Gran Torino Movie Review

Clint Eastwood Goes Vigilante on a Group of Asian Gang-Bangers

Jan 25, 2009

A bigotus Korean War veteran puts aside his bitter and resentful emotions, to protect a Hmong boy, from being lured into the dangerous world of gang warfare.

The Enforcer, Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby) shows he’s still got what it takes to make em’ shake in their boots, as he takes on the role of Walt Kowalski, a sour and twisted old veteran still living in the conservative and idealistic 1950s.

Following the death of his wife, and despite the insistence from his sons that he look into retirement living, the traditionalist Kowalski, becomes somewhat of a recluse, preferring to stay on his front porch with beer in hand, ranting on to his faithful dog Daisy about the dilapidation and influx of Asian people into his neighborhood.

Snatching the Gran Torino

Walt’s life of monotonous routine is set into a whirlwind when on a quiet night, his young neighbor Thao, played by Bee Vang, under the peer-pressure of his cousin’s gang, attempts to steal Walt’s pride and joy: a 1972 Ford Gran Torino. Kowoloski’s wartime instincts are set into overdrive as he attempts to dissuade the burglar with his rifle, before Thao is able to evade the confrontation unharmed.

Following the foiled theft, Walt’s eyes are opened to a culture he was previously ignorant to, that of the Hmong, and he is soon able to forgive Thao for his mistake. Having rescued Thao from the clutches of his persistent and imposing cousin, Spider, played by Doua Moua (The Prisoner), Eastwood’s character is showered constantly with gifts and elevated to hero status in the Hmong community.

Kowolski finds that through the positive guidance of the impressionable and confidence-lacking Thao, the old vet is able to find the piece of mind and redemption he has so often sought from the atrocious acts of war he was forced to undertake.

Bigotry, Ignorance, and Misunderstanding

Apart from being an enthralling and captivating tale, ‘Gran Torino’, purveys a positive message of the importance of cross-cultural acceptance and understanding. Eastwood’s character’s journey takes him from the depths of isolation and utter contempt, which saw him alienated even from his own family. The burden Kowolski is forced to bare from his negative combat experiences, is lifted as he finds redemption in knowing and understanding the cultures he once despised and resented. This is not felt any stronger at any point in the film, than when Kowolski makes the ultimate sacrifice of self, for the sake of the future well-being of his young friend Thao.

The Verdict

Can Clint Eastwood really make a poor film? One would think not, and ‘Gran Torino’ continues that opinion. With a balanced mix of action, suspense, and drama, this latest Eastwood incarnation has the ability to make converts of the staunchest of skeptics.

Warner Bros (R-116 Minutes)Filmography information sourced from www.imdb.com

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