Clint Eastwood in Gran Tourino
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Vang and Ahney Her
Run Time: 1 hr 56 mins
Plot Synopsis: A racist Korean War veteran living in a crime-ridden Detroit neighborhood is forced to confront his own lingering prejudice when a troubled Hmong teen from his neighborhood attempts to steal his prized Gran Torino.
Clint Eastwood. The name conjures images of one tough hombre and one great movie, Dirty Harry. And why not? Dirty Harry is arguably the movie Eastwood is most known for. For a while, Eastwood was seen by movie fans as a gritty, tough S.O.B that you did not want to mess with. But, as is the case with everyone, Clint Eastwood aged. He grew older and wiser. But that did not stop him from making great films, like Million Dollar Baby, Changeling, and Unforgiven. However, Eastwood gradually began to move away from roles like Inspector Harry Callahan and Rowdy Yates. But with Gran Tourino, the gritty, tough S.O.B character that Eastwood had become so long ago is back with a vengence. Eastwood plays a racist Korean War vet in the film. And it’s his performance, along with fantastic acting from supporting actors Christopher Carly and Bee Vang, that truly made Gran Tourino a special film. In fact, If I would have seen this film before I wrote my top ten films of 2008, it would have been placed in the top two. That’s right, it was that good.
It’s fantastic to see Eastwood playing the type of role that made him one of my all time favorite actors. The man is truly talented, no one can argue with that. And at the tender young age of 78, I will admit that Eastwood can still be an intimidating presence on the big screen. I’m not ashamed to admit that if I ever saw a man like Walt Kowalski (Eastwood’s character in the film) in a dark alley, I’d be pretty nervous. That is what is truly special about this film, the fine acting throughout. It would’ve been easy to assume that at Eastwood’s age, he could no longer strike fear in the hearts of moviegoers. No longer can he intimidate people, and make them feel like he is a man you don’t want to cross. But if you assume that, you are dead wrong.
Aside from Clint Eastwood’s fine performance, I felt that the film also featured strong supporting performances by the aforementioned actors. Christopher Carley played Father Janovich, the priest at Kowalski’s church, a man who commonly visits Kowalski and tries to talk with him about Walt’s issues. And Carley did a fine job, I felt like the character truly knew Walt. His presence did nothing to lessen the film in any way. To be honest, I was a bit worried about Carley. Up until this film, he had only played minor roles in film, television and on Broadway. How would he look next to an actor the caliber of Clint Eastwood? The simple answer is just fine. The supporting role that impressed me the most, however, was that of Bee Vang. Vang played Thao Van Lor, Walt’s teenage neighbor and the kid who tried to steal Walt’s prized Gran Tourino. Well, without spoiling the movie, I will say that Thao came to be quite close to Walt. Their dynamic was amazing. Their scenes were some of the best in the film. It was a character that you felt for. Thao was someone that you wanted to see succeed. And all of that is possible because of the strong performance from Vang. I hope to see this kid again sometime. This film should open doors for him.
In case you haven’t guessed it yet, I definitely recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. It is a fine piece of cinema that should go down as one of Eastwood’s better films. The movie had something for everyone: Excitement, danger, drama. There was plenty of emotion. Watching Walt’s “transformation” was moving. The end of the film was powerful. You feel it, I was on the edge of my seat, pleading with the screen, hoping to find that the film comes to a different conclusion than the one that was clearly developing. Watch the film to find out what I was talking about. It was one of those moments that really tugs at the heart strings. There is no reason for you to not see this film. It’s a movie that I will be purchasing the day it is released, because I feel like it is a must for my DVD collection. If you are a fan of quality films or vintage Eastwood, you will love it. If not, you will still enjoy it. Watch it.
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January 7, 2009
#1
That’s it! I have to see it! It looks like I am going to have to drive an hour to see it, but hey, I cant wait.
Clint Eastwood is one mean son of a bitch, and i am glad to see that he is back.
Personally I hated million dollar baby.
January 7, 2009
#2
Million Dollar Baby was a good movie, but I didn’t like it, if that makes sense. It was well done, had some good acting, I just didn’t enjoy it.
Stan, you will not be disappointed I promise you that! I’d drive an hour to see it too. It’s worth it!
January 7, 2009
#3
I kind of felt like it was a chick flick.
I am heading out friday to see it. I think an hour drive is a small price to pay.
January 7, 2009
#4
Yeah, you won’t be disappointed. Definitely not a chick flick. Vintage Eastwood!
January 7, 2009
#5
I have been waiting to hear a review on this one, because I have seen the trailers, and am really nervous that when i see it I may get let down. BUt nervousness is now gone. I am now totally stoked about this one.
One film you neglected to mention that i thinkshould have been if you are goingto bring up Eastwood Directorial work, Is by far Mystic River, What a fantastic film, by far my fav Eastwood Directorial flick, followed by Unforgiven.
