Eastwood: Still Packing the Horsepower

Gran Torino


Release: 01.09.09
Rated R
1 hour, 56 minutes


Full Price ($$$$)



After the recent loss of his wife, Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood, Heartbreak Ridge) wants little to do with his family or his neighbors. Actually, the grizzled, grumpy Korean War vet had little use for them even before his wife's passing. When a local gang shakedown spills into his finely kept yard, Walt's actions make him sort of a neighborhood hero. His straight-forward, charismatic neighbor Sue (Ahney Her) coaxes craggy Walt out of his shell. As Walt accepts the company of his Hmong neighbors, the jilted gang becomes increasingly aggressive, leaving folks to turn to him for answers and action.

Fans of Clint, this is a must-see performance. Eastwood revives Sgt. Gunny Highway's gravelly voice and Dirty Harry's disdain for most everyone in his portrayal of Walt. Walt is far from one-dimensional; he's full of regrets and an equal amount of charm. He enjoys a good case of beer and is quite personable in his own brusque way. Watching and coming to understand him is the crux of Gran Torino.

It's the motivations of the supporting cast which aren't as clear. The slimness of the Hmong neighbors' background, Father Janovich's (Christopher Carley, Lions for Lambs) persistence and Walt's children's absence may create an unbalanced story for some audiences. I enjoyed the solitary focus, and as always, appreciated Eastwood's attention to the details.

Dirty Undies
Another thing that may bother some audiences is the excessive use of racial epithets. Whether Walt is speaking to or about his Hmong neighbors, the gang or even his barber ("That Guy" John Carroll Lynch, Zodiac), there's a slang term that is sure to offend someone. Eastwood's portrayal tints Walt's foul mouth with palpable disdain or joking affection, depending on the recipient. While still totally inappropriate by today's politically correct standards, it reminds us it is sometimes more important to listen to how things are said instead of what is said.

Gran Torino also dishes out a fair amount of violence. The elderly vet holds his own on more than one occasion with the gang. Don't let the blood and beatings steer you away; it's not gratuitous.

The Money Shot
I'm a huge fan of Clint Eastwood as an actor and director, so it should be no surprise that I enjoyed Gran Torino. It's a well-crafted tale of redemption with the kind of saltiness I always enjoy in my movies. If you're like me, take a ride with some vintage Eastwood.