Gran Torino: Review By Rama's SCREEN

Clint Eastwood’s latest movie proves that he may be old but he can take on anyone. GRAN TORINO is his most entertaining film yet, but I wouldn’t call it Oscar worthy. It’s often funny and surprisingly profound, It’s another story of self-redemption and the willingness to be progressive while… clinging to the values held dearly, just like the 1972 car that’s still in mint condition as time goes by. An inheritance to an unlikely new owner. Just to make clear once again, this is a movie that reminds all of us that Clint Eastwood is the ultimate badass.

At one point there was a rumor that this might be like another installment of Dirty Harry movie, the rumor was false but after seeing this movie, I think it’s fair to say that yes, it’s kinda like watching old Harry Callahan returning with his “go ahead, make my day” attitude. Maybe it wasn’t Clint’s intention to make his character, Walt, appears that way but that’s the impression you’ll get.

I like the simplicity of this movie, it doesn’t try too hard to be more than than what it is. That’s what I always admire about Clint’s direction.

Great casting decision too because even the hmong actors can certainly carry their parts, very convincing.

You’ll love the film’s way of showing Walt socializing and interacting with Hmong family, how in the Asian culture we would often have gatherings with so much food and we would know how to say thank you by offering more food. I as an Asian, enjoy this movie very much, but any ethnic can relate to it as well.

Excellent story by Dave Johannson and great screenplay by Nick Schenk, there’s character development, you’ll never get bored and it all leads to one momentous ending. I like the metaphors or comparison, if you will, between the car and Clint's character Walt himself, the hmong family and his family, the way he treats the gangbangers as if he was back in Korean War. The story has so much prejudice and racist humor but it makes every element seem so mild and casual like a part everyday normal conversation among friends. I don’t think anybody watching this would get offended, if any, I think they’d probably find it funny and laugh because let’s face it, even when we claim to never say such things, we think about it, don’t we?! Anybody confesses otherwise is a hypocrite.

I don’t think I’ll ever figure out Clint Eastwood’s fascination with Asian people but I’m glad movies like this are made and there should more. It teaches tolerance and understanding. Clint’s character Walt, sees Tao the next door neighbor kid as a second chance to mentor him like a son because he’s failed raising his own son the right way. I think he finds it humbling to know that the neighbors of different race respect him genuinely as opposed to the fake gesture his family often gives him. All his life, all he knows is how to fight, to defend himself, to strike first ask questions later, to love America and view every other country is an enemy, but he later on realizes that there’s a better way to teach Tao about life and death, a more heroic way that would end all conflict.