Gran Torino (2009)

This movie is another gem in a long line of terrific Clint Eastwood movies, which seem to be getting better as the 'man with no name' gets older. In Gran Torino, a crotchety old man becomes embroiled in a gang's business as he comes to terms with the changing environment in which he lives. Clint is amazing in this film. His voice is so powerful and intimidating that everything he says carries an enormous amount of weight. He is also absolutely hilarious, as long as you are not easily offended by racially insensitive language. As a director and producers, Eastwood also does an amazing job. The cast, while absent of any big names, is really well put together, and every member of it does an excellent job. The plot and the writing of Gran Torino is terrific. The movie makes a lot of good points about the ability of a person to change, the hope this country gives to people of different ethnicities, and the idea that good people can overcome their circumstances. I loved Gran Torino, but it was in no way perfect. The first half an hour is a little bit slow, and the relationship between Eastwood and the young Asian he mentors is predictable. Also, the conclusion of Gran Torino, while appropriate and resonating, is not entirely satisfying. All that said, this is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. My wife did not watch the film with me, and while I am sure I appreciated it more than she would have, I know she would have enjoyed it. This movie was good enough that I plan on buying it. I give Gran Torino 4 stars.