Magnificent

Rating: Null/10 (17 December 2009)

Walt Kowalski is a widower who holds onto his prejudices despite the changes in his Michigan neighborhood and the world around him. He is a grumpy, tough-minded, unhappy old man who's angry at the world and doesn't get along with his kids. He's a a Korean War veteran and his most prized possession is a 1972 Gran Torino.When his neighbor Thao, a young Hmong teenager under pressure from his gang member cousin, tries to steal his Gran Torino, Kowalski sets out to reform the youth. Drawn against his will into the life of Thao's family, Kowalski is soon taking steps to protect them from the gangs that infest their neighborhood... Gran Torino is a magnificent movie. Clint Eastwood who had double duty, directed and starred, delivered a terrific performance as Walt Kowalski in this simple yet very powerful story. Yes, Walt is angry at the world; but how could he not be when he sees his neighborhood filled with gangs? How could he not be when he sees the way today's youth behave? His wife just pasted away and he's alone in his house,no one cares about him and basically there's no place in the world for him. He also doesn't get along with his sons, but how could he when they are shallow and materialistic? That's what's so great about this film, it's a tremendous character study but it also makes you reflect and consider the world we live in. When Walt befriends Thao, his life, slowly but surely, gains a new meaning even if he doesn't admit it and Thao gains something as well; a much needed male role model. Trough the course of the film, Walt helps Thao making the transition from boy to man and gives him tools ( metaphorical tools, not the ones he gave him for construction) to go out on the world and be someone. In the end Walt makes a sacrifice so that Thao and his family remain safe. Besides Eastwood, there's also Christopher Carley as the well intentioned Father Janovich and Bee Vang as Thao. I was disappointed with Bee Vang's acting and I felt it didn't match the the quality of the film but the screenplay is so strong that I was able to overlook this flaw. The film has quite a few funny moments but this is not a light story, however, thanks to Eastwood's direction, it's a very well balanced film and one not to be missed. Definitely one of the best films of 2008.
9/10