Gran Torino (2008)

Gran Torino is a fantastic movie by Clint Eastwood that has action, laughs, and most importantly emotional depth. Clint Eastwood portrays Walt Kowalski incredibly and this character is almost flawless. The supporting cast holds their ground as well and are a pleasure to watch. The movie is suprisingly very funny with laughs provided by Eastwood throughout the film. The way he conducts himself and his constant bigotry is almost funny and laughs are constant. In addition, there are some gripping scenes that are intense. Gran Torino has a simplistic plot, but thrives in character development, despite running barely 100 minutes. Eastwood is the key character of the film and clearly demonstrates the obvious change in character and perspective on life throughout the film.

He plays a disgruntled Korean War vet, named Walt Kowalski, living in a small home in suburbia, when an oriental family moves in. It doesn't take long for the ethnic slurs to follow and Kowalski firmly expressing his disapproval of the unexpected arrival. The conflict starts to boil once an Asian gang, related to the newcomers, starts harassing the family; the elderly, but intimidating Kowalski, locked and loaded, orders the tough guys to get off his lawn.

But, the whole film isn't just Eastwood expressing his xenophobia; we learn more about the fragility of his character, and how his family discreetly wait on their tippy-toes, to inherit his 1972 Gran Torino, from his will. At first, the Gran Torino serves little purpose, but it's not until the boy next door, Thao (Vang), tries to rip off Kowalski's favourite treasure and the story hits full gear.

Ironically, this is when Kowalski's perspective on foreigners and religion start to escalate. We still see that dark-remorseful side to his character, but he slowly develops  into a different person as if Eastwood wants to deliver the message that people, even emotionally broken down ones, can change.

Gran Torino goes deeper than racial clashes and the opening of one bigot's eyes, it's about forgetting and letting go of your past, making the most of your present, and accepting the world now. Overall, Gran Torino is a gripping movie with great characters, emotions, actions, and a fantastic ending.

However, Eastwood does have a tendency to 'play' to the audience. Some will consider this film to be tear-jerking, but at times, it feels forced and too obvious for the audience. The primary example of this takes place at the ending, which is formulated properly, not contrived, but still predictable. Nevertheless, this predictability is necessary because the film has to end like this; otherwise, it would not be a good film. I seriously cried watching this. :P

Therefore, Gran Torino thrives on Eastwood's performance. He claims this film will be his final film as an actor, which is a shame. In Gran Torino, he still goes out producing the film, directing it, starring in it, his talent and soul is everlasting, such a great actor he is.

90% fresh for this movie.