Gran Torino

Well, this evening I went to go see the movie "Gran Torino." It wasn't the first movie choice that I was going to see this evening, as I was trekking my way to Madison to see "The Reader," only to be interrupted by yet another snowfall. I have no idea why I tend to migrate toward seeing movies involving the Holocaust, but tonight, I'm glad I didn't.

I would have to say that "Gran Torino" is a WINNER in my book, and a favorite of the year.

Clint Eastwood, in my opinion, shines in this movie, even through all of the cantankerous behavior throughout the movie. Not only does he have a mouth like a sailor, but has no hesitation to throw out every sort of racist comment one could possibly think of (certainly not for the "politically perfect"), at what I would consider mostly appropriate times. In fact, I think all of the air was sucked out of the theatre when he addressed a group of thugs hassling a Hmong girl (and principal actress in the movie) a word that rhymes with "kooks." Not only was it funny, but brilliant.

The Hmong boy playing opposite Eastwood in this movie is anything but a tough guy. Kowtowing to others, never speaking up, and always taking a verbal bashing by Eastwood's Walt, he too was WONDERFUL in this movie.

I found it particularly interesting that this really is the first movie that introduces Hmong culture as a principal part of the movie. Even with the odd animals on the buffet tables in a couple scenes, and the omniscient shaman, it really was a fine movie throwing two cultures clashing against each other's, only to find common ground when all of the dust settles in their run down neighborhood.

Particularly noteable was the portrayal of Walt's family, two sons and their families that really only want to put Walt in a retirement facility, collect the money from the sale of his home and his possessions (since the retirement community is "really nice"), even though Walt is perfectly capable of handling things on his own. Walt's prized possession, his 1972 Ford Gran Torino, is even coveted by his pierced lipped, harlot dressed, idiot of a grand daughter, who really wants nothing to do with him, except for this car.

Hmm....I have a cousin named Scott that this movie made me remember, who had a habit of preying on the dying like a vulture, hoping to get some tidbit to fall in his direction.....

Anyhow, I do know if I were on the other end of Walt's tirades in a couple spots in the movies, I know I would have peed my drawers like a toddler.

I particularly like the barbershop scenes where Walt talks to his barber in "man talk," and then teaches the boy Tao how to do the same thing. It's pretty funny.

Even Daisy the Labrador was awesome.

It also confirmed to me that I'm glad I don't live in Detroit, and that it is everything I expected Detroit to be. But then again, I hate Detroit for other reasons as well.....but I digress....