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Cynical Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski played by Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby, Blood Work, Outlaw Josey Wales, Unforgiven, etc) must confront his Hmong immigrant neighbors- and his own long- held prejudices-when the family's tennage son, Thao (Bee Vang), tries to steal Walt's beloved 1972 Gran Torino. Walt soon assumes the unlikely role of guardian angel to young Thao and his sister Sue (Ahney Her), both of whom are vulnerable to local gang influences. The movie is also directed by Eastwood who has done his best work recently as director in such movies as CHANGELING, LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA, FLAGS of OUR FATHERS, MYSTIC RIVER, etc. and here he does another excellent job of acting/directing. While not having quite as much action as many of Eastwoods movies-it does have a bit of a surprise ending that many will want to go another way. Overall, this is a very good movie that will give most Drama movie lovers a good night of entertainment and that devotees of Clint Eastwood s movies will find to be a mandatory purchase. Good movie overall.Read full review
The TV previews for this film would have you believe that Dirty Harry was back, trading his badge for a Social Security card; such is not the case. This is the story of Walt Kowalski, a retired auto worker, Korean War vet going through changes in his life; the death of his wife, illness, declining neighborhood with an influx of Asian immigrants, alienation with his family, and fiercely maintaining his independence. His only anchors are his home and a 1972 Ford Gran Torino he helped assemble at an auto plant 50 years ago, and has pride in keeping in immaculate condition. But life has changes in store for Walt's self-imposed isolation. Yes, there is profanity, firearms, and violence, but in the context of powerful drama. The ending is a surprise, but not totally unexpected. This is masterful, new-era Eastwood, but Dirty Harry fans will be better served by the new, Blu-Ray Ultimate Dirty Harry collection. "Get off my lawn!" will NEVER replace the popular catchphrase "Make my day!".Read full review
...And not many can pull that off. I pride myself in having seen every Clint Eastwood movie. Some were good, some were so-so, some were outstanding. Before watching "Gran Torino" I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was it was about an aging Korean vet living in a neighborhood with Asians. A clash of cultures, prejudice and especially war memories. Eastwood's character doesn't respect Asians; in fact he hates every aspect of them as well as their culture. But he learns as he gets to know them. The friendship between Walt and the Asian boy develops as the movie progresses. I am not going to spoil the end of this gem of a movie but I want to say that the ending could make you feel sad, but it doesn't. Very weird but that's the magic of movie making and Eastwood proves yet again he's a pro before as well as behind the camera. I can't recall having enjoyed a simple movie like this over the past couple of years. It's a delight to watch. Yes, Clint is older, but he's not ready for a retirement home, meaning he can still kick butt (and does so)! In fact his character could be described as an old and cranky Dirty Harry but with moral standards and a touch of humanity. Even if you're not an Eastwood fan, this is truly a great movie from start to finish. I would even go this far in saying that it surely ranks as one of the zeniths of his career. Thank you Clint. You were and are a giant!Read full review
A well made film which deals with a myraid of topics, love, hate, loss, regret, estrangement from fathers and sons, the pallid comfort of a ritualized spiritual life founded superstition and little else, friendship in budding, blooming and full bloom stages. It underscores the fact that life is worth dying for if it comes to that but to be true to yourself and to aid a friend is the highest give of a human life. I read the review of this film and the critics should find another profession if their is one left for them to find. In short, "I am my brother's keeper."
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Gran Torino is a multi-layered movie which is brilliantly acted by all involved showing the personal challenges faced by an aging auto worker played by Clint Eastwood faces as his neighborhoods changes due to immigration, gang violence increases, and how prejudices can be overcome when people open their hearts to see each other as people. While Eastwood was pass over for an Oscar nomination by his Hollywood peers, the film was given the award for best foreign film at Hollywood's counterpart movie awards in Europe. Highly recommended, even if you are not a fan of Clint Eastwood. This is not a Dirty Harry movie. It is a complex, well written, well acted, moving story that will touch anyone with an open heart. This is not an "action" movie. It is cultural change movie about the underlying values we share as Americans. I recently was on a plane talking to my seat mate about movies who brought up Gran Torino as a great movie overlooked by Hollywood. I heartily agree. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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