Gran Torino: Review By PUNISHER

Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) has just lost his wife. Not wanting pity but being surrounded by those giving nothing but pity, Walt isnt happy. He simlpy wants to be alone and live the rest of his days quietly in peace. But that just isnt in the cards for Walt. His simlpe existence is about to get shaken up a bit.

A family of Koreans just moved in next door and Walt being the racist he is, isnt too delighted with their arrival. Bit by bit though he realizes they arent half bad, in fact they could be friends.

Walt gets close to the new neighbor boy, Tao but feels that he is to weak and chooses to toughen him up a bit. Tao is torn between a normal life and a life of being in a gang. He wants the normal life but the gang life has its persuasions. But under the close eye of his new friend Walt this "normal life" isnt so impossible after all.

Walt reluctantly puts his quiet life aside to protect this family from this gang terrorizing them, particularly Tao. After an unforgivable act of violence on Tao's sister Walt goes into action, sort of. Everyone is expecting Walt, a retired Korean War Veteran, to retaliate and to do so harshly. Walt must weigh his options first before striking.

Clint Eastwood stars in, directs, and produces this wonderful film about learning to care for others again. Also starring relative unkonwns are Cory Hardrict, Brian Haley, Brian Howe, Dreama Walker, Christopher Carley. Together they make a film worth your time, money, and a movie worth remembering.

A man who at the moment only had two loves in his life; His dog and his 1972 Gran Torino learns that he could have more if he only opens up his heart and mind. Something unexpected and good could come from it. But has stubborn as Walt is, I think its safe to say easier said than done, but not impossible.