Gran Torino
****1/2 out of 5
Clint Eastwood is best known as an actor. However, in the last few years he has been more prominent as a director and was recognized in 2004 as best director for Million Dollar Baby, which won a total of four Oscars. In his new project Gran Torino, his directing ability helps to make this movie stand out as a remarkable piece of work and even though it is still early into a new year it is probably safe to say that Gran Torino could be one of the year’s best films.
As the movie begins Walt Kowalski is introduced as a Korean War vet who seems angry and withdrawn. It becomes apparent that most people would have difficulty relating to him on a personal level. He is stubborn, headstrong and unforgiving when it comes to expressing his opinion. This is where Clint Eastwood’s directing really shines through as the outstanding ingredient of the movie. The light we first see Walt is really influenced by the people around him, people who don’t really understand Walt at all. When people who do understand or at least are willing to try and understand him are introduced, opinion of Walt begins to shift. Walt becomes more human. From the introduction of his love and personal ties to his 1972 Gran Torino, to the clever banter he shares with his barber. Walt also finds he has more in common with his neighbors than he ever could have expected, and they become like a second family to him. He finds redemption for actions in his past as a solider in the Korean War which had continuously haunted him.
Gran Torino is a heart warming movie that will take its audience through every facet of the emotional spectrum. This could easily be the best movie of the year and Clint Eastwood is again a strong Oscar contender for best director.
No comments:
Post a Comment