Good Movie....Good Theme....

Rating: Null/10 (29 October 2011)

Gran Torino is a film produced, directed and starring Clint Eastwood. Clint Eastwood as Walt, Bee Vang is Thao and Ahney Her is Sue Thao's older sister. Walt is a hardened, retired, factory worker and veteran from the Korean War. Walt begrudgingly becomes attached to his Asian neighbors when he responds to Thao being attacked by gang members. His 1972 Gran Torino is a prized automobile that Walt seems to cherish more than anything or anyone. It becomes a symbol of Walt who demands respect and refuses to give in to the violence that has inhabited his neighborhood. He helps his neighbors who in turn help Walt face his bigotry and reclusiveness.
Walt is shown as a bitter man who has lost his wife of 50 years. He seems to have some type of illness when he is shown coughing up blood. He tries to keep his illness from his family and neighbors, which seems to exemplify his reclusiveness. When Thao and his sister Sue get to know Walt they form an unusual alliance, although Walt continues to remain aloof he is showing signs of change. Throughout the film Walt is seen protecting his neighborhood and subsequently his neighbors from violence.
The film seemed to vary between light and dark areas which created dramatic and powerful images in each of the more pronounced scenes. The final scene where Walt confronts gang members is shot at night, which gives the scene a very dramatic air to enhance the violence. The high angle shot used during the scene where Walt confronts gang members from his front porch allows you to look down at the gang members. This gives you the impression that Walt is above this type of behavior and is there to help the underdog. The camera seems to follow Walt so that you are anticipating his every move even though you have a good idea of what is coming next.
In the end, Walt makes a powerful statement regarding humanity and the need to help others as a way of helping yourself. Walt makes many sacrifices during the movie although he sees them as protecting himself and his home rather than helping others. This was a very good movie with a universal theme, I would recommend this movie. This movie is similar to the theme in, "Finding Forrester" an older man who is a recluse and finds his way back to society through helping a young man in need.