Gran Torino shows Clint Eastwood in great form

Rating: 8/10 (27 February 2009)

The film is about a Korean war veteran, Walt Kowalski, who lives with his dog. He'd lost his wife recently and doesn't have a good relationship with his sons. Walt is bitter and tormented by the war's ghosts. Besides, he's getting annoyed with the increasing presence of immigrants in his neighborhood.
One of his neighbors, an Asian boy named Thao, tries to steal his car, a 1972 Gran Torino, in order to be accepted in a gang but is stopped by Walt and his gun. After some events, Walt and Thao become friends while having to deal with the violence of the street gang.
I think the script is very good. It explores themes such as racism, friendship, anger, revenge and redemption in a creative (and sometimes funny) way. It's about life and death and how the death of one person can bring life to another. Clint Eastwood does a great job reviving his "tough-guy" type but this time with lots of emotion and experience. Very Good!