Gran Torino is a 2008 American drama film that was directed by, produced by and starring Clint Eastwood. The film marks Eastwood’s return to a lead acting role after four years – his last leading role being Million Dollar Baby. Its been on a limited release in North America since December 12, and I happened to be lucky enough to see it the other day.
In Gran Torino, Eastwood stars as Walt Kowalski, a retired Polish American Ford automobile assembly line worker and a Korean War veteran (who is still haunted by the killings in that war), who lives with his Labrador Retriever Daisy in a changing Highland Park, Michigan neighborhood which is now dominated by immigrants – mainly second generation Hmong immigrants from Southeast Asia.
Walt is a widower, with two sons and their families who have forgotten him or are trying to, and he’s also bitter, deeply racist and desperately lonely. His only comforts are his dog and his mint-condition Gran Torino motor car which he helped make during his years at the Ford plant.
Gran Torino is a simple but still somewhat complicated movie, and what is clear is that despite him getting up there in age, Clint Eastwood still knows how to make a good movie. His screen presence is still quite captivating and his performance on camera is simply outstanding. I won’t reveal much of what happens in the movie in this review, all I’ll say is that it’s a five-star movie and you should go see it.
Submitted by Stephanie T., Los Angeles, CA.
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