???Clint Eastwood fights a battle that a 70-something old man isn't cut out for: gang violence.
???Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby/i>) plays Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski living in the "old neighborhood" turned breeding ground for cultural conflict and gang banging in Grand Torino, Eastwood's latest directorial effort.
???Kowalski's seen war. He carries the scars of battle with him, using his gruff exterior to mask the burdens his heart carries. Disconnected from his emotionally shallow and uncouth offspring, Kowalski deals with his wife's death alone, adding to his bitter demeanor.
???Ahney Her makes her debut as Kowalski's Hmong neighbor, Sue, a spirited teenager who breaks down Kowalski's curt exterior through persistence. Kowalski finds himself coming to the rescue of Sue's brother, Thao (Bee Vang), despite a misguided attempt to steal his coveted Gran Torino. Thao is pursued by a local Hmong gang, a part of the bigger picture of deterioration and crime Kowalski sees taking over his neighborhood.
???Thao's lack of criminal grace lands him a front row seat to Kowalski's bigotry, and brings him closer to the Lor family than he is to his own grandchildren - close enough to do anything to stop the local gang from recruiting Thao.
???The film is an eye-opening reflection on gang violence, reminding the viewer that gang banging comes in many colors. Luckily, the movie doesn't drown in drama - racial slurs and intentionally over-the-top banter actually help this culture clash lighten up. Those who don't get the intentional humor of the film should take a look farther back into Eastwood's career.
???Eastwood's performance and direction is top-notch, though certainly not the most pivotal film of his tenure. Racism can be funny in the right context and with the obvious ignorant nature of bygone years as an undertone.
???Sue the "dragon lady" is equipped with dialogue that's over the top at times, but her ability to bring Kowalski out of solitude makes her likeable nonetheless. Facts come spewing out of her, accompanied by snide remarks that emasculate her tormentors; it doesn't go over so well. Nonetheless, she is able to bring Kowalski out of solitude, so her character is likeable despite her flaws. Thao rings more true than Sue, a weak teenager who has yet to reach puberty and is in need of a shove in the right direction.
???Gran Torino encompasses an original storyline that won't overwhelm audiences with cultural confusion and sadness, making it a film not to miss.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
