An incredible story that will make you reflect

Rating: 9/10 (12 April 2012)

***SPOILERS*** Gran Torino: It Will Drive You Crazy
In several neighborhoods in the United States, there is a mix of cultures. There are certain places where this multi culture is more evident than others. The different ways of living of people have, as a consequence, an impact on the relationship between neighbors. "Gran Torino" makes an outstanding job demonstrating an uncommon relationship in a Michigan neighborhood. An interesting drama that makes the viewer sympathize with the characters, will definitely keep the audience interested.
Situated in a middle class neighborhood in Michigan, Gran Torino tells the story of Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood). After the death of his wife, Mr. Kowalski starts to develop a relationship with his Hmong neighbors. Thao (Bee Vang), who lives right next door, is forced by his cousin and his gang to steal Mr. Kowalski's classic Gran Torino as an initiation to the gang. Walt, being a war veteran, scares him away. He then starts to develop a relationship with Sue (Ahney Her) when he saved her and her boyfriend from being robbed by another gang in the neighborhood. Walt continues to protect the Hmong family from the danger of the neighborhood, and consequently starts to get along with his neighbors and basically train Thao.
The character of Walt Kowalski is played by the famous actor and director Clint Eastwood. His knowledge and experience is definitely evident throughout the movie. Mr. Kowalski presents a very tough personality, that has a crude temperament and is usually not joyful about life. He is an old war veteran and thus, knows how crude life can be. Clint Eastwood makes a convincing performance that definitely demonstrates why he has been so successful in the world of cinema. On the other hand, the Hmong characters showed a very novice performance. The lack of experience by both Bee Vang and Ahney Her is noticeable. Even though they do not show an outstanding job, it is not obvious enough to make it interfere with the general understanding of the movie.
The movie does not have an amazing plot. Unlike other good movies, it has a relatively simple plot. Even though it does not have a complex plot, it manages to keep the audience interested. The amazing execution of Clint Eastwood and the interesting character of Walt Kowalski is doubtlessly a great way to keep the viewer interested in what is going to go down. The director, Clint Eastwood, did an amazing job showing small scenes that mean important things. For example, the scenes where the main characters coughs blood. At first, it seems like an important event for the plot, but throughout the movie it happens several times with no consequence, but that definitely does not mean that it is not important. It is important because it shows how physically affected is the health of Mr. Kowalski and gives a reasonable explanation for why he sacrifices himself in the end. Mr. Kowalski knew that he had not so many time left, so he decided to make one last heroic action for a family he appreciated. The movie also does an incredible job making the audience sympathize with Walt. Mr. Kowalski has a very crude personality, but the person who worked on the script, Nick Schenk and Clint Eastwood himself managed to make the viewer feel sorry for him.
This movie shows how every person is capable of developing a relationship with someone else no matter what the context is. "Gran Torino" exhibits an interesting and diverse part of human nature. Mr. Kowalski little by little starts to develop an amazing relationship with Thao, and this all started because he tried to steal his car. The movie shows how human beings protect the people they care about for instinct. There are also secondary values that are taught by the movie. The relationship between everyone's own family, for example. Mr. Kowalski's grandsons showed him a disrespectful attitude, suggesting not only how much this can affect a person, but how important is the relationship between father and children. The fact that Walt kept a bad relationship with his son, influenced on the way his grandchildren treated him. People can learn important values from this movie but probably the most important one is how a person can take unimaginable risks and do unthinkable things to help and protect people who demonstrate affection.
A positive aspect of "Gran Torino" is that it can be watched and enjoyed by several types of audiences. Anyone who enjoys good cinema would obviously enjoy this movie because it definitely keeps you interested and gives you a lot to think and discuss . From teenagers to elders, men or women, will appreciate this amazing film. Unfortunately, the movie is R rated for its violence and language but the protection of the audience is always crucial. "Gran Torino" without a doubt qualifies like an excellent movie due to its incredible direction and acting.