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Monday, 30 March 2009 |
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At the out set of this film. Walt Kowalksi (Clint Eastwood) is clearly annoyed by his granddaughter’s dress and attitude at his late wife’s funeral. During the wake it’s very apparent that Walt is not close to his grown up son’s and their offspring’s. He is a loner who polishes his Grand Torino at weekends, & drinks endless cans of cold beer sitting on his porch. As an ex Korean war vet and an ex Ford Motor employee he’s earnt his time in the sun.
However, all changes when his next door neighbor’s son Thao (Bee Vang) is coerced into stealing by the local roving band of south east Asian young thugs, and the item in Thao’s eyeline is… Yes the Gran Torino! Walt foils this attempt & promptly ejects the gang from his property in true “Dirty Harry” fashion. In so doing he becomes the area’s hero & is treated to endless gifts. First he objects and then gradually he accepts the hospitality of the immigrants good will and he becomes closer to Thao & his sister Sue (Ahney Her) helping Thao to get a job & keeping him away from the gangs. Naturally things take a certain turn & Clint‘s gotta do what Clint does best… It doesn’t take a lotta guessing does it? No not really. This is very interesting work & it’s said to be Clint’s last as an actor. I hope not, it’s been shot up in Michigan in an area that’s gone a little down hill. At times Clint reminded me of Richard Wilson in “One foot in the grave” but the similarity stops, when the grumpy old man gets darker. It’s funny, moving & sad and it’s good. |