GRAN TORINO

So, I've got some back tracking to do. I'm going to start with films I've seen since the beginning of 2009. So far that's nine titles. I'll do my best to get these out quickly, especially the Oscar titles, being that the Oscars are next Sunday. And; with no further ado...
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It's really hard to call yourself a fan of film without knowing who Clint Eastwood is. These days he's not the rowdy cowboy he use to be, but he still has the uncanny ability to make a film entertaining; albeit the star or the director. And with Gran Torino you get a dose of both.

Clint Eastwood is a man of the screen, he always has been, and even so far into his career he still has that spark that makes you want to see him play.

Gran Torino is about a elderly man named Walter who has just lost his wife, and is realizing that things around him aren't quiet what they use to be. Set in a small Michigan town Walt's once white dominate neighborhood is changing from the incoming crowds of Hmong. One family is that of his nextdoor neighbors Sue and Thao Lor. When a local Hmong gang causes problems around the neighborhood and Walt accidentally becomes the local hero after protecting Thao and his family, and after a failed attempt of stealing Walt's prize possession (1972 Ford Gran Torino), Thao becomes his own personal helper. Walt teaches Thao on how to becoming a better man, while Walt learns to accept the changes in his life.

The film was really well done. A hand full of unknown and brand new actors herald by an acting legend is hard to do, but the young actors Ben Vang (Thao) and Ahney Ver (Sue) are quiet capable of keeping up with the strengths of Eastwood. They displayed some very good skills in an obvious strong essence of Eastwood attire. Eastwood plays his of late disgruntled elderly man trying to get through life, and doesn't miss a beat.

The story was well done, and definitely gives a perspective into a culture that may not be known all to well, and opens up to the levels of horrors that really go on in our everyday world. Powerful scenes, and emotions throughout it delivers on many of levels. The dialogue was very casual, and believe. Though some of the interaction seems a bit out stretched between Sue and Walt. I would thing there would be more agnosticism from Walt, but it helps to speed the story by not growing on Walt's dislike for his neighbors (as much as he already did.)


Cinematography wise seemed very casual and basic. No need for dramatic or overly structured camera angles, or close ups. Very precise and to the point.

Overall, the film was very entertaining. My main draw was Clint Eastwood; as both the director and actor. So if you're a fan of either of his titled works I'd recommend this film. And like I said, it also shows a very rare glimpse of the Hmong culture, which isn't seen to much in film. Definitely gave me some insight to a friend of mines life and family.

In the end I'd give the film a 8.5/10.