In what may be the final role of his acting career, Clint Eastwood gives a spotless performance. “Gran Torino” tells the story of Walt Kowalski (Eastwood), a grizzled Korean War veteran whose wife recently passed away. Kowalski lives alone with his dog in a Detroit neighborhood that has become home to many immigrants, including Thao Van Lor (Bee Vang), a Hmong teenager and his family.
As part of his initiation into a gang led by his cousin, Thao is caught trying to steal Kowalski’s most prized possession, a 1972 Gran Torino that he helped build on the Ford assembly line. Thao escapes but is forced by his sister and mother to work for the old man in an effort to atone for the attempted robbery. The two become close as Kowalski teaches Thao how to be a man while learning how deal with his own shortcomings. Walt vows to protect Thao, setting the stage for a showdown with the gang.
Eastwood, who also does a great job of directing, shows what an outstanding actor he is; this performance ranks among the top of the year. Although the acting of the younger supporting cast looks average at times, “Gran Torino” boasts strong performances from its lead roles. With the ability to make you laugh and cry at the same time, “Gran Torino” is an instant classic and a definite must-see.
As part of his initiation into a gang led by his cousin, Thao is caught trying to steal Kowalski’s most prized possession, a 1972 Gran Torino that he helped build on the Ford assembly line. Thao escapes but is forced by his sister and mother to work for the old man in an effort to atone for the attempted robbery. The two become close as Kowalski teaches Thao how to be a man while learning how deal with his own shortcomings. Walt vows to protect Thao, setting the stage for a showdown with the gang.
Eastwood, who also does a great job of directing, shows what an outstanding actor he is; this performance ranks among the top of the year. Although the acting of the younger supporting cast looks average at times, “Gran Torino” boasts strong performances from its lead roles. With the ability to make you laugh and cry at the same time, “Gran Torino” is an instant classic and a definite must-see.
This piece has been published in Teen Ink’s monthly print magazine.
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