Editor Comment, 24/11/2009
Gran Torino is a very watchable film about age, race and redemption; it's wise, insightful and provides a gentle humour - an effortless masterpiece!
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Iain McDougall, 01/08/2009
Clint Eastwood stars in his final movie portraying Walt Kowalski. He is a cantankerous and bitter Korean War veteran. He displays a large Stars and Stripes flag on the front of his house. After his wife's' funeral he realises that he is all alone in the world and the fact that his children attempt to put him in a home whilst giving him his birthday gifts only compounds the issue. The community is dominated by Hmong and Latin immigrants. He is constantly hassled by his priest to go to confession which was his wife's' dying wish.
The film comes to life when his neighbour Thao attempts to steal his vintage Gran Torino as a gang initiation. He becomes embroiled with his neighbours struggles to keep Thao from the grips of a Hmong gang. The relationship between Thao,Sue (his sister) and Walt develops throughout the movie and his acceptance of the Hmong culture is truly enlightening.
It is a journey of discovery for the grumpy old man and the conclusion is very emotional and is not the typical ending to a Clint Eastwood (Dirty Harry) movie.
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Stuart Donaldson, 10/07/2009
This film is an understated masterpiece,don't be fooled by the trailer,it is far deeper and socially concious than that.
The premise is refreshing and interesting,the quality of dialogue and support players is very good.
For a Director/Actor to opt for a story like this so late in such a distinguished career he has picked the right screenplay.
Far from Gung Ho it is a genuine honest film and a fitting tribute to Clint Eastwood's genius.
Brilliant.
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