Movie Review: Gran Torino
Disclaimer: I am a HUGE Clint Eastwood fan. So, I will be biased when reviewing any Clint Eastwood film. Just being honest.
Gran Torino is the latest and apparently last film to star Clint Eastwood. Apparently, if his statements are to understood correctly, Clint Eastwood declared that this would be the last film he would act in. This does mean we may see more films directed or produced by him.
Due to the adult themes, violence, and language; I would not recommend this film for the youngsters.
This is an amazing drama with excellent acting from the entire cast. Eastwood carries his role as Walt Kowalski with the comfort of a man wearing a well-fitted suit. Anyone with who had a father or grandfather that grew up in the 30's and 40's will see a ghost of familiarity in his role. Conservative, work-oriented and hard-nosed; Walt is facing difficulties with his waning years. The supporting cast give a marvelous performance. Newcomers, Bee Vang and Ahney Her, who play nextdoor neighbors Thao and Sue respectively, give seasoned performances. I couldn't help but sympathize with the quiet Thao and cheer for the feisty Sue. Christopher Carey gives an excellent performance as the eager, young Catholic priest. Also, Chee Thao, who plays the grandmother of Thao and Sue, provided much amusement in some of the scenes she shared with Eastwood even though she never speaks a single word of English in the entire film. I cannot find any flaws in the performances of the entire cast.
This film being a drama set in current times does not have much to comment on for special effects or action sequences. However, the sets were well-thought out. Nothing seemed out of place. The scoring was understated and blended well with the mood of the film. The overall pace of the film was excellent. There was no feel of dragging or laboring of plot points.
I highly recommend this film. It is a classic. I give Gran Torino 10 out of 10.
Gran Torino is the latest and apparently last film to star Clint Eastwood. Apparently, if his statements are to understood correctly, Clint Eastwood declared that this would be the last film he would act in. This does mean we may see more films directed or produced by him.
Due to the adult themes, violence, and language; I would not recommend this film for the youngsters.
This is an amazing drama with excellent acting from the entire cast. Eastwood carries his role as Walt Kowalski with the comfort of a man wearing a well-fitted suit. Anyone with who had a father or grandfather that grew up in the 30's and 40's will see a ghost of familiarity in his role. Conservative, work-oriented and hard-nosed; Walt is facing difficulties with his waning years. The supporting cast give a marvelous performance. Newcomers, Bee Vang and Ahney Her, who play nextdoor neighbors Thao and Sue respectively, give seasoned performances. I couldn't help but sympathize with the quiet Thao and cheer for the feisty Sue. Christopher Carey gives an excellent performance as the eager, young Catholic priest. Also, Chee Thao, who plays the grandmother of Thao and Sue, provided much amusement in some of the scenes she shared with Eastwood even though she never speaks a single word of English in the entire film. I cannot find any flaws in the performances of the entire cast.
This film being a drama set in current times does not have much to comment on for special effects or action sequences. However, the sets were well-thought out. Nothing seemed out of place. The scoring was understated and blended well with the mood of the film. The overall pace of the film was excellent. There was no feel of dragging or laboring of plot points.
I highly recommend this film. It is a classic. I give Gran Torino 10 out of 10.