Excellent "Eastwood" film, one of his best works as a filmmaker and actor.

Rating: 9/10 (11 January 2009)

Walt Kowalski (Four-Time Oscar Winner:Clint Eastwood) is a Korean war veteran lives in a tough neighborhood of Detroit. His wife recently passed away, he's not very close with his two sons (Brian Haley and Brian Howe) and his grand-kids have no respect for him. Walt is a grumpy racist that practically has no respect for anyone until his Hmong neighbors, especially an young teenager by the name of Thao Vang Lor (Bee Vang) tried to steal Walt's most prized possession his car "Gran Torino". Walt caught him by nearly shooting with his rifle but the teenager run away in Walt's garage. Now Thao is forced to do some housework around Walt's house. Slowly Walt becomes friends with Thoa and his wiser older sister Sue (Ahney Her), he becomes closer with his Hmong neighbors than his own family. But when Thao's violent cousin (Doua Moua) and his gang harass Thao to join their gang. When their push Thao and his family too far, it seems there's nothing... they could do about it until Walt doesn't show fear to this gang of thugs. For the first time in years... Walt does have something to live for.
Produced and Directed by Clint Eastwood (Changeling, Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River) made an moving drama that is actually very funny at times but also tough and emotional as well. Eastwood offers one of his best works as a filmmaker and as well for giving one of his best performances since "Unforgiven"). Vang and Her offer credible performances in their roles. Newcomer Christopher Carley offers an fine performance as a 27 year-old virgin (As the character of Walt would call him) Father Janovich. Which the Father Janovich character is watching over Walt after he made an promise to Walt's late wife. Eastwood plays an flawed but tough, funny and very human person... what makes this movie so memorable. So far, it is my favorite film from 2008. I know there's some critics and audiences didn't think much of this film, maybe it is a matter of personal taste. But it would be nice if "Gran Torino" would received some major Oscar Nominations. Don't miss it. Eastwood's sons Scott appears in a cameo and Kyle co-wrote the music score. Panavision. (**** ½/*****).