I watched Gran Torino in theaters with my wife. I imagine like many who saw the previews, I imagined Gran Torino to be a real bang bang shoot em up Clint Eastwood type of movie set in the modern day city. I was a little curious how they were going to really make it a thriller being as how old Clint Eastwood is, and the previews didn't make it out like he was some type of real tough guy any more, though he does still have the attitude. So it was to my surprise that the premise of the movie really wasn't like any of the typical Clint Eastwood flicks of yesteryear that some audiences might expect from him. Gran Torino was much, MUCH better.

The film takes place in modern day Detroit. It opens with the funeral of Walt Kowalski's wife. Walt, a retired Detroit automotive assembly line worker and Korean War vet, is a man with a traditional american mindset, some rather prejudice perpectives on others, and quite alot of deeply troublesome memories from his war years. Although his wife was apparently deeply religious, Walt does not share the same admiration for the Catholic faith. But thanks to the promise a local young priest made to Walt's wife before she passed, the young "Padre" refuses to leave Walt alone.

The story takes on more depth as we see Walt's two son's have a very strained and distant relationship with their dad, who they really only contact out of formalities or if there is something they are trying to get from him. Walt spends most of this time taking care of his house, the most well kept in the entire neighborhood, or sitting on his porch drinking a beer while sneering at the Hmong neighbors who virtually live in every house on his block.

Then, when a young boy who is his neighbor get's caught trying to steal his car as part of a gang initiation of sorts, the boy's parents force him to do chores for Walt, who at first wants no part in the offer. But over time, Walt accepts his offer of service and begins to build a reltionship with the young Hmong teenager, causing Walt to reevaluate some of his prejudice perspectives, albeit very subtly.

In the end Walt really goes to bat for his new found friends in a way that will utterly shock and touch you. The ending of this movie was totally unexpected to me, even up until when it happened. It was also the best part of the movie. It is a deeply powerful and touching portrayal, and I gotta leave it at that!

The only down side to this movie is the language, which although it completely fits the scenario, may be found quite offensive to some. There is not only alot of swearing, but also many racial epitaths made by Walt, showing his deeply prejudice perspective. Also, there does end up being some significant violence, so I really would not bring young people to this movie of any impressionable age. Otherwise this is a very powerful and touch film which I recommend to any adult.

Recommended: Yes

Movie Mood: Serious Movie
Viewing Method: Other
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Nothing