Although I imagined I would like Clint Eastwood's new film Gran Torino, I wasn't expecting to be quite as moved as I was. The film, which centers around retired, racist, curmudgeonly Walt Kowalski (in one heck of a performance by Eastwood) and his relationship with his Hmong neighbors, was funny, sad and inspiring all at the same time. Eastwood is of course wonderful in it (certainly one of the best acting performances of the year) and the actors playing his Hmong neighbors, particularly newcomers Bee Vang and Ahney Her, are very subtle but yet absolutely heartbreaking. The film also is a great comment on the changing face of our American society and the new challenges which arise with the new generation. It is also yet another advertisement for reasons not to visit Detroit (Detroit just can't catch a break!) but it is very interesting to see the backdrop of a city in decline and again, what that says about the trails of the younger generation.
I don't want to ruin one detail of the film since you MUST discover it for yourself but I will say (1) Eastwood gets in a lot of great one liners, (2) keep those tissues handy and (3) yes, there is an actual Gran Torino in the film.
All in all, I would say that Gran Torino as it stands right now is one of my top two films of the year (with Slumdog Millionaire).
Here is the trailer (which doesn't reveal enough to spoil any part of the film). Please watch the trailer and go see the film immediately:
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