Grand Torino Review at Punk Arcade

A Review of Grand Torino - Directed by Clint Eastwood

Drama

Post Theater Impression:

Clint Eastwood rules. Incredible. Film is the greatest art form of our time. WOW.

Whats it about?

In Grand Torino Clint Eastwood is Walt Kowalski a rough old timer, newly widowed Korean war veteran. Content to live out his remaining days sitting on the porch with his dog and drinking beer, he is unwillingly drawn in to the drama of the Asian family living next door. The neighbors are a traditional Hmong family who are trying to keep their son on the right track and out of trouble. Unfortunately the kid is prey to a local Asian gang who attempt to initiate him. The film is about this struggle and plays out with some tense and sometimes humorous scenes. As a bonus the movie has at least three classic "Dirty Harry" moments.

Acting:

Clint plays the old tough guy effortlessly of course. He is deadly serious and at the same time light hearted, thus his brilliance. The other players are mostly raw and unknown which adds to believability of the film. The gangs are stereotypical and as nasty as what you see in the real world. Overall, its all good.

Moral Contrast and Overtones:

Whats stands out is the in your face racial slurs that come from Clint's character. He shamelessly uses every racial slur in the book against anyone and everyone. While liberals will be disgusted by this display, the film does a pretty good job of communicating that this type of language was typical from that generation. Racial slurs were used against blacks, whites, Irish, Italians, Germans and Mexicans. Lets just remember that slurs are not synonymous with discrimination.

Another interesting aspect of the film, is that while Walt's old fashioned traditional American values are fading from society, the Asian family next door is attempting to carry on their own traditional values.

Culture Impact:

Representing the good guys are Clint's character and the Asian family next door. The Hmongs next door are a typical Asian family holding true to their traditions while fighting off the onslaught of a violent American gang subculture. Clint's character is the old timer from another world. While he suffers from the bigotry of times past, he holds to the values of work and discipline. Eager to lend a helping hand and come to the aid of those in need. He's a hard liner.

The liberals are equally represented by the violent "anything goes if it feels good" thug gangs.

This movie is sure to piss off the liberals.