Clint Eastwood at his finest

Rating: 9/10 (29 April 2012)

Set in present day Detroit, Gran Torino stars Clint Eastwood as the recently widowed Walt Kowalski, a veteran of the Korean War and retired line worker from Ford Motor Company. The supporting roles in the film are played by actor Bee Vang as Thao and actress Ahney Her as Sue. Gran Torino is a film about relationships, tolerance and diversity. Most of all it's about friendship and what we are willing to sacrifice to give the people we care about a chance at a better life.
Grant Torino is about Walk Kowalski, a man, who has suffered with guilt since his days during the Korean War. Since the passing of his wife, Walt has very little to look forward to and his life no longer has purpose. He is your typical angry, bitter, grumpy old man set in his ways and ideals. Walt has very little tolerance for diversity. He's constantly using racial slurs when talking to or about his Hmong next door neighbors, Thao and Sue.
Without thinking Walt reacts to the threat of danger quickly, and protects Thao from members of a gang who are trying to recruit him. News travels fast in the Hmong community and Walt becomes somewhat of a hero after this incident. Walt unwillingly begins friendships with both Thao and Sue. Sue is as quick witted as Walt. She isn't afraid to call him out and she is not intimidated by his anger. Walt has met his match with Sue and he appreciates her candidness. Walt's relationship with Thao is very different. Thao is quiet, shy, and intimidated by Walt. Walt sees an opportunity with Thao to teach and help him become a better man. Walt soon realizes he has more in common with them then he realized.
The film was shot on rough-grain film, creating a better connection to the location. The film stock selection contributes to the look and feel of the hopelessness that surrounds the area in which Walt lives. It also makes the story seem real. This could be your town or someone you know. As the Director, Clint Eastwood made great use of lighting. Light and shadow change to match the inter turmoil his character feels. When Walt is experiencing happier emotions, there is very little use of shadow, light comes through. In his darkest moments, there is very little light. As a viewer we need to adjust our focus to really see what is transpiring on the screen. This use of light and shadow allow us as viewers to see the different dimensions of Walt.
Gran Torino is a great film about how if we are tolerant to diversity, relationships we never wanted or intended may develop. We might find out they are however, exactly what we needed and we'll be surprised at what we're willing to sacrifice to give people a chance.