Gran Torino

Walt Kowalski, played by Clint Eastwood, is an abrupt, set-in-his-ways man. Having served in the Korean War, worked a blue collar job at the local Ford plant for decades, and having recently become a widower, Walt has led a tough life. Unofrtunately for him and those closest to him - inlcuding his two sons - these experiences grizzled the old man to the extent that he has willingly pushed his loved ones away.

Without a wife, and with a family that only feels obligated to check in on him, Walt is left with only his dog Daisy, a harsh racism he developed from serving in the war, and, to make matters worse, an increasingly diverse and dangerous neighborhood closing in around him.

Fortunately for Walt, whose own health gradually deteriorates throughout the film, he learns something from a young neighbor, an outspoken Thai girl who just doesn't seem to want to leave him alone: he has more in common with his neighbors than he would ever have thought.

With a growing respect for his neighbors, Walt begins to see a them as a loving family, but one with unfortunate ties to a dangerous lifestyle. Before he knows it, the old man begins to take action to help the children make something better of themselves. The only question, however, is will it be enough before those negative influences lead the children down a similar path of wasted hatred, not much unlike the one Walt has already taken?

A definite Oscar snub this year, Gran Torino is an absolute must-see.

Rating: 8/10