Gran Torino: A Reveiw

Gran Torino starring Clint Eastwood came out on Friday, January 9, 2009. This is only the second movie I have seen with Clint Eastwood. I will tell you my thoughts about the film. I thought I would give film reviewing another shot. As usual you be the judge.

The film is about a Korean veteran who seems to hate everyone and everything but tough as nails. The title "Gran Torino", which is an American car the is built to last. The car describes Walter (Clint Eastwood). He lives in a neighborhood of Hmong immigrants. He is having a tough time grasping modern day society. The film starts with Walter's wife funeral where he stands by his wife's casket with a disapproving look of his grandchildren. This look could be seen throughout the movie. It is obvious that he is a racist and fears change.

One night he saves the family next door not on purpose but because one Hmong male falls on his lawn. The reason for the commotion was to initiate the younger male next door into the gang that he does not want to be in. Since he did not pass his first initiation of stealing the next door neighbors car (Gran Torino). In return he has to bring honor to his family my working off his debt for the neighbor (Clint Eastwood). Over time Walter starts to open up to the family next door and helps them with their gang problem. He goes as far as helping the boy who tried to steal his car with getting a job and how to present himself to people. He (Walter) takes it too far when decides to go to the gang members house and confront them. The gang retaliates with a drive by and rapes one of the neighbors. Walter gets so angry that he decides to get revenge to way he knows how. He gives his life for the while saving others.

I think the movie is well made but depressing. It was a very emotional movie from beginning to end. I think I cried three times. It is a movie that I could only see once. I do recommend that others see it. It shows that even the most harden person can change for the better. It does show the reality that we live in. It also shows that there are many good people in the world that would die for another human being to ensure that they have a better life. The movie gives a glimpse of the improvised America that most of us see in our daily lives that never get told on the big screen. All in all I would say it was worth the trip.