Clint Eastwood has always been a favourite actor of mine for he's one of the leading exponents of the "Kick-the-bad-guy-all-over-the-screen-for-two-hours" acting school. For example, Eastwood exudes cool for the entire 2 1/2 hour duration of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
So talented is he as an actor that he's changed as he's gotten older and he no longer tries to play the 25 year-old chasing 18 year-olds across the screen(cough, Rajni, cough). He's changed the roles he's taken and he's evolved. This movie is arguably his best in the role of 'mean-old-guy'.
He's Walt Kowalski, a Korean war veteran who hates Asians. He's slightly pissed because his neighbourhood is almost entirely Asian and his wife passes away(First scene is the funeral). His liking for his neighbours falls further when the teenager next door, Thao tries to steal his prized vintage sports car, a 1972 Gran Torino as part of a gang initiation.
Thao was reluctant to join in the first place and after his disastrous attempt, left the gang altogether. However, the gang come calling again and try to take him by force and are stopped by bad-ass Kowalski, armed with his M1 Garand rifle. This incident and others lead him to getting to know the Thao and his family better. Thus, this movie show-cases rich new world that can open up when individuals let down their guard, even if for just a moment.
Its not a completely sadhu Eastwood we see, even though he offers his wisdom to the family, he also grants them his protection and he's not afraid to beat the hell out of the bad guys when they come calling.
Gran Torino is a great movie, a critical and commercial ($250 million) success. Its guaranteed to keep you in one spot for a little under 2 hours for it has drama, it has humour and it has strong acting performances. Idhu mele enna venu?
Rating - 9.5
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