Posted on 12/16/2008 1:38:52 PM PST by Publius804
DHP Review: Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood’s hinted that Gran Torino might be his last turn in front of the camera. If that’s true, he could not have chose for himself a more fitting farewell. Without a hint of the self-referential, Torino touches on the many iconic moments of both his best genre pictures and more serious fare. Most of all, he’s masterfully blended both into a hard-hitting, supremely satisfying story that carries big themes with a deft gentleness.
Working from a superb script by relative newcomer Nick Schenk, Gran Torino opens in just the kind of Catholic church you expect to see in an old Detroit suburb. Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is there to bury his beloved wife and to disapprove of the rest of his family. Having toughed his way through as a soldier in Korea and decades on the Ford assembly line, the strongest emotion he can summon for his spoiled kin is sarcastic disapproval with a side order of contempt.
Walt growls. Not figuratively, literally. He growls at the belly-pierced granddaughter who queries him on what he’ll leave her in his will, he growls at his son (Brian Haley) who thinks he’s outgrown the old, simple man who is his father, and he growls at Father Janovich (Christopher Carley), a baby-faced Priest who refuses to go away because he promised a dying wife he’d get Walt to agree to take confession.
At 78 (Eastwood plays his real age), Walt can live with this. He may not have made peace with his demons, but he is used to them and keeps life’s pleasures simple. Retired with a big old yellow dog for company, all Walt wants from life is his morning coffee, afternoon Pabst Blue Ribbon, a pack of filterless smokes, and a quiet porch to enjoy them on.
(Excerpt) Read more at dirtyharrysplace.com ...
Gee, these writers...how does one “take confession”?
I haven’t seen the flic, but his character sounds like the same one from million dollar baby...Not that it would be a bad thing I guess...
I bought a brand new 1976 Gran Torino station wagon (yellow with faux wood siding). It was a great car especially for someone starting a family who had to haul playpens, toys, etc everywhere you went. I had bought a 73 Toyota Celica for $3200 and after 3 years traded it in for the same amount on the Ford.
That red and white Torino has my name all over it.
I have seen this movie referred to as...Gunny Highway meets Grumpier Old Men...and meant as a compliment.
Quit, Clint, while you still have a career...
I watched this last night. Awesome, powerful movie. Clint is the man.
One of the best movies I’ve seen in a long while. Clint will win the best actor award for this one.
And how does a strong emotion tough its way through Korea, and how can all he wants from life retire with a dog?
My uncle had a friend who killed a man with his bare hands in a bar fight at 71 years old. Clint here reminds me of that guy.
With a strong dose of ‘epithet’s [sic].’
My kids bought the same vintage (72) Gran Torino a few years back to hot rod. I think I will de-safe my Garand and stand in front of it and have a picture took.
Will see. ASAP. Eastwood is a Great American.
Good Movie,it was nice to see a man stand up and fight the bad guys instead of running and hiding like many do today.
Good story that they didn't execute on. The acting was horrible. The priest just read his lines like he was reading a book. Flat & unemmotional. And, the 2 asian characters were terrible. I can't believe they couldn't find decent actors.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.