Dirty Harry is back … sort of.
Clint Eastwood takes the helm once again as director and producer of his latest film “Gran Torino.” The movie is a provocative look into the heart of an aging racist, isolated within a changing neighborhood and surrounded by people with whom he cannot relate with. Clintwood paints his character’s struggle with diversity in a surprisingly strong, but comedic fashion.
Eastwood plays the role of Walt Kowalski, an embittered veteran of the Korean War who has little tolerance for the foreigners who are invading his blue-collar Detroit neighborhood. All Walt can do about it is growl and snarl. Be advised, if you get easily offended by racial slurs, you might want to think twice before you see this picture. It is helpful to step back for a moment to analyze the world Walt grew up in. He is a practical man that was molded during a time when people demonized their enemies with derogatory slurs, and manhood was shown through tough words and actions. Yet despite all the venom that Walt spews, we cannot help but love the guy because we know he has a good heart.
Walt has a particular dislike for the Hmong family that moves in next door, but in the end they help Walt change some of his bigoted ways.
One night as part of a gang initiation, Thao the shy teenager next door, is told to steal Walt’s 1972 Gran Torino. All hell breaks loose when Walt catches the young boy in the act.
To atone for the family’s shame, young Thao is ordered to help Walt around his house, whether recalcitrant Walt wants it or not. As Walt comes to know the family next door, his hatred and solitude begin to melt away and are replaced with a newfound tolerance. This is the real drama within “Gran Torino.” It consists of watching Walt warm up to others as he accepts a higher calling in life. This is Walt’s ultimate redemption.
Although Walt continues his crude language, the meaning turns becomes more affectionate as he bonds with his neighbors. Eastwood’s crusty old character is the perfect foil for the Hmong neighbors who he loves to hate and finally comes to love wholeheartedly. This is a film that speaks volumes about tolerance and the courage one must muster in order to confront a lifetime of indoctrination.
Despite being one of the most politically incorrect movies to grace the silver screen, “Gran Torino” is actually a remarkably sweet and funny movie. It attempts to deconstruct bigotry as only Eastwood could. Walt is a relic of the past and even though he might not realize it, everyone around him laughs at his over-the-top tirades.
Walt learns the hard way that for every action there must be a reaction. He learns the consequence of arbitrarily raising hell, but his redemption comes with a hefty price.
In the end, this is a powerful story about a man who is at the twilight of his life and is looking to make amends with his wayward ways, before it is too late. He must find a way to right the wrongs in his life. The ending of the movie might be a bit hokey, but it is uplifting in its own bizarre way.
“Gran Torino” touches the heart from every angle. If anything, you will laugh to the point that it feels liberating. The movie confirms that we are all human and it is not wise to judge a book by its cover. Walt Kowalski proves something we all want to believe for ourselves: Change is always possible, even when you’re in your 70’s, alone, and staring death in the face.
Click here to go to the “Gran Torino” Web site for trailers, clips, and downloads.
Maurice Arisso can be reached at [email protected].
