Eastwood directs a classic film that he was destined to lead in.

Rating: 9/10 (31 January 2010)

As the world changes around Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) he finds himself in a place that he once loved surrounded by people he now hates. His family has grown distant from him and he has no understanding or relationship with his grandchildren. Veteran and upstanding citizen Walt despises the changes that have happened as more and more immigrants move to his neighborhood bringing with them decay and gang violence. When all the trouble of the neighborhood finds a way to the house next-door he is thrown into a process of disgust and growth that will define his life.
Eastwood directs a classic film that he was destined to lead in. The rough edges of the setting and acting work perfectly as Walt works to maintain the life of dignity and respect he has built. All this comes to a head as his young neighbor Thou (Bee Vang) fails the initiation given to him by his cousin's neighborhood gang. This scene opens the film to the growth and understanding that Walt goes through as he begins to come to terms with the people behind his prejudice.
Eastwood keeps the film simple and direct, no punches are pulled when the movie comes to violence and the script is believable without being overdone. The veteran actor of Eastwood shows what he does best in a tough no nonsense delivery. The other actors take their roles and make them real as the film progresses adding to the authentic feel.
Lighting and cinematography are natural and do not come as a distraction throughout the film. The same can be said with the soundtrack as the music sets the scenes without overpowering them, the story is left to the actors. One exception I could mention is the song "Grand Torino" which opens the credit roll. The song is placed perfectly and may come over as a surprise as the opening bars are done by Eastwood himself.
The dark aspects of the film carry the same weight as those in the previous film Eastwood directed and acted in "Million Dollar Baby". The same can be said of the thematic elements as both deal with growing emotionally in the later years of life.
As Grand Torino is shot in Michigan it seems only natural for Walt to cherish the title's name sake car. The Grand Torino in the film serves to symbolize the things that people have gained over the course of their lives, things that they have grown to cherish. It also gives a talking point that seems to bridge the cultures and generations throughout the film. Eastwood is able to pull a genuine piece of classic American history and use it to present the changing world that surrounds us all.