The Prized Drive

Rating: 7/10 (10 January 2010)

Some people are born dissatisfied. Fussy about small things. Too prejudiced about race, culture and custom. They hate change. Think that world should go their way, else they don't give a damn. And if such a person has a military background who has seen many deaths in war, then the world seems a vicious circle to him and everyone seems to be either an enemy or a victim. Walt is such an old man, disregarded by his own family, waiting to die in his old house, surrounded by Hmong neighbourhood. His hatred towards his neighbours was equally reciprocated. But one kind act, even if inadvertent, can change this hostility. And something happened that changed this prejudice. The racial barrier is removed. Fondness increased. Love blossomed. Self discovery happened. And sacrifice ensued.
I have high regard for Clint Eastwood both as an actor and as a director. This movie strengthens that regard. You will simultaneously fall in love with, despise, adore, laugh at, be awed at Eastwood as the grouchy oldie. Other actors were average, if not good. The story realistic and characters believable. With a subtle message of freeing self from racial biases, the movie is quite moving.
Don't miss the prized drive in the Gran Torino.
(Originally published @ weirdo-on-movies.blogspot.com)