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Bookmark this pageGran Torino (2008)
Director: Clint Eastwood
Movie review
From Time Out London
When Eastwood’s follow-up to ‘Changeling’ was announced in May, he quickly refuted rumours that he was making, belatedly, another ‘Dirty Harry’ picture. If its trailer promises a vigilante movie, the comedy-drama on release is actually a rather wise, insightful exploration of family and friendship, violence and vengeance.Admittedly, retired Detroit autoworker and Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski (Eastwood, in what, sadly, may be his last lead turn) initially comes across like a curmudgeonly elderly relative of Harry Callahan: unable to conceal his disdain for his folks, his late wife’s priest, and those now inhabiting his slightly run-down suburb, many of whom are Hmongs who left south-east Asia for the US due to the Vietnam War. One such is shy teen Thao (Bee Yang), whose reluctant initiation into a local gang involves stealing Walt’s beloved 1972 Gran Torino…
Cue, much conflict: Nick Schenk’s screenplay centres on the encounter between Walt – a politically incorrect old bigot scarred by war – and today’s multicultural society. But as the film proceeds, with Thao’s sassy sister Sue (Abney Her) arousing both Walt’s protective instincts and his hitherto neglected capacity for self-analysis, it becomes more complex and engaging and it’s often very funny (as in a barber-shop scene where traditional American ‘masculinity’is hilariously exposed as an absurd construct). Finally, there’s a very moving development that takes Walt way beyond Callahan’s ethos. Eastwood’s subtle performance is as charismatic and effective as ever, while the movie covers his abiding preoccupations – race, age, individualism in a conformist world – with wit and intelligence. And in insisting that friendship’s more important than blood ties (or religious faith), Clint quietly goes against the grain. Predictably superior fare.
Author: Geoff Andrew
Time Out London Issue 2009, 19-25 Feb, 2009
User reviews of this film
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- me said...
- Posted on Jul 20 2009 16:21 Love it!
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- Justin Berkovi said...
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Posted on Jul 16 2009 15:28
Initially cynical due to mixed reviews I have to say that this is a beautiful and wonderfully crafted film.
Clint gives a stellar performance and the simple tale evolves into something very poignant and meaningful. The score is also absolutely brilliant.
Touching and a little easier to watch than the brilliant but harrowing 'Changeling'.
For me these films are the best of Clint's latest run of films. Fantastic and inspired film making. - Report as inappropriate
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- Technoguy said...
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Posted on Jul 16 2009 14:00
Clint Eastwood a remarkable actor,director,man.A talented director sometimes starring in his own films(e.g.The Outlaw Josey Wales,Unforgiven).In the tradition of stars who project pure Americanism and rectify wrongs(Wayne,Cooper).Eastwood shows a willingness to examine his own screen persona(here comically,witness the macho talking scene in
the hairdressers).He shows a willingness to engage with contemporary issues,the immigration into formerly all white areas of Hmong Asians,the kind of people he might have fought in the Korean war.He has a warrior ethic and is outwardly bigoted and not
religious.However his family are only after his money and they are trying to get him into an old people's home and get his house and car.His real family become his next door neighbours who worship his courage and role-modelling abilities for their
son.Ever since The Outlaw Josey Wales Eastwood has shown a propensity for empathy with marginalised people and outsiders.In this film we get echoes
of Dirty Harry, Pale Rider and Unforgiven,but of a humanised kind without the fascist overtones. At the age of 78 to act,write and direct a major film is heroic.He suggests a mixing of global and local themes and shows how to wind the audience in with the unfolding of character.This film provides a great laugh but Walt has to make a great
sacrifice.Stunning.Not forgetting the dog! - Report as inappropriate
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- orangefizz said...
- Posted on Jul 13 2009 09:58 I really enjoyed it. It was a simplistic , warm and witty film. I'm not sure its oscar material , some scenes are a bit 'yeah right' and his transformation from grumpy rascist to good neighbour is a not immediatley convincing but if thats the film clint wants to go out on, then so be it. I like his idea.
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- scott said...
- Posted on Apr 14 2009 16:57 movie is brilliant go see it,it is amazing it has a really good story and it has a great ending really racist but some parts are quite funny of the movie
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- johnnyboy said...
- Posted on Apr 13 2009 19:57 i cannot wait to see this film.clint is great
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- Sparta said...
- Posted on Apr 09 2009 22:21 A warm hearted and witty film that has plenty of hidden emotional messages. The endin is sublime. Just when you think that Clint may go down the dirty harry route you are touched by a selfish and emotional act to make others lifes better. Go and see the grumpy old man perform superbly. I loved it.
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- DV said...
- Posted on Apr 08 2009 12:05 A GREAT film! Hilariously funny and moving, not because of the acting, but because of the spot-on social comment.
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- Matt John said...
- Posted on Apr 08 2009 10:06 I know, Chrisjbarr, I know. I've seen it now. It was awesome, much as I suspected it to be... although only a matter of opinion, of course. What ARE you good at then son? x
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- Chrisjbarr said...
- Posted on Apr 07 2009 18:17 Im no good at english Matt John! So what. Go and see the film before commenting.
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- Lindylou said...
- Posted on Apr 06 2009 22:21 As much as I could gush on about it sometimes 'Less is more' I absolutey loved it'
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- Chrisjbarr said...
- Posted on Apr 05 2009 13:51 This could quite possibley be the worst film i have ever seen!!! i left with 30minutes remaining wish id have left earlier. The only reason i never was because the acting was that bad it was hilarious to watch. It was like watching a Jackie Chan film without the fighting. Clint Eastwood has let himself down and finished his acting career with the worst film he has done. The storey was so blatent is was laughable, i actually found myself questioning weather it was a comedy or not. Adele hit the nail on the head with what she has said below.
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- Cappybear said...
- Posted on Apr 02 2009 21:47 Not a great film, but a good one; an absorbing tale about change and reconciliation, with fine performances. It reminded me a little of "The Shootist", with John Wayne.
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- Adel said...
- Posted on Apr 02 2009 15:42 This film was painful to watch, I couldnt take it, I was close to leaving but my seat was quite comfortable as it was cold outside - only reason I endured this horrific film. The acting was so bad i couldn't helb but burst out laughing at times (especially when they were trying to be serious). Shameful.
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- Pete Salo said...
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Posted on Apr 02 2009 14:24
Probably one of the best films Clint's made!
A touching and entertaining movie - worth an oscar for best actor! - Report as inappropriate
Cast & crew
Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Ahney Her, Christopher Carley, John Carroll Lynch, Geraldine Hughes, Brian Haley full cast
Rated: 15
Duration: 117 mins
UK Release: Feb 20 2009
US Release: Dec 12 2008
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