GRAN TORINO

ENGLISH - (N/A) - N/A - Drama

Distributor: Warner Bros.

Running time: about 116 mins.

Director: Clint Eastwood

Producers: Clint Eastwood, Bill Gerber, Robert Lorenz

Writers: Nick Schenk (screenplay); Dave Johannson, Nick Schenk (story)

Casts: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Christopher Carley

Plot: Disgruntled Korean War veteran, Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino.

THE VERDICT:

Green Tea says:

What could be the priceless possession you ever have in your life? For Walt Kowalski a.k.a. Harry Dirty - Clint Eastwood, his only greatest possessions are his rifle and a Gran Torino of Ford which he bought back in 1972. But other than that, he also discovered a new friendship with someone he never even bother to care. That is the magic of the movie, the latest offering by Clint Eastwood, known for his patriotism which again he poured in the movie as much as he offered another anti-heroism. Do note, patriotism and anti-heroism, are what made Clint Eastwood a legend.

In this movie, a Ford Gran Torino is portrayed as an object to unite two strangers from a different setting of background. Clint Eastwood plays the role of a Korean War veteran whom seems to live outcasted from his sons and their family, proud of his days as a US soldier at Korean war and his days of jobs at a Ford vehicle plant. This is another strong performance and rather critically acclaimed for his portrayal. At the age of 78, nothing stops him from becoming an icon to a Hmong teenager. In case you don't know, most Hmongs were from Vietnam. Bee Vang plays the role of Thao whom discovered a wholesome new life under the care of Kowalski. Equally praised is the role of Sue (played by Ahney Her), which becomes the guide for Kowalski into the Hmong community.

The story drew a few themes to be tackled with; (1) patriotism, (2) family virtue, (3) respect, mentor-mentee relationship and community conflicts. Set at Detroit, well known for its used to be glorious Ford vehicles era and a rising number of immigrants in that city. (1) Kowalski love his nation so much that he proudly owned an American made Gran Torino, despising his son which had a Toyota, much to his displeasant. (2) His sons and him seems to be a little rattled in relationship as his sons and their family were more interested towards gaining his assets. (3) Kowalski learnt to respect the Hmong community whom he earlier called them 'barbarian' due to the conflicts in culture. (4) Kowalski trained Thao so well on how to become 'a real man'. (5) The gang street in Detroit was portrayed due to the conflicting poverty and discrimination as they were immigrants and Black communities.

I think the story crafted well to illustrate all of these issues. The main points were delivered well and I was able to catch these messages easily. The audience will find it a great deal to accept Gran Torino as this piece of inspiring is the best ever since his another inspiring Million Dollar Baby which garnered Oscars. The race for the Oscars this year seems a little tight but this heart-warming tale of unlikely relationship works well in time when people need to understand that living with other groups of people is what we are in today's world.
Tolerance and understanding are what we need to restore the peace and harmony over the difference cultures background.

THE RATINGS.....
CAST - 4.0 stars
STORY - 4.5 stars
CINEMATOGRAPHY - 4.0 stars
EFFECTS - 3.5 stars
an overall >> 4.0 stars

GreenTea-O-Meter: 16.5