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Starring: Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Vang
Clint has had legendary status as both a film star and in later years, director. All of his plaudits are justified. The man just delivers. His directorial features are by no means fun, they tend to be very hard hitting, true to life… and extremely well made. Gran Torino is no exception.
Clint Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski. A very grump old man, whose wife has just died. A Korean War veteran he is the last of the caucasian American’s that still live in this particular neighbourhood in Michigan. It is now overrun with gangs and crime. He refuses to leave on the suggestions of his sons but rather prefers to stand his ground and carry on his life as he always has done.
Walt is lonely. He doesn’t really get on with his family and has no interest in talking with anybody, least of his Hmong neighbours. This changes throughout the film as the young boy from next door tries to steal Walt’s prize possession a 1972 Gran Torino as part of a gang initiation. The young boy, Thao is a good kid and is forced by his mother to work for Walt in apology for the incident. They develop a strong friendship and mutual respect for each other, much to Walt’s surprise.
This is a great film. It is shot beautifully and has a lot to say on many levels. Mr Eastwood is a masterful story teller. It is very thought provoking and there are very strong performances from all the main characters. Not the most light hearted of films but certainly should not be missed.
Director: Clint Eastwood
Writer: Nick Schenk, Dave Johannson,
