Review: Gran Torino (2008)

Title: Gran Torino
Year: 2008
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Christopher Carley
Genres: Drama, Crime
MPAA: R for language throughout, and some violence
Kids-In-Mind.com: 4.7.10
My Rating: 8.6
Up or Down: Thumb Up
IMDb Rating: 8.4 (Top 250: #80)

Synopsis: Newly widowed Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is a grumpy, racist, Korean War veteran who has no friends; his two sons, as well as their wives and children, hate him. His local Catholic priest, Father Janovich (Carley), promised Walt's wife he'd look over him. When Walt catches his next-door neighbor, Thao Vang Lor (Vang), a teenager of Hmong descent, attempting to steal his 1972 Gran Torino, Thao's family asks him to repay Walt by working for him. Walt befriends Thao and his family, including his sister Sue (Her), and when the family, especially Thao, are continually harassed by Thao's gang banging cousins, Walt finds the cousins and threatens to kill them. They retaliate by firing bullets into the family's house and kidnapping and raping Sue. Thao wants to go with Walt to get violent revenge, but Walt locks him in the basement when he leaves. Walt confronts the gang bangers, causing a scene at their apartment; many tenants around look out the balcony. Walt motions as if he were getting a gun and they immediately fire and kill him. The cops come and arrest the gang members; Walt allowed himself to be killed so the family would be left alone. In his will, he leaves the Gran Torino to Thao.

My Take: This was great. Not a "fun" movie per se, but an enjoyable one. Eastwood's acting is top-notch, and while this is Vang's first film and his lack of seasoning brings the film down a bit, this was a great movie to watch. The plot was compelling and captivating; I recommend this movie for everyone.

Concerning the rating: The 8.6 puts "Gran Torino" in a tie for 21st with "WALL-E" (2008) and "Hotel Rwanda" (2004).

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