Grandpa Torino

Rating: 8/10 (10 January 2009)

The plot of the story you most likely know so I'll skip that and just give you my 2 measly cents.
Clint's latest flick of self-change, bravery and having an open mind is definitely another solid flick from this phenom of an actor/director. Gran Torino isn't perfect like his past pictures like Million Dollar Baby or Letters and Flag, but it succeeds like those do in giving messages.
The film's really only gripe is the acting by the Hmong characters. I don't know why exactly that they all seemed to have zero acting experience but I'm sure Clint had a hand in that. Probably to make the movie seem more authentic he chose non-actors to be casted. And actually it works if you think about it that way. It's a guess, but it really seems that was the case.
The story and the message he was delivering to people his own age is what stood out for me. I can't count how many times I've seen old timers be flat out racist or just express themselves as if the problems they were plagued by years and years ago are still a legit reason to be crotchety today. Stubbornness, narrow-minded ideals are major issues with war vets and children of the years past. It's obvious this will most likely be an ever-present problem but with Clint's celebrity and his loyal following of people who grew up with him, I'm sure it'll sink in some of these old farts heads that this is the sure way to think. Even for a young guy like myself I take these lessons displayed and try to keep my mind from becoming close-minded.
So next time I hit up the local dive bar, the YMCA or anywhere for that matter and I hear a disgruntled old poop talk about his 30+ year issues, I'll tell him/her to watch Gran Torino. Then they'll probably tell me they don't watch movies.....