Review: Gran Torino (2008)

Director: Clint Eastwood

Cast: Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby, Unforgiven), Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Christopher Carley

The Deal: Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is a disgruntled, hard-nosed, and racist Korean War vet trying to cope with the recent death of his wife. After his neighbor Thao (Vang) attempts to steal his 1972 Gran Torino on a dare, Walt finds himself in possession of Thao for a week as a means to work off his wrong doing. As Walt gets to know Thao and his sister Sue (Her), he finds himself warming up to his neighbors, and personally takes on the task of protecting them from the escalating gang violence in the area.

Thoughts: Walt is about as racist as a man could possibly be, to the point where you almost find yourself laughing at the severity of his racism. As the film moves forward, it does a good job of showing that Walt actually is a good man, and that most of his problems stem from regrets and experiences in his past. Eastwood has no problem selling this role, it's as if he's right at home with the character.

The story does an excellent job of using Walt as a source for humor, whether it was intended or not. I found it quite funny that when he ran out of chores for Thao to do, he had Thao fix up the house across the street because he was tired of looking at a "dump" from his porch. Thao and Sue are both very well developed, and the relationship they have with Walt really jumps off the screen. These casting clearly worked very well together.

Though I will not spoil the ending, I find it pleasantly ironic that a racist man like Walt, who is surrounded purely by immigrants, becomes so respected in the neighborhood. He went through a large transformation through the film, and his discussions with Father Janovich (Carley) really show those changes.

Verdict: A very strong effort by Eastwood, worthy of the accolades critic's have been bestowing upon it. The story was compelling and the acting was good. One of the best films of the year, and a must see.☆☆☆☆