A fine example of directing.

Rating: 9/10 (28 March 2009)

Clint Eastwood has surprised me with his directing since I first saw 'Mystic River' (2003) and 'Changeling' (2008). His latest directing efforts left me sat watching the very last credits roll. 'Gran Torino' is a simple, funny and shocking drama surrounding a widowed Korean war veteran who discovers a connection with his neighbours, a Hmong family.
I saw this movie twice and both times it delivered what a movie should, a consistent journey of emotion without overloading. The pace offers much room for prediction but I didn't anticipate the ending and how it would leave me thrown back into my seat not wanting to be the first to move as the lights fade up in the theatre.
I thought it was great to see a director having physical input into the soundtrack to the film, Clint Eastwood & Jamie Cullum's track at the end is beautiful. I've been humming this since I I first saw the movie and I can't wait to buy it. Possibly one of the years best!