Gran Torino

#3 of 3 Gran Torino posts. May as well be one of the most unlikely heroic films ever laid down. The title is actually Gran Torino. Eastwood is king and this post will officially enter my Eastwood week. I hope this is as enjoyable for you all as it is for me since I was unofficially named after this brilliant man. I say unofficially, because I feel as an adult if you aren't named for a family member, you should be able to determine who you were named after. This is a film that by todays standards really shouldn't exist, let alone be nominated for any of the Oscars it was. This is no most politically incorrect film I have ever watched, but it really turns into a human interest film about maturing....even if you are already 80 years old and as bitter as they come. He lives alone and cares for nothing except his beautiful Gran Torino. His once prominent neighborhood has gone downhill in his eyes. Occupied mostly by Asians, he couldn't be more disgusted. One night he catches a local young boy trying to boost his beloved car. After scaring the poop out of the boy, he returns him home and makes him come by to do his odds and ends around the house. Although he calls the boy every slang insult about being Asian, the boy shrugs it off and becomes kind of fond of the Curmudgeon. More importantly, Walt (Eastwood) unknowingly begins to care for the boy. Eventually he is a bit of a staple in the boys house. Having dinner with his family, talking with the sister about the local gang, who put the boy up to the attempted theft. Walt wants his neighborhood cleaned up and isn't afraid of anyone. His new "family" are afraid so Walt now has a real reason to get really involved in taking out "the trash." Set in his ways, drinking his PBR on his front porch, with his American flag waiving proudly each and every day, Walt doesn't ask for change, and would be just fine being left alone. A little twist of fate over a car changed Walt's entire outlook on life and people in general. If you haven't seen this, I will warn you that Walt uses every slur in the book, and I'm pretty sure he invented some new ones I have never heard. As uncomfortable as it may be for you to watch, do not let this deter you from seeing a brilliant film about growth and the human condition. You will be inspired when the final credits roll. Clint Eastwood stated this would be his final film in front of a camera. Only directing from now on. So I say to Clint, if we never see you again, you certainly went out with a bang, and I for one really appreciate the way you buck the system and do it how you want to.

NBM rates Gran Torino - Phenomenal

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