Review of Gran Torino (2008) by Jack L — 20 Jan 2013

Mini Review 16: Gran Torino.

A widowed, retired war veteran and factory worker Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) must not only deal with changing ethnicity in his neighborhood but also has to put up a tough fight against his own frailties/demons. A trifler of a rescue act brings him in touch with Hmong Vang Lor family who happen to be his unobserved neighbors.

What starts as a lack of affinity towards cultural diversity and absolute ineptitude towards social equality turns slowly in to humanity, passion and love towards societal fraternity.

Positives:

--> Clint Eastwood's mesmerizing performance as a grumpy old man full of self-denial towards every facet of society (especially towards ethnicity etc.).

--> Heart tugging scenes and dialogues imbibing the true spirit and need for fraternity in a social setting.

--> Flawless screenplay and beautiful "on screen" execution.

Negatives:

--> A tad slow in narration.

--> Couple of disturbing scenes (might not be for everyone).