Back in 2008, Gran Torino was one of those movies where my Dad went to see it and I couldn't because it was rated R. He came back with a smile on his face, saying "There was a great story about overcoming race, but when it came down to it, I asked "Can Clint be Clint?"..........yup." After finally be able to watch the movie, I can see why my dad said this-and I full heartily agree.
Gran Torino finds Clint Eastwood (the master of cinema) back in the director's chair, producers seat, in front of the camera and even as the film's co-music composer. Here he plays Walt Kowalski, an aging Korean vet who despises his own family and, unwillingly, seeks love and understanding in the Korean family who recently moved in next door after the family's "man of the house" Thao tries to steal his prized Gran Torino.
This is a movie that proves you can make a fantastic film with a great story. Clint Eastwood obviously saw that, as when he finished Million Dollar Baby, he let everyone know he was uninterested in acting again, but would still love to direct. Nick Schenk, the screenwriter, must have felt a grand joy in his heart when Eastwood went up to him and said he loved it so much that he wanted to act as the main star on top of directing and producing. Boy, was he spot-on. After seeing him in many movies, this is one of his best. He and this great story make this movie one of the best I have seen in a long time.
The casting ensemble outside of Clint does a great job as well. I hope Bee Vang gets more work soon, as he was unbelievably believable as Thao, the young man Walt takes under his wing. Anhey Her is great as Sue, the girl who introduces Walt to her family, and it's also important to mention Christopher Carley, who plays a marvelous helpful priest. The casting was picked very well on this film.
But what elevates this movie is the story. How racism is tossed around and though of, but never quite spoken to directly, is beautifully done. I love how Walt changes perspectives by the end of the movie. The problem of gang violence is also shown realistically. However, the star is Walt. His character is so bitter, yet understandable, that is was nice to see him connect with people he could relate to on some level. The ending (without spoilers) was unpredictable for me, but perfect for the film. It truly shows how Walt cares for the family and how the audience cares for Walt.
This is why I love Clint Eastwood. He can do so much and spend so much time working on a movie and it comes out beautifully. There are scenes where there's no music or wild special effects. It's just Clint's acting and you can feel the tenseness in that. It was also fun to see him play a character similar to Dirty Harry, yet given so much more depth. Dad, you are right. Clint is still Clint. I hope everyone else sees that as well.
Grade: A
