Gran Torino (dvd)

This line alone is the reason why everyone should see Clint Eastwood in Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino.Clint Eastwood may be old now, but he can still make the toughest bad guy cry for mummy while peeing in their pants. This is like Dirty Harry in his senior citizen years.Clint Eastwood has portrayed many vengeful, unforgiving, bad ass and heroic characters in his time but none compare to Walt Kowalski.Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is an old, cynical, racist war veteran whose wife has just past and who has a negative relationship with his son and most of his family - actually with people in general. For example, Walt hates the fact that his son bought a Toyota rather than an American car, because Walt fought the Japanese and worked for Ford on the manufacturing ... MoreThis line alone is the reason why everyone should see Clint Eastwood in Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino.Clint Eastwood may be old now, but he can still make the toughest bad guy cry for mummy while peeing in their pants. This is like Dirty Harry in his senior citizen years.Clint Eastwood has portrayed many vengeful, unforgiving, bad ass and heroic characters in his time but none compare to Walt Kowalski.Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is an old, cynical, racist war veteran whose wife has just past and who has a negative relationship with his son and most of his family - actually with people in general. For example, Walt hates the fact that his son bought a Toyota rather than an American car, because Walt fought the Japanese and worked for Ford on the manufacturing line, where he built his 1972 Ford Gran Torino. All Walt has now is his dog, his Gran Torino, his beer and his gun collection.Gran Torino focuses around Walt and the relationship he develops with his new Chinese/Hmong neighbours. Walt is less than partial towards his new neighbours, being the racist old man he is. Through a series of events involving the young Hmong teenager from next door, Thao Vang Lor, or Toad as Walt calls him, and the teenage girl Sue Lor, Walt becomes more comfortable and friendlier towards his Hmong neighbours. They are most thankful for Walt's courage and generosity. The entire Hmong family gifts him with copious amounts of exotic foods but more importantly they see him as a type of guardian or protector of the neighbourhood.The main issue in the film deals with the teenage neighbour Thao (Toad). Toad's cousin is in an Asian street gang who are trying to recruit Toad. Toad is restrained at first, refusing to join the gang. Unfortunately peer pressure gets the best of him and he is forced to steel Walt's 1972 Gran Torino. Toad feels guilty and agrees to do chores for Walt. Walt ends up helping Toad get a job, find a girlfriend and teaches him to talk like a man. Together they build a strong friendship, almost father son like. Walt knows it will all be for nothing and that Toad's life will become disastrous with the gang still around. So Walt decides it's time to make a stand - the dual to end all duels. What happens is so poetic and profound that it becomes more than a movie, but a movie with a personal message from Clint Eastwood.Gran Torino is one of my favorite films. It was funny as hell just listening to Walt talk. You will never see or hear anything like it in a movie again. Some of my favorite lines are:"Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have messed with? That's me"or...(sneering and aiming his gun) "Get off my lawn!"Or probably his greatest line..."grrrrrr".I believe Gran Torino couldn't have been any more of a perfect film.Gran Torino is magnificent.

Every so often, a film comes by that challenges the way you look at movies and actors. Gran Torino is one that changed my appreciation for Clint Eastwood.Gran Torino is the story of a dying breed of man in modern times. The story starts with Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) overseeing his wife's funeral. He's old and set in his ways. Walt's family is of little comfort in his time of grieving. Upon returning to his house, Walt notices a Hmong family moving in next door. This is the first of many racist comments to come.The story goes on from here to depict Walt's life. Walt lives in isolation from his family and people like him. His unmistakably racist attitude pushes the character through the film. When Thao (Bee Vang), one of the Hmong living next door, attempts to ... MoreEvery so often, a film comes by that challenges the way you look at movies and actors. Gran Torino is one that changed my appreciation for Clint Eastwood.Gran Torino is the story of a dying breed of man in modern times. The story starts with Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) overseeing his wife's funeral. He's old and set in his ways. Walt's family is of little comfort in his time of grieving. Upon returning to his house, Walt notices a Hmong family moving in next door. This is the first of many racist comments to come.The story goes on from here to depict Walt's life. Walt lives in isolation from his family and people like him. His unmistakably racist attitude pushes the character through the film. When Thao (Bee Vang), one of the Hmong living next door, attempts to steal his 1972 Gran Torino, Thao's family requires him to work for Walt as means of apologizing.What I liked about this film is that it doesn't adhere to the standard gun slinger role that Eastwood normally plays. The character of Walt is very deep. A little something is revealed about him with every character he interacts with. While the commercials make this seem like he's cleaning up the neighborhood, the truth is that Walt just wants to be left alone. His response to the Hmong is to stay off his lawn, regardless of who they are. I found it easy to identify with Walt, minus the incessant racial slurs.The supporting cast was mostly background noise. While Vang played Thao well, it was Ahney Her's portrayal of Sue that kept the film rolling. Sue drives a major portion of Walt's character development. Other than Sue and Thao, the remainder of the characters are very forgettable.I was disappointed with the special features on the Blu-Ray. There was one that focused on the bond between a man and his car. While I understand the placement, I hoped for deleted scenes or something that added to the film. This shows that you can't add much to this masterpiece.There are very few films that I set out to see. Gran Torino was a recommendation from a friend, and I now recommend it. The film explores racism in a light that hasn't been touched before. Eastwood's performance was astounding. The writing did an excellent job of exploring Walt's struggles without slowing the film's pace. The ending of the film is one that most may not see coming.I strongly recommend seeing Gran Torino. This is a great addition to any library. It touches the subject of racism in an entertaining way that I haven't seen before.

Actor/Director Clint Eastwood (Forgiveness (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004) plus many more) gives an outstanding performance and once again proves his directing skills in this movie about an old Korean War Veteran who is full of hate toward everyone in his life. Following the death of his wife, Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is alone and full of disgust for everyone in his life, especially those whom he feels have taken over his neighborhood. He remembers back on days gone by when he knew everyone around him. Now he looks around and sees only foreigners who have taken over his life. Following a number of incidents, one involving his neighbor, a Hmong teenage boy, and his Gran Torino, Walt (Eastwood) embarks on a journey of self discovery, he is befriended by the boys ... MoreActor/Director Clint Eastwood (Forgiveness (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004) plus many more) gives an outstanding performance and once again proves his directing skills in this movie about an old Korean War Veteran who is full of hate toward everyone in his life. Following the death of his wife, Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is alone and full of disgust for everyone in his life, especially those whom he feels have taken over his neighborhood. He remembers back on days gone by when he knew everyone around him. Now he looks around and sees only foreigners who have taken over his life. Following a number of incidents, one involving his neighbor, a Hmong teenage boy, and his Gran Torino, Walt (Eastwood) embarks on a journey of self discovery, he is befriended by the boys sister and Walt discovers there is more to life than hate and bitterness. The story flows from the beginning as we get to know the characters and leads to a surprisingly touching ending where Walt (Eastwood) shows his true spirit. This movie deals with intolerance, racism and ignorance of others and shows that even the most hate filled individual can be won over with love and kindness. I recommend that you watch this movie and perhaps you will walk away with a different view of life. Rated 5 of 5 stars for a movie that should be seen by everyone and will be enjoyed by all who see it.