Gran Torino (Warner Brothers)
Eastwood Is the Man
Clint Eastwood is the man. Be it directing, acting or writing a movie score; Clint Eastwood is the man. And all of those gifts are on display in his new film Gran Torino. This movie is pure Eastwood through and through.
Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran and a retired Ford Motor Company employee. At the start of the film Walts wife has died and he is left a widower with two grown sons. The sons try to talk Walt into going into a retirement home but he is adamant that he is going to stay in the family home.
He is adamant even though he feels the neighborhood is going to hell in a hand basket with the arrival of many Asian families. One such family has moved in next to him and he is not thrilled. He is even angrier when someone tries to steal his prized Gran Torino car.
As the movie progresses so does Walt. He learns to tolerate the family next door and to detest the gang members who try to force the boy next door into their gang. Obviously these punks dont know with whom they are dealing. He keeps itching for them to make his day.
Walt speaks in bigoted and harsh remarks but there is never any doubt as to whether or not there is a heart inside his lanky frame. This knowledge along with the humane essence Eastwood gives to the character adds to the enjoyment of the film.
Eastwoods performance is understated but strong. No one should overlook the talent behind the performance. He makes it all look easy but it is true talent all the way. If ever there was a year for Eastwood to win honors for his acting this is the one.
Also outstanding in the cast are Bee Vang as the harassed Thao and Ahney Her as his sister Sue. These two young actors relate substantively to Eastwoods character and give the movie its poignancy and heart.
The movie is rated R for profanity and violence.
Gran Torino is a totally satisfying movie. It has an absorbing plot, strong acting, and a musical score that is also pure Eastwood (heck he even sings over the closing credits). If you want a night at the movies that will provide you entertainment from beginning to end then go see Gran Torino.
I scored Gran Torino an automotive 9 out of 10.
