An American classic film genre revived by Eastwood

Rating: 8/10 (31 December 2008)

I luckily saw this film and it is a great film, opening up the dialog between changing times, cultures and just doing the right thing. Clint Eastwood brings his charismatic charms as the rough neck American who had served in the Korean War, where it seems some psychological trauma still haunts him. After the war he is leading what seemed to be a good life, having two sons and taking care of his Gran Torino. However, it is the typical, mid-western attitude that grows into a more understanding that everyone is human, which brings the film up a level.
As Eastwood's character begins to see his age is beginning to take on a final run on him, he discovers his pals and old neighbors are no longer. The neighborhood is not what it used to be, his kids are not what he had imagined they would be and most of all... he is bitter and battered... something the Korean War scarred him with. And now his neighborhood now being populated by the Hmong/Mong people of asia (near cambodia and Vietnam).
Through a series of events, the story also takes place around his neighbor's young boy who is a good kid, too young to be bad. But is cornered by a gang into trying to steal Walt's Gran Torino. The Hmong family finds out what happened and also see that Walt helped the young boy when the gang came up to take him. This opens up communication between the two neighbors... in his own way, Walt grows a little, heals a little and becomes bonded with some of his Hmong neighbors who keep bringing him food and gifts (Hmong tradition) for his good deeds to his neighbors. At first, he is confused and resistant, but eventually warms up a bit. It is touching, great character development and acting on Eastwood's part. Using no name actors brought authenticity to the film, it became that much more believable and down to earth.
However, as one grows fond and attached to the characters, the greatest deed is done at the end by Walt, in what seemingly may be his way of forgiving himself for the horrible things he did in the Korean War. I really liked the film, Eastwood is one of my favorites and I thought lately thing were drying up for him, but this revived his renaissance. I would recommend this film to anyone for a good drama.