Gran Torino

One of Clint Eastwood's Best

I don't believe that Clint Eastwood did a lot of movies after this one, almost leaving his best to last. This film does take you on a roller coaster ride emotionally to some extent. It is very much worth seeing, but don't expect a typical Hollywood happy ending.



Here we have Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) who is a widower. Walt isn't a particularly pleasant man, he hasn't changed over the years even though his neighbourhood and the world around him have changed significantly.

He has become a grumpy old man that doesn't have the best relationship with his children or his "new" neighbours. His neighbourhood used to be full of working class people, these days it is full of who Asian immigrants.

Besides his house he has one other possession that he takes extra car of, it is a 1972 Ford Gran Torino. He washes it every weekend and keeps it garaged when not it use. It essentially looks as if it rolled out of the showroom that day.

His car has of course been spotted by some of the local gang members, and his neighbor Thao. Thao wants to join the gang that his cousin is in. So as proof of worthiness to the gang he tries to steal the car, he fails.

Kowalski ultimately takes Thao under his wing and shows Thao the value of work, and respect. As the two spend more time together their lives change and Kowalski is soon taking steps to protect Thao's family from the local gangs. The gangs however aren't going to give up territory without a fight.