Movie Review: Gran Torino 2008

Gran Torino 2008

Action Drama. Starring Clint Eastwood.

Directed by Clint Eastwood. (R, 114 Minutes)

 Review: Ted Beagleman, (Thundermail@cox.net) First Published Feb. 1, 2009

           No one can ever accuse Clint Eastwood of being politically correct, and fans won’t see him change in this film. This movie has it all. It opens with Walter, played by Eastwood, who is burying his wife and grappling with what to do next. Not one to crawl up and die in a corner, Walter struggles with how to begin piecing his life together now she’s gone.

          His kids and grand kids leave much to be desired and can hardly match their true motives, which amount to taking anything they can get. Unhappy with the racial integration that has occurred over the years, he resolves to drinking beer and complaining to himself. But for all his mistakes of the past, Walter is an honorable man, tough, but fair, and when he sees a pattern of injustice unfolding in front of him, all hell breaks loose.

          Here’s a hint, it ain’t about the car, but rather about the period the car represents. Sharp-tongued and fearless, Walter meets his match in the old lady next door, and together they win each other’s respect while fighting to end the injustice.

          Gran Torino should be the movie to win in all the awards this year, though it didn’t even get a nod. But there is no surprise there. Walter loves his country and teaches his prodigy how to stand up for what is right, two messages that the Hollywood Elite can’t embrace. But the movie is playing to full audiences and is getting applause for good reason. It’s funny, sad, and action packed and well worth the price of the ticket.

Ted B.