14 March,2009 08:58 AM IST | | Tushar Joshi
What's it about: Before I say anything about the film, I think it's important to know that Gran Tornino's lead actor is a 78-year-old man who swears, drinks beer, flirts with young women, is a sharp-shooter and when in a tux can outshine any Casanova off the block!
Here he plays Walt Kowalski, a grouchy and easily agitated Korean War veteran living in an Asian neighborhood (called the Hmongs), dealing with the ghosts of his pasts, saving his house from the hands of his greedy sons, and guarding his most prized possession a classic antique 1950s car called the Gran Torino.
Seen through Kowalski's eyes, the film floats between several themes dealing with racism, prejudice, the influence of the Catholic Church, and even feebly touches the serious topic of life and death.
What's hot: Statistics show that Gran Torino gave Eastwood his career's biggest opening ever, and it's a well deserved one. The film has the trademark Eastwood touch, opening slowly, building its pace, and going into the climax with a big boom! Looking back at his work, one observes that Eastwood as a director handles his film just like he would do as an actor.
He takes to the screenplay with a fervour and grit, breathing life into the flesh and bones of Kowalski, one of the most humorous as well as intense characters he's played so far. We feel for the old man right from the first frame, despite the blazing fire in his eyes, and the hurt in his spit, Kowalski doesn't bend over for anything he doesn't believe in.
When engulfed by a racial war in the neighborhood after he takes a young Asian boy Thao (Bee Vang) under his wing, we see a totally new Kowalski, a softie who just wants to lay off the burdens of his past. Scenes between Eastwood and Vang are enjoyable and executed really well.
Despite his age, Eastwood is still a charmer. His scene where he saves an Asian girl from a bunch of thugs is superb. Also don't forget to catch Eastwood croon the self-penned title track of the film as the credits roll out.
What's not: There are moments when it's a bit tough to decipher what the Asian characters are saying. Their accent is difficult to follow, but these are just fleeting instances. The constant intrusion of the priest asking Kowalski to confess and fulfill his dead wife's last wish breaks the flow of the story at times.
What to do: An absolute charmer, the film will leave you teary eyed and wanting for more. Let's hope this isn't the final farewell from the legend that is Clint Eastwood.
Gran Torino
U; drama/crime
Dir: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang
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At a cinema near you
ANDHERI
Fun (1.30 pm, 10.45 pm), Fame Big (4.45 pm, 11 pm)
MARINE LINES
Metro Big (5.30 pm, 11.05 pm)
CHURCHGATE
Inox Nariman Point (4 pm, 11 pm)
MALAD
Fame (1 pm, 3.45 pm, 6.30 pm, 11 pm)
WADALA
Imax Big (3 pm, 8.15 pm)
