Gran Torino is a fine vehicle, wonderfully touching and real, but, tears may fall for many viewers

Rating: 8/10 (14 January 2009)

Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is a retired automobile lineman, living in or around Detroit. He has just lost his wife and his relationship with his two sons and their families is somewhat strained as well. Therefore, he is mostly a solitary creature, taking superb care of his house and lawn and spending most of his days alone with his dog, Daisy. The neighborhood around his home is in decay, because those with the means to maintain their homes are moving out and the poorer folks are moving in. In fact, the house next to Walt's holds three generations of Hmong immigrants, much to Walt's disgust. That's because he is, first, somewhat of a bigot and, second, because he has haunting memories of the time he spent in the Korean War, killing the "enemy". One day, two of the Hmong neighbors, daughter Sue (Ahney Her) and son Thao (Bee Vang) are harassed by a gang of other Hmong low-lifes. It is Walt who comes to their rescue, telling the riffraffs to get off the block. Suddenly, he is a hero to the Hmong and, reluctantly, Walt strikes up a friendship with Sue and Thao, much to his surprise. But, even though Walt helps the sensitive Thao learn how repair things and start a job in the construction industry, the gang members refuse to leave him and his lovely sister, Sue, alone. What will it take to bring an end to their threats and actions? At 78, Eastwood has nothing more to prove, yet he has produced another stunning winner. Although it is not quite as worthy as Mystic River (that is one of the greatest films of all time) or Million Dollar Baby, Clint has still created a beautifully complex movie that will fascinate and touch viewers everywhere. With his portrayal of a repugnant bigot, first glance, Eastwood is at his best, showing Walt, also, as a gritty and determined war veteran and hard-working American. His Kowalski, too, is quite comical in his incessant racially-charged put-downs and his guttural groans which harken back to Lurch on the Addams Family! Without a doubt, this is the terrific performance of a cinematic master. Also quite wonderful are Vang and Her as the targeted siblings, each giving heart-breaking yet comical turns as the sensitive people who can't escape the bullying of others. All other cast members, including Christopher Carley as a caring priest, are just marvelous, too. The setting in Detroit (or Hamtramck?) is also a wonder, making one sad for the loss of a great city in these times but making one admire the strength of those who have stayed. Costumes, cinematography, and other production values are great, also. As for the story and its direction, they will grab the viewer by the gut and never let go. In short, Gran Torino is a terrific film vehicle which never runs out of fuel. Every viewer will feel immensely rewarded as the closing credits roll.