Another classic from Clint Eastwood

Rating: 10/10 (18 March 2012)

Clint Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski who is a widower and Korean War veteran. Walt shows pride in his work ethic and continues to keep his house in immaculate condition even though the homes around him are falling apart. Walt shows his disgust in the lack of respect shown by the younger generation with grunts, snarls, and menacing looks that Clint Eastwood is famous for. Walt never talks to the Hmong immigrants that have moved into his neighborhood. He is racist and holds on to his stereotypes until his relationship with a Hmong neighbor shows him that he is wrong to generalize about people and he is portraying a stereotype of a racist old man.
This movie shows that people need role models and a kick in the right direction to put their lives back on track. Walt gets his motivation from his neighbor Sue who shows him that she is a good person, fun to talk to, and has an attitude like his own. Walt is motivated to make sure that Thao does not end up in a gang and tries to teach Thao how to be a man and understand the value of hard work and making a contribution to the world.
The film follows the development of Walt and Thao as they build a friendship. While Walt is not close to his own children, he realizes that Thao will ruin his life if he does not intervene and teach him honor, pride, and respect. Walt treats Thao like a son and Thao thinks of Walt as a father.
When Walt learns that Thao is still being harassed, he attacks one of the gang members and warns the man to leave Thao alone. The gang retaliates with a drive-by on Thao's home and by raping his sister Sue. Walt realizes that vengeance will only get more people hurt and decides to sacrifice himself for Thao and his sister. He confronts the gang members unarmed and ensures that witnesses see the men kill him.