Rent this movie! It finally came out on DVD today and it is definitely worth a watch. At 78 years old, Clint Eastwood still captivates the screen with his 'tough guy' persona we've all come to know and love.
In "Gran Torino", (directed and produced by Eastwood), Clint plays a Korean War vet named 'Walt Kowalski'. Walt has just recently lost his wife and is estranged from his two sons and their families. He insists on staying in the 'old neighbourhood' in Detroit, even though he's the only 'white american' left on the block. As an unabashed bigot, Walt wants nothing to do with his neighbours nor the Catholic priest who's trying to help Walt release some of the burdens from his past. When the teenage boy, 'Thoa', from next door tries to steal Walt's prized possession, (as part of a Hmong gang initiation), Walt's secluded life and his prejudiced views are challenged and changed forever.
Once again Eastwood does a great job with character exploration. Like "Million Dollar Baby", "Gran Torino" delves into personal relationships and the power of 'unlikely' friendships. As Walt grows to understand and care for his neighbours, we see the chips in his armour that make him human and good. Even though he unapologetically utters every racial slur in the book, you still know that he's an invaluable person to have in your corner.
There's a lot of humour in this movie; which kind of surprised me. I knew there would be action and dramatic scenes, but I wasn't expecting to laugh out loud. And yet many of the scenes Eastwood has with Thoa (played by Bee Vang) were touching and poignant through their humour. Watching Walt trying to 'make a man' out of Thoa kept me giggling and enjoying the film all the more.
Ahney Her plays Thoa's sister 'Sue'. She too has great on-screen chemistry with Eastwood's character. Although she doesn't have the same amount of screen time as Bee Vang, I thought her acting chops outshined his.
I think this film would appeal to both men and women; so it's a good "date night" pick. It's dramatic; but not overly so - It's got action; but it's not all action. - It can be touching in parts; but not enough to make you guys throw up. (I know I'm stereotyping male/female tastes in film, but you get the idea)
And if you want to make it a "Directed by Clint Eastwood" night at the video store: pick up "Unforgiven" (for the fellas) and "Bridges of Madison County" (for the gals).
-Just try not to argue over which movie is going in the DVD player first.
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