Gran Torino
We went to see Gran Torino last weekend, Clint Eastwood’s latest movie. I’ve enjoyed many of his recent movies, and this one does not disappoint. Clint Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran who has just become a widower. He still lives near Detroit in his old neighborhood, which has grown more ethnically diverse. The story unfolds as the Thao, the neighbor is bullied into trying to steal Walt’s mint-condition Ford Gran Torino by his cousin’s gang. Walt catches him in the act, but the kid gets away. The rest of the story is fairly predictable (without giving too much away) – Thao apologizes, Walt eventually befriends and protects the neighbors from the gang thugs, and helps them out in various other ways.
The acting by the main Asian actors is a little inexperienced. The dialogue and delivery feels rushed or unconvincing most of the time. But the real center of the movie is Clint Eastwood’s character. He is a surly, tough, culturally intolerant old man who tosses out racial slurs so freely that it is almost comical. As his character develops, you learn more about his past and experiences that have made him this way. That was the real interesting part of the story – what made this man so callous and angry?
Comments
Justin A commented on Feb 03 2009 4:08 PM
I liked this movie a lot too. The racial slurs had me laughing for most of the movie.
Josh Scott commented on Feb 10 2009 1:19 PM
Yea Clint is tough.