January 8, 2009
#6
Man I hope I can get a screener for this, if not I’ll prob see this soon, great review!
I only read one bad review on this film, and the critic loved Eastwood but hated everyone else,,,?
January 8, 2009
#7
Thanks.
I’ve never heard any bad reviews. Still, I tried to go in with no preconceptions about the film. It was good, and screw that guy, everyone around Eastwood did a good job. Certainly nothing to hurt the film in any way.
January 8, 2009
#8
I generally do as well, but this looked to good to be true, so now i have the confirmation I needed
January 8, 2009
#9
I loved the movie. But one small point, I think he was a Detective in the Dirty Harry movies, not an inspector… Detective is a law enforcement position while an inspector is civilian, like code enforcement or something…
January 8, 2009
#10
You said it had something for everyone…. you forgot to mention the classic car.
January 8, 2009
#11
Well, I hadn’t seen Dirty Harry in a while, so I couldn’t remember the title he held. So I looked it up on IMDB. And they say Insp. Callahan. I also checked the wikki entry. Police Officer, official title: Inspector. Collider, MovieWeb. Both Inspector. And just to make sure I had it right, I scoured the web searching for his job title. Unfortunately, I don’t have a DVD copy of the film, so I couldn’t just watch it. But you know what came up on every single entry I found about the character? “Dirty” Harry Callahan is a S.F.P.D Inspector. So if his title in the film is detective instead of inspector, I apologize. All those other sites are just dead wrong. Thanks though.
Gran Tourino, a fine vehicle! You’ve got to love the classics!
January 8, 2009
#12
Oops, my mistake, it’s been a while since I’ve seen the movie as well. I don’t know how the San Francisco law enforcement ranking system works, but I have always known inspector as a civilian title.
January 9, 2009
#13
I wouldn’t know either. And when you said that, I had to go back and double check everything again. I hate being wrong.
January 9, 2009
#14
Well, I’m glad you are a man of truth. Most people would have simply defended their position without even checking just for the sake of pride. And then even if they are wrong, they never want to admit it like it is like being “defeated” or some stupid thing like that. Although in this case, you would have been right anyhow. I just hope more people would be like that…
But either way, perhaps this would motivate both of us to go watch those movies again, which is a good thing because then we’ll be supporting Mr. Eastwood, and he is “the man” afterall… :-)
January 9, 2009
#15
You know what Ken? I am going out TODAY to buy a copy of Dirty Harry on DVD. That movie kicked ass, and there really is no good reason for me not having it.
What you’ll get with me is 100% legit. If I am wrong, I will man up. It’s just the way I am. Usually, when I write these things, I am pretty thorough. But everyone makes mistakes. And I’d rather have people point it out so I could correct it instead of leaving it out there forever.
Clint is the man!
January 10, 2009
#16
Some of my favorite movies are from Mr. Eastwood. I’m seeing this on tuesday.
January 10, 2009
#17
You won’t be disappointed.
What is your fav. Eastwood movie? Anyone else care to mention their fav. Eastwood movie?
January 10, 2009
#18
Couple of my fav’s
“Unforgiven” , Outlaw Jose Wales” and “the Good, the Bad and the Ugly”….:)
+ the first 3 Dirty Harry films.
January 10, 2009
#19
Best Eastwood film… Play Misty for me.
Hands down
January 10, 2009
#20
All fine choices. Once I saw a best of Clint Eastwood DVD collection at a best buy or some store like it, can’t remember. I regret not buying it. If I ever saw it again, I’d pick it up in a heartbeat.
Unforgiven would have to be my fav.
January 11, 2009
#21
Ok, just got back from the theater.
Holy Christ I can’t believe what I just watched. It was amazing.
Eastwood’s character was perfect for his age.
Believe it or not there were parts of the film where I laughed until i cried.
Action packed, with an ending that I didnt see coming.
I am absolutely stunned with what I just saw.
Good call Jon.
January 11, 2009
#22
sadly, I have not seen a lot of Eatwood flicks I know, and I call myself.
Unforgiven for sure, It was filmed just outside my city here, in fact the set still exists today, they use it for some tv shows and other westerns that are shot here.
My fav directed film has to be Mystic River, was an awesome and powerful movie.
The tribute to Eastwodd in Back to the future 3 is awesome as well!
January 11, 2009
#23
sorry, ” I call myself a movie buff.
January 11, 2009
#24
I believe it Stan, it had a couple of funny moments. But I didn’t want anyone to confuse it as a comedy. This movie is dead serious. It’ll go down as one of Eastwood’s best films.
Metallicat – Shame Shame Shame! Dirty Harry 1 &2, watch them!
January 11, 2009
#25
Oh yes, it was dead serious, there is no doubt about that.
I did notice several people walk out though, and after the film i talked with some of the theater employees and they said it has offended several customers.
