Gran Torino: Review By JT's Movie Page

Gran Torino Review

By J.T. Johnson

Director: Clint Eastwood

Cast: Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Vang, Ahney Her

Gran Torino finally got its wide release on January 9 and, therefore, makes this the first film reviewed for 2009. The film follows Walt Kowalski (Eastwood), a bitter, old, racist man who has just lost his wife and just wants people to leave him alone including the new Hmong neighbors who just moved in next door. However, after catching one of them trying to steal his 1972 Gran Torino as an initiation into a gang, he slowly begins to form a friendship with the family and starts facing his own inner demons.

For the first film in 2009, this is perfect start. Clint Eastwood has always been a powerful director and this is no exception. Using a wonderful script by Nick Schenk, Eastwood expertly crafts a film about a man who not only has to come to terms with his own faults but needs to find a way to protect his newfound family from having their souls tainted by the gangs that terrorize them. The film's main character of Walt will surely go down as one of Eastwood's best along with Dirty Harry and the Man with No Name. As a matter of fact, this may not be Dirty Harry, but that character's ghost is all over this film.

The only thing I think people might get a little upset about is the pace of the film. It takes its time and while this may seem annoying, it really helps tell the story's narrative and it did not bother me in the least.

This film truly surprised me. A five star film right out of the gate and a healthy contender for best film of the year. Clint Eastwood has since said that this film is probably his last starring role in a film. If that is the case, then Eastwood has left us with one of his most memorable characters.

5 / 5 Stars - Classic