most inspiring and thought-provoking quotes from the 2018 movie “Green Book.” Explore 30 memorable quotes that capture the essence of this acclaimed film.
The Green Guide tells the story of Tony, a famous pianist and his chauffeur on a concert tour.
Green Book Quotes
1- “I live in a castle, Tony! Alone. And rich white people pay me to play piano for them because it makes them feel cultured. But as soon as I step off that stage, I go right back to being just another nigger to them. Because that is their true culture. And I suffer that slight alone, because I’m not accepted by my own people ’cause I’m not like them, either.”– Dr. Donald Shirley, ‘Green Book’.
2- “So if I’m not black enough and if I’m not white enough, then tell me, Tony, what am I?”– Dr. Donald Shirley, ‘Green Book’.
3- “You never win with violence. You only win when you maintain your dignity.”– Dr. Donald Shirley, ‘Green Book’.
4- “You know, my father used to say, whatever you do, do it 100%. When you work, work. When you laugh, laugh. When you eat, eat like it’s your last meal.”– Tony Lip, ‘Green Book’.
5- “The world’s full of lonely people afraid to make the first move.”– Tony Lip, ‘Green Book’.
6- “Being genius is not enough, it takes courage to change people’s hearts.”– Oleg, ‘Green Book’.
7- “- Tony Lip: I don’t make the rules down here.
– Dr. Donald Shirley: No? Then who does?
– Tony Lip: You’re saying just ’cause I’m white and they’re white? You know, that’s a very prejudiced thing you just said there. A very prejudiced thing. I got more in common with the Hymies at 2nd Avenue Deli than I do with these hillbilly pricks down here.” –‘Green Book’.
8- “- Orange Bird Bartender: Are you a cop?
– Tony Lip: Do I look Irish?” –‘Green Book’.
9- “- Dr. Donald Shirley: Could you put out the cigarette, please?
– Tony Lip: Why?
– Dr. Donald Shirley: I can’t breathe back here.
– Tony Lip: What are you talkin’ about? Smoke’s going down my lungs. I’m doin’ all the work here.” –‘Green Book’.
10- “- Dr. Donald Shirley: What on God’s green earth are you doing?
– Tony Lip: A letter.
– Dr. Donald Shirley: Looks more like a piecemeal ransom note.” –‘Green Book’.
11- “- Dr. Donald Shirley: I am not a medical doctor. I’m a musician. I’m about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South. What other experience do you have?
– Tony Lip: Public relations.” [Tony is thinking of how to best describe his job as a bouncer] –‘Green Book’.
12- “- Tony Lip: I dunno. Personally I think if you stuck to the classic stuff it would’ve been a big mistake.
– Dr. Donald Shirley: A mistake? Performing the music I trained my entire life to play?
– Tony Lip: Trained? What are you, a seal? People love what you do! Anyone can sound like Beethoven or Joe Pan or them other guys you said. But your music, what you do? Only you can do that!
– Dr. Donald Shirley: Thank you, Tony. But not everyone can play Chopin. Not like I can.” –‘Green Book’.
13- “- [Tony is answering the telephone] Tony Lip: Yeah.
-Jules Podell: Some guy called over here, a doctor, he’s looking for a driver. You interested?” –‘Green Book’.
14- ” -Don Shirley: This gentlemen says that I’m not permitted to dine here.
-Maitre D’: I’m afraid not.” –‘Green Book’.
15- “- Dolores: Promise me you’re going to write me a letter.
-Tony Lip: I promise.” –‘Green Book’.
16- “You don’t know your own people. You, Mr. Bigshot, doin’ concerts for rich people!” –Tony Lip, ‘Green Book’.
17- “[shouting at Don making him get out for no reason] C’mon get out now.
[Don steps out of the car. Tony won’t take anymore and punches a cop in the face and gets arrested] ” –Cop, ‘Green Book’.
18- ” I’m not just hiring a chauffeur. I need someone who can handle trouble. What experience do you have?” – Dr. Donald Shirley, ‘Green Book’.
19- “- Don Shirley: Do you foresee any issues in working for a Black man?
-Tony Lip: You, in the Deep South, there’s going to be problems.” –‘Green Book’.
20- “[Tony hands a piece of friend chicken to Don] -Tony Lip: Come on, take it. Eat.
-Don Shirley: I prefer not to get grease on my blanket.
– [Tony mocks Don] Tony Lip: Oooh, I’m going to get grease on my blanky.” –‘Green Book’.
21- “Don Shirley: I am not a medical doctor. I’m a musician. I’m about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South. What other experience do you have?
Tony Lip: Public relations.”-‘Green Book’.
22- ” [Dolores is in the kitchen with the kids reading a letter from Tony to herself]
-Dolores: “Dear Dolores, I saw Dr. Shirley play the piano. He’s like a genius, I think.”-‘Green Book’.
23- “-Tony Lip: Tell me that don’t smell good?
-Don Shirley: I’ve never had fried chicken in my life.
-Tony Lip: You people love the fried chicken.
-Don Shirley: You have a very narrow assessment of me, Tony.
-Tony Lip: Yeah, right. I’m good.” –‘Green Book’.
24- “-Don Shirley: We’ll be interacting with some of the wealthiest people in the country. It is my feeling that your diction could use some…finessing.
-Tony Lip: Afanabola. Wh…why are you breaking my balls?
-Don Shirley: Because you can do better, Mr. Vallelonga.” –‘Green Book’.
25- “-Tony Lip: I didn’t like the way he was treatin’ you.
-Don Shirley: I’ve had to endure that my entire life. You should be able to take it for at least one night.
[Tony sighs]” –‘Green Book’.
26- “[finishing a piece of friend chicken]
-Don Shirley: What do we do about the bones?
-Tony Lip: We do this.
[Tony throws the bone out the window, Don throws a bone. They laugh then Tony throws his cup out the window. Don is upset]
-Don Shirley: Pick it up, Tony.
-Tony Lip: Squirrels will eat it anyway.
-Don Shirley: Pick it up.” –‘Green Book’.
27- “-Don Shirley: What are you doing?
-Tony Lip: A letter.
-Don Shirley: May I?
[Tony lets Don read it]
-Don Shirley: “Dear Dolores, sometimes you remind me of a house.”
-Don Shirley: You know this is pathetic, right? Put this down. [points to the pen and paper] “The distance between us is breaking my spirit. Falling in love with you was the easiest thing I have ever done.”
-Tony Lip: [chiming in] “P.S. Kiss the kids?”
-Don Shirley: That’s like clinging a cow bell at the end of Shostakovich’s seven.
-Tony Lip: [proudly] That’s good.
-Don Shirley: It’s perfect, Tony.” –‘Green Book’.
28- “[Oleg and Tony are speaking about Don]
-Tony Lip: How does he smile and shake their hands like that?
-Oleg: Because it takes courage to change people’s hearts.”-‘Green Book’.
29- “Salt is cheating. Any cook can make things salty. To make it taste good without the salt, with just the other flavors, that’s the trick.” –Tony Lip, ‘Green Book’.
30- “It takes courage to change people’s hearts.” – Oleg, ‘Green Book’.
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