Movie Review: Gran Torino (2008)

Apr 092009

I recently went to watch Gran Torino on the big screen. The film stars veteran actor Clint Eastwood who plays the part of Walt Kowalsk, a disgruntled Korean War veteran. Kowalski’s children want him to move into an Old Age home, but he stays on in his old Detroit neighbourhood, even though more Asians live in his neighbourhood than Americans. Kowalski has a problem with Asians, since he though them in the Korean War. A young Hmong teenager, Thao Vang Lor, played by Bee is pressured by Asian gang members. He tries to steal Kowalski’s prize possession, his 1972 Ford Gran Torino. Kowalski catches him in the act and foils the theft. To regain his family’s honor, Thao is forced to work for Kowalski, who sets out to reform him.

The film was also directed by Clint Eastwood. I found this film entertaining, although it does have quite a grim ending. Clint Eastwood still knows how to act, even though he’s turning 79 this year. The dialogue was quite fresh too. The concept is not a new one, but it was well done. Overall, I give this movie a 7 out of 10.

This is the trailer for the movie:

Here are a few quotes from Gran Torino:

Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood): “Get me another beer, Dragon Lady! This one’s running on empty”

Father Janovich (Christopher Carley): “Why didn’t you call the police?”
Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood): “Well you know, I prayed for them to come but nobody answered.”

Sue Lor (Ahney Her): “There’s a ton of food.”
Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood): “Yeah, well just keep your hands off my dog.”
Sue Lor (Ahney Her): “No worries, we only eat cats.”

Thao Vang Lor (Bee Vang): [Walt's smoking] “You should quit. Those things are bad for you.”
Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood): “Yeah? So’s being in a gang.”

Sue Lor (Ashley Her): “Kind of ironic, isn’t it?”
Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood): “What is?”
Sue Lor (Ashley Her): “Thao washing your car after he tried to steal it.”
Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood): “And if he misses a spot, he has to do it all over again.”

Barber Martin (John Carroll Lynch): “That’ll be 10 bucks, Walt.”
Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood): “Jesus, what are you, half Jew?”