It goes out with a bang

Rating: 9/10 (28 January 2009)

I saw this movie on opening day and the theater was packed and loud, but when the movie openedsilence. When the 1 hour and 56 minute film ended, the silence was gone and there was some applause. My point, "Gran Torino" is a captivating film. It's not the typical shoot 'em up bang 'em up like a lot of Eastwood films, nor is it about emotional intensity (even though there is some of both in the movie).
This movie is about a single, aging man, looking out at the world from a cynical viewpoint. He's estranged to his family and can't stand his neighbors who happen to be all Oriental. Yet when a young boy tries to steal his Gran Torino, he develops a unique relationship with him. I know this sound like the previews, but there's much more to it that I won't give away.
But I will mention that Clint, who I think can relate a lot to the character he portrays, gives probably his best performance since "Unforgiven." I am shocked and disappointed that he didn't receive an Oscar nomination. I was also impressed with the other cast members, particularly with Ahney Her as Sue. She stands as a comic relief in the film as well as someone you would want to befriend. As with Bee Vang as Tao, he's decent, but there are times in the film where he seems to be just reading his lines rather than putting oomph in his character.
I also enjoyed the song that Clint wrote and performed at the end of the film "Gran Torino" which was nominated for a Golden Globe, but is robbed of an Oscar nomination. The other uses in the film such as editing, directing, and music all added substance to the film. And surprisingly for a picture by Clint Eastwood it has a lot of humor (most which is racial), and also some sad parts to it. If it's true that this is the last film Clint will star in, then he made an excellent farewell with a bang.
My rating: ***1/2 out of ****