GRAN TORINO

Clint Eastwood directs, produces, and stars in his own award-winning film Gran Torino. The trailer prepares its audience for a violent crime-fighting adventure; however, Walt Kowalski’s rifle is the only resemblance of the action-thriller films Eastwood typically stars in. This contemporary drama dares to explore many controversial themes including racism, religion and cultural differences.

      Gran Torino tells the tale of a recently widowed Korean War veteran whose Michigan neighborhood is slowly being taken over by a flood of Hmong immigrants and gang members. Walt ignores his family’s wishes for him to move, and instead holds his ground like a commander and displays his American Flag proudly. By yelling at a few gang members for his own selfish purposes, Walt incidentally gains the respect of his Hmong neighbors. Members of the Hmong community begin to treat the bitter old man with the respect of a king and bring him gifts of thanks including plants, food and abstract statues. Regardless of his old ways, Walt begins to look out for his two young neighbors Thoa and Sue Lor, and a fatherly relationship forms.

Gran Torino stars two young newcomers, Bee Vang and Ahney Her. Bee Vang plays Thoa, a young Hmong boy trying to find himself in a neighborhood where he’s certain to a life of crime. Ahney Her also stars in her first cinematic feature as Sue, his bright older sister, whose sarcasm and wit provoke trouble with a local gang. Sharing the screen with Clint Eastwood would make it appear impossible to stand out; however, these two young actors convincingly prove their on-screen cinematic abilities. Vang and Her’s relationship with Eastwood is dramatically believable, as one is emotionally touched by the end of the film.

      “Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while that you shouldn’t have fucked with? That’s me,” says Walt Kowalski to a couple of young gangsters. Eastwood is remarkable in his role of the very cold and unpleasant Walt Kowalski. He is disgusted with the lack of respect shown by younger generations. Since the death of his wife, he confides only in his dog, Daisy. After the Hmong family forces their way into his life, he sees the trouble keeping these teens from reaching success and decides to take action.

      At the request of Kowalski’s deceased wife, Father Janovich (Christopher Carley) follows Walt in and out of every door, begging for a chance to talk.  These two share thought-provoking conversations about life and death, forgiveness and other highly disputed Catholic beliefs. Kowalski dares to corner a Catholic priest and asks the questions we would never for fear of going straight to hell. Walt doesn’t care to listen to the wisdom of a 27 year-old virgin priest who has only experienced the stories of the bible from a comfortable chair.This insight brings such raw truth to the screen that its difficult to believe it was scripted. From dusty confessions to cold-blooded murder, this film delves into many contemporary issues and asks the audience to question their own beliefs and actions.

       Screenwriter Nick Schenk brings surprising humor to this serious drama. “I’ve been called a lot of things, but never funny,” Walt responds to a young Hmong girl. The story and dialogue delights as it flows naturally between characters. Gran Torino leaves us with many lessons learned and a message to all who find themselves new to cultural diversity. By the end of this film, the Gran Torino isn’t the only thing respected by everyone in this widely diverse community.