8/10
In "Gran Torino," Clint Eastwood plays a curmudgeonly Korean War veteran who transitions from a misanthropic racist to a, well, less misanthropic racist. His voice sells it. That voice will make you believe that Walt Kowalski (Eastwood's character) loathes people, even his own children and grandchildren. It will also make you think Clint is a big fan of Christian Bale's Batman. I kept waiting for Kowalski to yell at Thao, "I'M NOT WEARING HOCKEY PADS!!!" But, alas, it never happened.
Gran Torino's plot follows a familiar trajectory, one involving loss, friendship, redemption, and ultimately more loss. But the plot does not define this movie, the characters do. The characters are fleshed out, dynamic, and interesting. I have read some complaints about the lack of acting ability of the Hmong actors and actresses, but they did not detract from my viewing experience. I thought Bee Vang was good as the shy, misguided Thao. By the end of the movie, he has become an eminently likeable, well-intentioned youth. The evolving interactions between Walt and Thao are the highlight of the film. You are almost forced to like Walt more and more as the movie progresses and as his personality transforms in a positive way. This was undoubtedly intentional as it helps to set up the climax of the movie and make it more effective.
What really surprised me in this movie was the humor. I didn't expect Walt to be throwing around racial slurs like it was his job. Some may find that aspect of the film offensive, but I thought it was an effective way to clearly contrast Walt's attitude toward the Hmong at the beginning and end of the film, respectively. There is also a humorous tension in this movie with respect to the role of religion. The young, fresh-faced Catholic priest and Walt could hardly be more different in appearance, personality, and in their attitude toward religion. And this makes for some funny exchanges.
With great characters and an impressive mix of humor and tragedy, Gran Torino is another solid addition to Eastwood's already legendary career.
In "Gran Torino," Clint Eastwood plays a curmudgeonly Korean War veteran who transitions from a misanthropic racist to a, well, less misanthropic racist. His voice sells it. That voice will make you believe that Walt Kowalski (Eastwood's character) loathes people, even his own children and grandchildren. It will also make you think Clint is a big fan of Christian Bale's Batman. I kept waiting for Kowalski to yell at Thao, "I'M NOT WEARING HOCKEY PADS!!!" But, alas, it never happened.
Gran Torino's plot follows a familiar trajectory, one involving loss, friendship, redemption, and ultimately more loss. But the plot does not define this movie, the characters do. The characters are fleshed out, dynamic, and interesting. I have read some complaints about the lack of acting ability of the Hmong actors and actresses, but they did not detract from my viewing experience. I thought Bee Vang was good as the shy, misguided Thao. By the end of the movie, he has become an eminently likeable, well-intentioned youth. The evolving interactions between Walt and Thao are the highlight of the film. You are almost forced to like Walt more and more as the movie progresses and as his personality transforms in a positive way. This was undoubtedly intentional as it helps to set up the climax of the movie and make it more effective.
What really surprised me in this movie was the humor. I didn't expect Walt to be throwing around racial slurs like it was his job. Some may find that aspect of the film offensive, but I thought it was an effective way to clearly contrast Walt's attitude toward the Hmong at the beginning and end of the film, respectively. There is also a humorous tension in this movie with respect to the role of religion. The young, fresh-faced Catholic priest and Walt could hardly be more different in appearance, personality, and in their attitude toward religion. And this makes for some funny exchanges.
With great characters and an impressive mix of humor and tragedy, Gran Torino is another solid addition to Eastwood's already legendary career.
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