Gran Torino review
Do you remember a several months back when rumors surfaced that Clint Eastwood was starring in a new movie called Gran Torino and everyone thought it was another Dirty Harry film? Well it wasn't, which sucks, but Gran Torino turned out to be just as entertaining as any Eastwood film. Why? Because it's Clint Eastwood being Clint Eastwood and that makes Gran Torino one of my personal favorites of the year. We all know that Eastwood has is own brand of acting that only he can pull off and just like in most of his other films it's no different here but it never gets old to watch. I might have been disappointed that Gran Torino wasn't a Dirty Harry sequel but overall, this was just as satisfying.
Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is a racist Korean War vet who is left alone after his wife dies and his neighborhood turns into a gang infested crime zone. After he catches his new neighbor Tao trying steel his 1972 Gran Torino Walt is forced to take Tao as his worker because of a Hmong tradition of penance. Walt is estranged from his family that wants nothing to do with him, however, after learning about the Hmong he becomes close friends with Tao and his sister Sue but gang violence forces Walt to take up action and protect those he now considers friends. Gran Torino stars Clint Eastwood as Walt Kowalski, Christopher Carley as Father Janovich, Bee Vang as Tao and Ahney Her as Sue.
Lets start off with this; although racism still unfortunately exists it's obviously widely looked down on but where ever you go you'll still here remarks that are unacceptable in today's society. Gran Torino is full of those remarks, mainly Asian oriented, but when it comes from the mouth of Clint Eastwood... it's ok. Intelligent people will realize that this is only a movie and Eastwood isn't a racist especially since the film has a outcome that teaches a lesson, but while waiting for that outcome, nobody can spew racist remarks like Eastwood and make you laugh your ass off. Not only is Eastwood funny in this drama, the story is significant basically telling you the old saying, "don't judge a book by its cover."
Likes:
- After oogling over Clint Eastwood above, you'll know that I think he's the best part of the film, along with his direction, and his dialog is some of the best of the year. As a character, Walt is one of my favorites this year along side Heath Ledger's Joker. That would make for some scene, Joker vs. Walt.
- Bee Vang and Ahney Her are first time actors. I don't know if they've taken acting classes or if they're going to but I think it's safe to say that they did a fine job with their roles. Sue most of all is a charming character that makes you feel for her after she's been beat up by the Asian gang.
- There is a charm to this story that makes it a feel good experience but with a sense of old age in Eastwoods character that depresses me, however, it stirs an emotion which is a must when I watch a movie.
- Eastwood sings the theme at the end of the film... It's unexpected and a pleasant surprise.
Dislikes:
- I honestly don't have that much to add here. I guess I was a little disappointed that Eastwood doesn't kick more ass in this movie. There is a little violence but I wanted more... It's a Clint Eastwood movie for god sake, but I'll admit that my reason for this being a dislike is weak.
- I suppose if I had to name one thing that isn't great is that the ending can be seen from a mile away. It would be impossible to explain without getting into spoilers but Walts overall redemption is so cliche. Don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean the ending sucked, it was just cliche.
When it comes to the world of movies, what I want from Clint Eastwood is one more western (The Outlaw Josey Wales being my favorite) and one more Dirty Harry film. Those would be a dream come true, however, if Gran Torino was the last film Eastwood starred in, it isn't a bad way to end his acting career. His character Walt even has a redemption that would be fitting for the Eastwood persona.
Gran Torino is one of my favorite films of the year and even ends up on my top 5. The whole Eastwood brand makes this film for me and along with that brand comes a solid enjoyable story granting it an 8.5 out of 10.
-Phil
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