Today’s quick review: Gran Torino. Following the death of his wife, Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), a Korean War veteran with a short temper, lives by himself in a neighborhood increasingly populated by Hmong immigrants. He earns the gratitude of his Asian neighbors when he drives off a local gang, sparking an unlikely friendship with Sue (Ahney Her). At Sue’s urging, Walt also takes Thao (Bee Vang), her unassertive teenage brother, under his wing.
Gran Torino is a drama starring and directed by Clint Eastwood. Gran Torino tells the story of a racially prejudiced old man and his evolving relationship with his immigrant neighbors. The film combines realistic characters, themes of friendship and responsibility, and a mundane but moving story to make for an oddly satisfying watch. A pure drama, Gran Torino accomplishes what it sets out to do without the crutches of comedy or action.
As much as anything, Gran Torino is a character study of Walt Kowalski. Proud, stubborn, and quick to judge, Walt is a hard man to get along with. Yet his rough exterior hides a complex character with deep-set values and a loyal heart. Walt develops respect for anyone who’s unwilling to take his barbs and slurs lying down, leading him to form a reluctant friendship with Sue, a Hmong woman who lives next door and has just as much backbone as he does.
The other major part of the movie is the relationship between Walt and Thao. Thao has the brains to go far, but his shy personality makes him an outcast in his community. Walt eventually agrees to mentor the boy, first by assigning him chores and then by imparting his hard-earned wisdom about life, responsibility, and masculinity. Their relationship forms the heart of the movie and gives Gran Torino much of its impact.
Watch Gran Torino when you’re in the mood for a serious, well-crafted reflection on life. Excellent character development and a couple of top-notch dramatic moments make Gran Torino well worth a watch, even for those who don’t normally go for drama. Steer clear if you’re looking for something light or action-packed. For a more upbeat story about a grumpy older man, check out Up. For an even more moving drama, try The Shawshank Redemption.
8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for complex characters and a moving story.