Gran Torino
Director: Clint Eastwood
Writer: Nick Schenk, Dave Johannson
2008
I will admit I haven’t liked a lot of Clint Eastwood’s recent films, so I was not expecting much from this one, but I was pleasantly surprised. This film is really great, especially Clint Eastwood’s performance as a prejudiced all-American war veteran (Walt Kowalski) living in a completely ethnic neighbourhood. Everything from the way he delivered his lines, to his death stares and snarl were perfect for bringing his character to life. Through the course of the film, the racially ignorant Walt finds his way into the lives of his Korean neighbours and what unfolds is a wonderful story about life, acceptance and friendship. At times, some of the things Walt says are so politically incorrect that is is in fact quite humerous because it just shows how much he does not know about anyone else – the beautiful thing about the story is he is willing to learn. For all his faults, Walt is undoubtedly a cool, tough guy and even becomes a likable character, and it’s not just because he’s Clint Eastwood. Go see Gran Torino, you will not be disappointed.
