Gran Torino
Walt Kowalski is an iron-willed veteran living in a changing world, who is forced by his immigrant neighbors to confront his own long-held prejudices. (Fandango)
In simplest terms, it’s about an old, bitter man who’s wife, the light of his life, passed away, leaving him alone with his guilt, prejudices, and anger. Over a bit of time and friendly connections, he comes to terms with his emotions and his life, finding peace within himself at last.
What I now know about Gran Torino:
- It deserves it’s critical acclaim.
- Walt Kowalski is the ultimate badass,
- because he lived and learned to his fullest extent,
- because he fought for what he believed was right,
- because he called it like he saw it.
- and because he gave his Gran Torino to Tau (instead of the stupid bitch.)
- Clint Eastwood directed and produced it. Impressive.
- It looks at deeper sides of the origin of violence.
- It poses questions of what is considered morally right and good in a new way.
- The old man learned his lesson in the end/ life is full of lessons.
Overall Grade: A-
For bringing the audience through a story about the life lessons of an old, bitter man who lived his entire life haunted by the gun murder he committed in war. He continued to live the rest of his life after said murder by the standards of what he believed was right and good, but still kept his gun as his crutch. Yet in the end learned the way of violence truly solves nothing.
Well done.
