An excellent latter-day Eastwood vehicle.

Rating: 8/10 (11 August 2019)

Producer & director & star Clint Eastwood here fashioned a completely disarming fable that showcases him to memorable effect. Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is a retired Ford auto worker who's just lost his beloved wife of many years. He's also a Korean War veteran who's very free with his politically incorrect views, and doesn't particularly care for the Hmong immigrants that have moved into his neighbourhood. All the same, he finds himself driven to look out for the troubled teenager (Bee Vang as Thao) who lives next door. When things get ugly and melodramatic, Walt rationally looks at ways to remove negative influences from Thao's life.
"Gran Torino" (the title taking itself from the 1972 vintage automobile that is Walts' prized possession) is compelling every step of the way, with Clint doing extremely well in the colourful lead role. His evolution as a character is central to the story (concocted by Nick Schenk and Dave Johannson), and it's believable and realistic all the way. Walt doesn't just miraculously shed himself of racist views overnight. We can see that he's become something along the lines of a stereotypical Grumpy Old Man, but Clint always makes him a real human being and not a cartoon character. The other characters are also treated respectfully and interestingly, and while the subplot with the Hmong gang may ultimately drive the tale into more conventional melodrama trappings, Clint keeps things rooted with an interest in ruminating on the whole idea of life and death. Walt may have lived the bulk of his life already and have little to lose, but he doesn't want to see his new friend blow it all for the sake of vengeance.
The supporting cast is variable, but the earnestness of Vang, and Ahney Her as his sassy sister, does count for something. The gang members are the kind of unrepentant scum who make for absolutely perfect villains. Clint anchors everything with an appealing, nuanced performance that *could* be viewed as an aged variation on Dirty Harry Callahan, but in truth is something deeper and more affecting. He's always been ambitious in terms of performances and projects, and here we get to see him flex typically sharp filmmaking muscle.
Not to be missed, for any fan of classic film stars such as Clint.
Music composed by Michael Stevens & Clint's son Kyle; another son, Scott, appears on screen as Trey.
Eight out of 10.