Were you at last night's Secret Unlimited Screening? If so, you'll be aware our 10th Secret Screening was comedy-drama Green Book, in which Viggo Mortensen (Lord of the Rings) and Mahershala Ali (Moonlight) embark on a heartfelt, racially-charged journey across the American deep south.
Set in 1962 and inspired by true events, the movie stars Mortensen as Italian-American chancer Tony Vallelonga AKA Tony Lip, who is tasked with transporting affluent black musician Dr. Shirley (Ali) on his latest American classical concert tour.
At the start of the journey, the two men are initially suspicious of each another, but gradually they begin to open up and learn about one another's differences as they come face to face with the divisions of American racial segregation. (The 'green book' of the title is a travel guide outlining American motels where African-American people were permitted to stay.)
Green Book has already drawn acclaim in America for its humour, warmth and crowd-pleasing air of optimism in the face of racial hatred. So what did Unlimited members make of it? Here's Ciaran Creed with an ecstatic response – and this pretty much sets the tone for what's to come.
@cineworld #CineworldUnlimitedScreening @greenbookmovie What a fantastic surprise pontentially the happiest I've ever felt in a cinema screen. What a wonderful ride full of music, laughter and friendship. Viggo Mortensen at his absolute best. GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!
— Ciaran Creed (@ciaran_shea) December 4, 2018
Luke McCarthy-Reed is among several who was taken by surprise by the choice of movie – entirely in a good way.
Well I had no idea about Green Book but what a brilliant, brilliant movie. Oscar potential right there - Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are so good! Brilliant choice @cineworld #unlimitedscreening
— Luke McCarthy-Reed (@lukehmuse) December 4, 2018
Charlotte Clarkson cannot praise the movie highly enough.
Thankyou @cineworld for an amazing Secret Screening tonight of @greenbookmovie I had no idea about the film but it's easily made it into my top films of the year!
— Charlotte Clarkson (@CharlotteC18) December 4, 2018
And 2 months early wow! pic.twitter.com/BG0pjzil8u
Katie Samuel says the film massively delivers on the laughs and the emotions.
Wow! Thank you @cineworld! Absolutely loved @GreenBookFilm as tonight’s #UnlimitedSecretScreening Two months early as well! Smashing it with the Unlimited benefits!
— Katie Samuel (@KatieSamuel) December 4, 2018
Fantastic film based on a true story, full of laughs and feels in 1960’s America. #CineworldUnlimited
Linda Varnon particularly enjoyed the way Green Brook brought attention to an important story.
Absolutely loved this, so heartwarming and funny in places despite the harsh reality of the true story. I love films based on true stories and this was very thought provoking ps loved the free drinks and voucher
— Linda Vernon (@cooky24uk) December 4, 2018
John A says the movie bears comparison with another recent crowd-pleasing hit.
Just seen @cineworld #CineworldUnlimited secret screening of @greenbookmovie ... absolutely loved it. Great cast, based on a true story, & a really sharp ‘no gimmicks’ script. Highly recommended when it comes out after Christmas. If you liked @HiddenFigures you’ll love this pic.twitter.com/kZvLx24y6T
— John A (@r3darmy) December 4, 2018
Henry Peters says it'll make potential viewers laugh, cry and pause for thought.
Green Book is one of those true stories that makes you question our past and still struggle to come up with any logical answers. It is charming, funny, tense, emotional and for me one of the movie surprises of the year. I defy you not to shed a tear.
— Henry Peters (@henrypeters1005) December 4, 2018
And Chaitali Desai says she'll be spreading the word about the movie in the coming months.
The trailer for that would most likely have gone over my head. But I am SO happy this secret screening pushed me into watching it because I just loved it. So poignant, heart warming and genuinely funny. I will be recommending to everyone I know!! #secretscreeningsuccess
— Chaitali Desai (@CDesai83) December 4, 2018
If there's anyone else out there who's keen to share their thoughts on Green Book, tweet us @Cineworld and using #CineworldUnlimited.
For those of you who did see it, the bad news is Green Book won't reach Cineworld screens until 1st February 2019.
However, to make up for that, we've got a host of additional Unlimited screenings for you to see out 2018, starting with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 3D on 7th December.
This is followed by powerful drug addiction drama Beautiful Boy on 11th December, which features emotional performances from Steve Carell and Timothee Chalamet.
And finally, on 18th December we've got Stan & Ollie, the affectionate tribute to legendary comedy act Laurel and Hardy, starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly.
Not yet part of the Unlimited club? With 2019 beckoning, there's never been a better time to join and open up a world of possibilities, including advance screenings, restaurant discounts and more. Click here to sign up to Cineworld Unlimited.
