Film Weekly

Gran Torino uses shotgun humour

March 18 - 24, 2009
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I am so glad to say that I have finally watched a movie I enjoyed, I found Gran Torino very entertaining.

And though the storyline is serious, the movie has many laugh out loud moments.

Gran Torino is about an old, bitter man named Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) who hates everything and everyone and he is not hesitant to show it.

Walt is a retired Korean War veteran shattered by his wife's recent death.

He hates his life, his children and his neighbours who are mostly Hmong immigrants, just because they are different from him.

When a clash between the shy boy who lives next door and the local Asian gangs takes place on Walt's property because Thao (Bee Vang), the neighbour, refuses to steel a car, Walt comes at the gang with an M-1 rifle and becomes a hero to the local Hmongs.

In gratitude, Thoa's sister Sue (Ahney Her), manages to ignore Walt's racist comments and becomes friends with him, in turn Walt starts to be nicer to Thao.

The new bond between the trio helps in protecting Thao and raising his self confidence.

I think that Eastwood fits the part perfectly. No one is spared from his racist and abusive remarks ... the Asians, stupid people, his family and many others. But you don't feel bad when you see this movie, because he doesn't sound offensive. He is actually funny and made me crack-up.

As the movie went on, I found myself liking his character more and more.

Gran Torino, which Eastwood has said will mark his last acting role, succeeds in many areas. It is a good solid drama about understanding, tolerance and change.

He is also an excellent director, all his projects have been hits, and an amazing actor with years of experience.

Gran Torino is about racism, and I have always enjoyed movies which tackle this issue, specially if they come with a great dialogue and set of actors.

My recommendation is to go and see this film, it is worth your time.

Showing in:_Seef II and Saar

Cineplex.







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