Gran Torino Review

There have been rumors swirling whether Clint Eastwood may retire from acting and only work behind the camera.
If “Gran Torino” is his last film role, he couldn’t have done a better job. Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, an old, recently widowed man stuck in the 50s.
He thinks children are disrespectful, America should only be for whites and there is no God. Needless to say, he isn’t pleased with the fact his neighborhood has an almost 100% Chinese population.
As a veteran of the Korean War, he doesn’t get along with his neighbors and prefers to spout racist remarks towards them rather than saying hello.
Eastwood is introduced to his neighbors when the teenage boy next door, Thao (Bee Vang), is pressured by a local gang to steal Eastwood’s prized possession, a 1972 Gran Torino.
After Eastwood fires a warning shot at the teens head, he flees and the gang learns of his failed attempt and decides to drag Thao to another initiation.
A fight breaks out and Eastwood takes matters into his own hand by pointing his rifle at the gang leader and growling at them to leave.
When the gang leaves, the neighborhood views Eastwood as a hero and begin bringing him gifts.
At first he resists, but after befriending Thao’s older sister, Sue (Ahney Her), starts becoming close to the family.
Eastwood decides to teach Thao how to be a man and all the responsibilities which come with the title.
The relationship between the two unfolds in a hilarious but touching way. Eastwood refuses to change the way he talks about other races, but Thao and Sue love him anyway and give it right back to him.
Unfortunately, Her and Vang are terrible actors.
When trying to perform any emotion besides calm, they come across as flat and unconvincing. Several scenes are almost ruined because of their poor acting.
Luckily for them, Eastwood is on his A-game and easily carries the film on his rough and gruff shoulders. On most people, his voice/growl would come across as over-the-top or cheesy, but he makes it fit the character.
While his character should be neither sympathetic or likeable, Eastwood makes him both for the audience. You want to be his friend despite his mean demeanor.
Like most Eastwood films, it is shot in a simple manor, but comes across as powerful because of the strong story.
The sets aren’t gorgeous, but they look like a neighborhood you might know someone in, which draws in those watching the film.
Had the two supporting actors been good actors the movie and would have been terrific. I still enjoyed it immensely, would recommend it to anyone and watch it again, but part of the reality which makes the film great is lost on Her and Vang.
The film is a must see for the holiday season and a definite awards contender for Best Actor and possibly Best Picture (if the rest of the Academy can get beyond the supporting cast).

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang and Ahney Her
Rated R for language and some violence.

Rating: Three and a half stars