Movie Review & Synopsis Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood Directs and Stars as an Aging War Vet in the Drama
Feb 16, 2009
Clint Eastwood steps back in front of the camera to star in Gran Torino The highly talented actor also produced and directed the drama, which is now nominated for a wide spectrum of awards including: Best Actor, Best Original Song in a Motion Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
An Uneasy Balance
Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is a Veteran of the Korean War set firmly in his ways, recently widowed and father to two grown, unappreciative and distant sons. The retired Ford factory worker and his dog Daisy live a solitary life in the home Walt has cared for over many years. For the crotchety old man, the encroaching immigrant population that has bought out most of his old neighborhood preys on his prejudices and annoys his old fashioned sensibilities.
The Southeast Asian Hmongs that now fill the district seem to feel a similar unease toward the last Caucasian man to hang onto his property in the area. While they are plagued by many difficulties as foreigners the greatest problem is the local gangs that terrorize the peaceful and quiet Hmongs. Walt’s young next-door neighbors Thao (Bee Vang) and Sue (Ahney Her) are dogged by assaults from aggressive gang members including their own cousin.
Guns and a Gran Torino
Walt keeps his home in pristine condition filling his days with fixing anything that needs to be worked on. As with everything in his life that he keeps neat and tidy, his immaculate 1972 Ford Gran Torino receives just as much careful attention. Drawing the eye of the Hmong gang Thao, whom they are trying to recruit, is sent unwillingly to steal the car. When he is caught, mid-act, by Walt Thao’s family is grateful for he likely would have been lost to the pressuring gang.
Though Walt just wants to be left in peace he becomes the unwitting hero of the neighborhood. With Thao working off his debt to Walt, the pair helps to clean up the aging and unkempt block. As Walt warms to Thao and his sister Sue an odd bond begins to grow as his new found friends open up his closed world to new experiences and they banish old prejudices.
Neighborhood Watch
When Walt incurs the wrath of the Hmong gang by protecting Thao and Sue they take vengeance on the two youths and their family home. After the street toughs attack Thao, shoot up the home in a drive by and savagely assault Sue an angry and dangerous side of Walt takes over the practiced soldier whose memories of killing men during the war are still fresh in his mind.
Knowing that his health is steadily declining and that there is only one option to bring down the vicious gang Walt prepares himself for a new kind of war. His confrontation of the thugs comes to a violent end that sees the gang bangers getting hauled off to prison.
A Touching Story
Gran Torino began with a somber start building to what would be a passionate and fiery crescendo. The heart warming drama left many audience members in tears. Clint Eastwood and his very talented cast of young newcomers bring Gran Torino to life giving the movie a strong sense of the real world. Gran Torino pushes Clint Eastwood’s glowing career to the forefront of Hollywood once again.
