By Connor Carlbom

Aurum Staff

“Gran Torino” is about a Korean War vet named Walt Kowalski. He still holds prejudices from the war, so you can imagine how he feels when a large group of Hmong (Southeast Asians) move in next door. Things really start to get crazy when the teenage boy tries to steal Walt’s most prized possession, a 1972 Gran Torino, in order to get into a gang. Walt then decides to put aside his racism and help the boy and his family from the growing threat of gang violence. Walt helps the boy get a job and teaches him valuable skills, such as carpentry. Walt begins to accept the Hmong family as his own because his real family is a bunch of rich jerks.

Clint Eastwood is in top form here. He plays the role very convincingly and seems to be right at home playing an old man, since he is one in real life. Most of the Asian actors are pretty sub-par, because I guess English is their second language, but Clint really makes up for it. He has some extremely witty dialogue which works great as his final film appearance.

The ending of the movie is undeniably the best part. I don’t want to give too much away, but it even made me feel sad. It once again ties in perfectly with the idea that this is Clint’s last performance. It’s not a happy ending, but it still makes you feel good.

I would suggest this movie to any huge fan of Clint Eastwood, like me. He is the #1 reason to see the movie. Don’t watch it if you are afraid of foul language, though, because there is plenty here, but I’m sure most of you can look past that and see the truly great cinematic masterpiece that lies beneath.