The story portrays the diverse cultures in America today

Rating: 8/10 (9 January 2009)

(Synopsis) Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) has just lost his wife and his children want him to move out of the old neighborhood and move into a senior citizens' home. Walt doesn't want to move even though more Asian people live in his Detroit neighborhood than Americans. Walt has a problem with Asians ever since he fought them in the Korean War. This prejudice explodes when Thao, the teenage son of the Hmong family next door, tries to steal his mint condition 1972 Grand Torino car. Thao (played by Bee Vang) was pressured by an Asian gang to steal the car as an initiation rite. To regain the family's honor, Thao is forced to work for Walt. Walt begins to protect Thao from the gangs and soon he becomes a target.
(My Comment) The story portrays the diverse cultures of America and the issues of immigrates assimilating into a white America. The theme of bigotry and the clash of cultures relates to real life in America today. Walt is a crusty 78 year-old bigot who lives in the past and is at odds with the modern world. He is near the end of his life, and he realizes that he cannot find peace without getting involved by helping his Asian neighbors. He finds true friendship where he least expects it. Clint Eastwood creates a character that you can care about and root for in the end. Clint's screen presence is impressive and his performance superb. It is simply a good story about the bonds that are formed in life and in death. I hope this is not Clint's swan song in front of the camera. (Warner Bros., Run Time 1:56, Rated R)(8/10)