Gran Torino DVD Review

Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is a worn and hard old man who has just lost his wife. The Vietnam veteran struggles with the reality of his past as well as the reality of his present, including being surrounded on all sides by the Asian community that he openly detests. Named after his most prized possession, Gran Torino, also directed by Clint Eastwood, was released on DVD June 9th by Warner Home Video.

Despite his desire to hideout in his home and drink away his days, Walt is confronted by others with a different plan. Father Janovich (Christopher Carley), the local priest, promised Walt’s wife before her death, that he would compel him to go to confession. She knew Walt had some dark secrets and feelings to unload during his final days.

The neighbors, immigrants from the hills of Asia, also try to get to know their loan American neighbor. While Walt makes it clear initially that he has no interest in being neighborly, Sue (Ahney Her) finally persuades him to come over for a family get together and some good food. Walt agrees and the walls begin to slowly crumble.

Walt soon learns that Sue’s younger brother Thao (Bee Vang) is struggling to avoid the local gang, that includes members of his family. Walt’s initial encounter with Thao is when he catches him in his garage trying to steal his Gran Torino, at the prompting of his cousin. The two bond later when Thao’s mother makes him work for Walt to repay his mistake.

As the story develops Walt finds himself becoming more concerned for his new friends while more burdened by his own health issues. Gran Torino is a very engaging and moving story, with an impressive ending. There are some weak script moments scattered throughout the film, but Eastwood is amazing as always as the tyrannical lead. You will be moved by the story and entertained by the message. Plenty of language and thematic material keeps this from being a family-friendly movie, but there is usually a point with what is said.

MPAA Rating: RRunning Time: 116 minutesDVD Release Date: June 9, 2009

DVD Review by Neil of Movie Room Reviews

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