Gran Torino A must watch movie

Rating: 9/10 (12 April 2012)

After recently watching the movie Gran Torino I felt great pleasure. As the story is very compelling to the audience it drives you in an emotional adventure. In many parts of the movie you may laugh but in others it takes you into a very deep drama. Gran Torino presents Clint Eastwood in his last stages of life. Despite being old he still shows off his great acting and director skills. As well he presents his authentic style that analyzes social problems behind the story line.
The story focuses on the life on an ex Korean War veteran who lives in a neighborhood in Detroit overruled by gangs and social conflicts. He hates his neighbors who are Hmongs although this relationship changes as he gets to meet them and spend time with them. He makes a special bond with two Hmong adolescents called Thao and Sue. He starts to take him behind his wing and also protects them from taking the wrong path.
Most of the cast has a very good performance that enhances the connection with the audience. Clint Eastwood perhaps his age shows that he should still be at the front of the camera as an actor. He scores a stunning performance by showing us a very hardheaded veteran that can make you laugh at times. He also acts very natural showing his unique and long experience as an actor. He also gets to show us a more compassionate side as he gets to meet the Hmong family. Thao, the Hmong child is acted by Bee Vang despite being his first big performance as an actor shows that he has some skill but certainly needs to be polished. The same happens with Sue who is played by Amber Herr who shows that she might have some potential. Although some of the younger performance was bad at times the movie still is a gem.
I have many favorites parts of the movie. The change in drama and humor made it very appealing. One of my favorite parts was when Walt (Clint Eastwood) teaches Thao (Bee Vang) how to talk like man. He takes him to the barbershop and teaches him how old school man used to talk. Another favorite part of the movie is when Walt (Clint Eastwood) points with his finger as a gun trigger at the gang members to protect Thao. Their relationship turns to be as well one of my favorite parts as well. Some of the parts that I didn't enjoy as much was when Walt at first shows to have a very racist behavior towards Hmong people. The music goes in hand with the scenes in the movie making them more enjoyable. Although Gran Torino may be classified to different genres, I would classify it as drama. This movie can be compared to The Shawshank Redemption sharing the same emotional deepness. Both movies as well shares different themes and analyze social problems.
Gran Torino is a reflection of today's society. What makes it very interesting is how Walt gets uncomfortable seeing how much society has changed over years and how many values people have lost. Some examples seen in the movie is when Walt's family calls only when they need something showing how much of a superficial relationship that they share. He also leaves a statement about gangs and social problems. Gangs nowadays are responsible for extortion, gunfire and many other crimes. I learned many lessons from this movie. An example is the treatment that is given to the older people. Many people see old people as useless and only try to move them away from their family.
The movie is intended to adolescents and mature audiences. As the language may contain profane comments at times and also be racist. I would not recommend this movie to a young audience since they would get easily lost in the conflict of the movie. My MPAA rating for the movie would be PG-13 since at this age people may be mature enough to understand and not be disrespected by the content of the movie.
This movie deserves a 9/10 review. It could easily get a perfect review but what keeps it from getting this score is the acting of the starting Hmong cast. The movie overall was pretty enjoyable and appealing.
Alejandro Godinez is a junior of Lincoln School in Costa Rica. Where he is currently taking Film Appreciation class. His interests are watching movies and playing sports.