Grand Entertainment!

Rating: 9/10 (9 March 2016)

Gran Torino (2008): Dir: Clint Eastwood / Cast: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Christopher Carley, John Carroll Lynch: Provocative Clint Eastwood thriller that uses the Gran Torino car owned by the hero as a symbol of connection. Eastwood stars as a war veteran recently widowed and disturbed when an Asian family moves in next door. When a gang threatens their lives he becomes involved and viewed as a hero. Wonderful portrait of self sacrifice directed by and starring Eastwood. Eastwood is known for portraying characters of great nobility and here he makes it his ultimate standoff. He has isolated himself from family since his wife's passing but the Church she attended makes unappreciated visits. Strong supporting work by Bee Vang who is in with the wrong crowd but discipline places him within the realm of great character and reward. Ahney Her is attacked by the gang but will find refuge in Eastwood. Christopher Carley plays his deceased wife's pastor whom Eastwood doesn't care for until he needs questions answered. On the minor negative end, the antagonist gang are more or less types over personalities. These scenes are provocative and portray one's curiosity with regards to faith. Very powerful and one of Eastwood's greatest films. It presents themes of forgiveness and self sacrifice where good triumphs over evil and the innocent is rewarded the ultimate set of wheels. Score: 9 ½ / 10