When does someone become family

Gran Torino

(2008)

Directed by:

Clint Eastwood

Written by:

Nick Schenk (Screenplay)

Dave Johannson (Story)

Nick Schenk (Story)

Starring:

Clint Eastwood

Bee Vang

Ahney Her

Christopher Carley

You feel heavy deep inside, and yet feel good. That was how I felt after leaving the theaters from watching “Gran Torino”. Once again Clint Eastwood comes up with a film so great you keep on thinking, what he would do next? The film takes place in the state of Michigan in an Asian community composed of Hmongs. Walt Kowalski played by Mr. Eastwood, recently lost his wife. Three words, grumpy old man that is who Walt Kowalski is. Mr. Eastwood’s performance in the film is so brilliant, you would even think that though Hollywood is obsessed with youth, with the right material, a 78 year old man can get the job done with flying colors, not to mention that he is also the film’s director.

One interesting aspect in the film that is something worthwhile is how the different relationships between the characters in the film develops and just totally disappears or was never existent at all to begin with. The first interesting relationship in the film is between Walt and Fr. Janovich. They did not have any relationship at all, not until the death of Walt’s wife, basically Walt only goes to church because of his wife. Here comes Fr. Janovich reaching out to Walt, first to fulfill his promise to Walt’s wife to make him to go to confession and second, as his parish priest, to make sure that he is doing fine. The second interesting relationship in the film is the relationship between Walt and his family, something that is not good. Through out the film you see that Walt does not have any relationship with his family at all. I felt sad while watching the film but then again, we do not really know what kind of relationship Walt had towards his family, his two children in particular. Was he a loving father? Was he there for his children? Maybe there is a reason while his two sons are not close to him at all. Lastly, and which I think the most important relationship in the film is the relationship Walt has with Thao and Sue. It is very interesting how Walt, develops a great relationship with Thao and Sue. Generations and cultures apart, the three seem to have pretty much got it going. Though Thao and Walt start off on a bad note, they pretty much settle everything and as they say the rest is history. I remember a scene in the film when a gentleman said that there should be a male figure in the home of Thao and Sue. Lo and behold here comes next door neighbor Walt, not in the home of Thao and Sue but more importantly in their lives.

During the first part of the film, I though that the film might be a little racist and prejudiced specially after seeing the trailers. Yes, there are some racial slurs but one thing is clearly seen after seeing “Gran Torino”, race does not matter in order for people to be a part of you life.

"Gran Torino" is now showing nationwide.