Clint Eastwood's penultimate acting performance

Rating: 10/10 (13 December 2010)

I'd like to think of myself as a movie aficionado - alas, I began my Clint Eastwood experience later in my life and I have now seen about 10 of his movies. Out of all of the movies so far, this must be at the top of the list, if not for his directing skills, but his outstanding acting.
At 78 years old, Eastwood delivers possibly his finest acting performance of his storied, legendary career - not only in his delivery, but in his all-out involvement and dedication to portraying the gritty, war hardened bigot, Walt Kowalski. I have seen other posters claim that this character has been played before by Eastwood, and this may be true; however, none of his characters have ever gone as in depth and complex as Kowalski. Hard and crusty on the outside with a warm and difficult center, Eastwood explores the inner conflict of a hardened Korean war veteran who has a severe disconnect with his own family, and one who is very alone and seems content being so. Living in a gang-infested area of suburban Detroit, Walt seems to be all alone; however, he takes an interest in an Asian family that lives next store - only after the young boy Thao is caught by him trying to steal his vintage 1972 Gran Torino SuperSport. Thao is then forced to work for Walt as payment for his actions, and during this time, Walt grows close to the young boy and becomes sort of a role model to him. This relationship spreads to the rest of his family, especially his sister whom he also becomes very close with. The result of these relationships is something very special ultimately brings out the best in Eastwood.
Without saying any more about the movie, I was thoroughly impressed by Eastwood's incredible performance - one for the ages.