January 12, 2009
#26
Me too. And I certainly see how people could be offended by it. I mean, the lead character is a racist. But I think if you can get past the initial shock of it, it’d be hard to leave the theater upset. It was a really good movie, and I think that the character sort of redeemed himself towards the end.
January 12, 2009
#27
I like your new Gravatar Stan!
“Call me Snake,,,,” I just got the urge to watch that movie!
^
Gran Tourino ,,,, I’ve gotta see this film asap!!!!!!!
January 12, 2009
#28
The reviews you guys are giving for this film really has me ready to go out to the theater and see it. I haven’t watched many of Eastwood’s films of late. Sure I’ve seen Unforgiven, The Dirty Harry flicks, etc. I think the last film I watched of his was In the Line of Fire. I love his stuff, I’m just not sure why I haven’t see his new films?
Does this one have a Chimp in it? I would totally leave work right now to see Clint and Clyde pounding some brews!
“Right turn Clyde!”
Why are people so sensitive and easily offended now days? You hear about society being “desensitized” yet thing like dialog in an Eastwood movie cause people to walk out?!
We can watch Grissom’s “Love-Stain-Black-Light” show us everything a rapist shared his love with on CSI, but have a film (that goes through a ratings board – albeit a sad excuse for one) that has some “questionable” dialog or violence and people get their panties in a bunch! How does this happen? Can you image if these people went back and watched some of the PG films that came out in the 80’s? How did they survive?
January 12, 2009
#29
the fact that our population has been desensitized only applies to rape, violence, rofanity, drugs and alcohol.
I for one think it is sad that rape and murder have become more acceptable than racial slurs. How many times do you see someone on the news being ridiculed for calling someone a nigger, while rape stays unmentioned.
Personally I would rather see a film in an all out race war than watch a film depicting rape.
while we are on the topic though, i watched Back to the Future the other night. I was actually kind of surprised that i had never caught onto this before, but it has it’s own rape scene. not nearly as bad as others that i have scene but still….
January 12, 2009
#30
@Stan
Perhaps its from the gernaration growing up and watching BTTF and seeing it, and seein that it was ok. I too don’t understand why the media tends to focus on racial slurs than rape. Not too open up any not movie debate here, but, I find that, at least here in Canada, the laws regarding rape, sexual harrasment and child molesters ( I forgot the technical term, sorry) are way too lax. at most they get a slap on the wrist and are sent back out into the world to do it again, thereby showing acceptance of that tpe of behavior. It pisses me off to no end when I hear on the news that a rapists, or child molester has been released but they wont give you the name or tell you where they are locating themselves.
January 12, 2009
#31
BTTF had it’s racial comments too. Remember the peckerwood comment. If the racism is white against black it’s outrageous, it it’s black against white it’s funny.
Racism was a fact of the 50s. Certainly nothing to be proud of but fact nevertheless. It’s sad to see it still around now that we should know better.
The rape scene in BTTF was an integral part of the story. Without it we wouldn’t have had that gtreat line – “get your damn hands off her Biff”
January 12, 2009
#32
You are all right, and it’s sad. Violence, brutality, sexual/physical abuse, kids now havel been desensitized to it all. I was not a part of this world back in the 50’s, but I know this for sure. These types of crimes didn’t happen to much less in those days, it’s just that nowadays, we live in the age of the 24 hr news network. Cell phones, video cameras that can fit in your pocket, the internet. It’s easier for people to come across all of this, lessening the impact it has on people when they see it.
I hate the fact that it is okay for someone of one race to call someone of that same race a racial slur against that race. It happens all the time. I understand people may be offended by the term, but if it’s ever going to go away, it needs to go away completely. You can’t use it amongst yourselves and then tell other people not to because it’s offensive.
That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
January 13, 2009
#33
Back on the subject of Gran Torino. I have not seen it but I have a buddy who has seen it twice because it was so good.
I find Clint Eastwood to be kinda creepy in the trailer. Especially the shot where he shoots his finger like a gun into the camera.
And as for Back to the Future….it had an almost rape scene. “Hey you…get your damn hands off of her.” Oh yeah, and there is that one scene where Marty gets sodomized by Biff, but i think that’s only in the director’s cut. “c’mon biff…make me feeeeeeel goood.”
January 13, 2009
#34
You should check it out if you can Dustin.Nobody I’d see it another time too if I didn’t have to drive a while to see it. Gas price is rising again.
I get the creepy thing. I think it’s because he looks so old. It’s like imagining your grandfather doing that, its weird.
I’ve never seen the director’s cut of Back to the Future. I guess I need to go pick it up. I don’t have it on dvd already, so it will be a good buy.
January 13, 2009
#35
where do i get this directors cut of BTTF?? hahaha?
January 22, 2009
#36
Just finished watching this,,,
Wow what a great film.
Eastwoods gonna win the Oscar for this, I just feel it.
I have to rethink my favorite Eastwood films after this. Clint pulls off one hell of a performance.
This is one of his BEST films hands down.
Great film!!!!!