CAP Reviews: Gran Torino
Just revisited Gran Torino again over the weekend with the family. Loved it even more the second time around. Wanted to share my original review from a few months back. Hope everyone had a great Father’s Day!
"Oh shit! It's Clint Eastwood, son!"
No one tells a better story in modern day films than Clint Eastwood.
Take two… No one lets a story tell itself well better than Clint Eastwood.
Gran Torino is, if nothing else, a very well told story that slowly draws you in and never gives you a reason to check your watch.
Per usual I don’t do synopsis. It’s usually better if you go into this movie knowing as little as possible. But if you’re one of those people… check out the synopsis for Gran Torino here.
Why is Gran Torino so great? Because of Clint. Without Clint, this movie can not be. There is no one who could play Walt Kolowski. There is no one who could really tell this story in such a touching, funny, poignant and profound way. The fact that the lead guy is also the director… who’s been in the movies longer than most of the audience was alive… and do it better than most of his contemporary filmmakers… it’s simply amazing.
But enough of waxing Clint’s car here. I mean to wax his film. His Gran Torino. It’s a movie that has two equally important messages: Love thy neighbor. It also says that the need and ability for redemption never expires.
The hidden gem here is Ahney Her who plays Sue. Without the tender, straightforward and undeniably pitch perfect way she played her role and invited Walt into his new world, nothing else would’ve worked.
One of the best things about Clint’s style of directing is that he allows scenes to breathe and play out without a zillion cuts and . It never feels forced. The shots never seem flashy but they are always impressive and just right.
Easily one of the top films of 2009 (top two perhaps), this is a movie experience that can not and should not be missed.
Don’t miss this film!
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