Another first-rate film from Eastwood

Rating: 9/10 (6 January 2009)

Let me preface by saying that I am an Eastwood fan. His films are thoughtful and purposeful; and they explore characters, their motivations, histories and relationships. They have action, but not just mindless car chases and explosions. That said, Gran Torino is a terrific film, but it may not appeal to everyone.
You may be uncomfortable with some of the dialog and characterizations in the film. You may not like some of the bitterly racist comments that Walter Kowalski(Eastwood) utters in the film, but then that's partly the point of the film, isn't it? Walter, ("don't call me Wally") recent widower, is an apparently bitter racist, one of the last of his kind on his block in an inner city neighborhood. The film explores his relationships (or lack of them) with his family, and with the Hmong family next door. Slowly, the reasons for his bitterness(actually self-loathing) are revealed.
The acting was generally very good. Eastwood convincingly plays his part with both strength and vulnerability. Even at his age, his toughness is believable, facing down various street gangs as well as his own family. Thao(Bee Vang) and Sue (Ahney Her), the young Hmong siblings from next door, have no acting credits listed in IMDb, but they have proved that they deserve more opportunities to act in future films. Vang especially convincingly demonstrated a range of emotions, from a meek timidness to an anger demanding vengeance (and a lot in between).
The film also explores the plight of older people and their changing status, poignantly revealed when one of Kowalski's sons brings his father a "grabber" and a telephone with huge keypad for his birthday presents, some items Kowalski obviously doesn't feel ready for.
The film loses some points for a little too much sentimentality (especially from Kowalski's overly-emoting canine friend, Daisy), and for some characterizations that are too extreme, almost cliché. But if you are honest about it, you might see people you recognize in the film--you might even see some of your own relationships or situations. That's really what I like best about Clint Eastwood films, and I hope you do too!