December 16, 2008
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Mr. Eastwood's neighborhood.
After one single solitary viewing, legendary actor-turned-director Clint Eastwood's powerful 2008 redemption saga Gran Torino has muscled its way onto my list of all-time favorite films, which, I might add, is not as easy as one might initially believe. This surprisingly contemplative tale of one gruff and grumpy widower's budding relationship with his Vietnamese neighbors could very easily have become a geriatric version of the man's hugely successful Dirty Harry franchise had it been dropped into another filmmaker's less than capable hands. Instead of going straight for the jugular, Eastwood smartly aims for the heart, skillfully crafting a handful of endearing, well-rounded characters who are brought to life by an amazing group of talented young actors. And while there are a few scenes which feature Clint going toe-to-toe with a number of violent inner city goons, the film is more concerned with the moral and spiritual aspects of this ill-fated dilemma than delivering cheap visceral thrills. Eastwood, a master of the human condition, strikes a delicate balance between action and drama, intolerance and acceptance, due in part to writer Nick Schenk's tightly-woven script. Gran Torino tackles the new American culture clash in a way we haven't seen before: through the eyes of an aging veteran struggling to cope with a strange, foreign world. More importantly, it proves why Mr. Eastwood is still a cinematic force to be reckoned with.
Recipe For Success: Several Powerful Performances + One Shocking Albeit Suitable Finale + You'll Want To Watch It More Than Once
Get Off My Lawn: If some old guy tells you to leave his friends alone, you may want to seriously consider doing so.
Otherwise he might kick your chubby face in.
Posted by
The Film Fiend
2 Spasms:
In a year of mediocre US films, Gran Torino manages to rank up there with the best stuff I've seen from around the world. The only other US film I've seen that comes close is The Wrestler.
Great review. It captured what I was trying to say in my own review. ;)
Wow! Good to know!
I shall definitely check this one out now. . .
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