Gran Torino
Filed Under: Film, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review
By: The Dweeb
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Its the end of an era, not just for the main character in this film, but for its star and director as well. Clint Eastwood’s latest project to come to DVD, Gran Torino is about the twilight of a man’s life and his inability to deal with the changes that time brings. The same holds true for Hollywood perpetual fixture Clint Eastwood, as this is the last time we will purportedly see him in front of the camera, and this film is his final bow as an actor. Somehow me thinks we’ll see him in a smaller role somewhere to fulfill some itch down the road. The body of work Eastwood has been producing this decade is of mixed results, from the awful Bloodwork to the Oscar winning Million Dollar Baby, this drama is the perfect sendoff for Clint. Much of his work is typically heavy hitting drama, Gran Torino is no exception to that but there’s plenty of funny stuff to keep things light. I hate to say it, but Eastwood has become an old codger, and what a better role for him than to play an old codger. Think of it as Dirty Harry retires and moves to Detroit, because beating up gangbangers is a fun way to pass the time. I found it quite enjoyable and charming to watch, even though the subject matter is dark.
The film is centered around Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), a retired Korean War vet who toiled many years for the Ford Motor Company, his wife has just passed on, he has no real relationship with his extended family, lives in the same house he has for years and his neighborhood has shall we say, gone ethnic. He’s a racist old grouch, does things his way and calls it like it is and refuses to let anyone get too close to him, not even his own children who seem to disgust him. His prized possession is his Gran Torino, which becomes the catalyst for the most unlikely friendship ever. His neighbors are Hmong refugees, who he at first is skeptical about. ” I used to stack f@$% likes you, five feet high in Korea, use ya for sand bags. “ Eventually, with a rocky start, he slowly befriends them and takes the timid teenage son under his wing to, ‘man him up’. I’m sure he feels sorry for the kid, but would never admit to it.
The best part of this film is this relationship between him and Thao (Bee Vang). Its definitely an odd couple, something you would never expect to see happen with Walt. It still shows this character can have a heart when he wants, the irony being of course he’s a paranoid racist. Plus it adds much levity and humorous aspects to the story. Thao is the only person who can get close to him, not even his immediate family can do that. In fact, it funny to see that the entire Hmong family will stand up to him and get past his scowl, especially the grandmother. The Gran Torino helps shape the bond with Thao, with the prodding of Walt he finally ‘grows a pair’ to put it in Walt’s words. Films that display a full character arc with smart writing, in this case for both main characters, are tops in my book and make this movie enjoyable to watch even if there are some seriously undertones.
There are of course, several versions of the film available. The one I was given is the widescreen DVD, which for all intents and purposes will do fine in most cases. I won’t talk about the full screen, but this is almost as barebones as that one. The good stuff is reserved for the Blu-ray version so if you are looking for more you need to upgrade. I suspect sound and picture are about the same, this isn’t an action movie or epic film. Just a nice little drama that works perfectly fine at 480P. There are only two brief extras included, both involving mens love affairs with classic cars. That’s about it. But if Blu-ray isn’t your thing still go ahead and check out Clint Eastwood’s finest, and last (maybe), role in a long time.
Reviewer’s Opinion: RENT IT!!
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