Clint Eastwood stars in, directs, and produces this film about a crotchety old man who is set in his ways and wants to be left alone. His neighborhood has changed over the years and now he is surrounded by Asians. Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is a retired Ford employee and a veteran of the Korean War. His images of that war still haunt him.
When his wife dies, Kowalski left with two adult sons to whom he is basically a stranger. They have nothing in common and his grandchildren do not like being near him. He cannot communicate with the younger generation.
This old man only wants to sit on his porch with his beloved dog Daisy, drink beer, and keep his 1972 Gran Torino in top shape. This is his one connection to his past. He has no desire to relate at all with his neighbors.
Asian Gangs Disrupt a Peaceful Neighborhood
Then, when his young neighbor Thao Vang Lor (Bee Vang) attempts to steal his prized car for a gang initiation, Kowalski suddenly becomes entangled in the lives of his next door neighbors. Thao’s sister Sue (Ahney Her) takes it upon herself to bridge the gap between the generations and cultures. She and Kowalski form a bond that is new to the old man. This feisty young woman teaches him about her Hmong culture, and he gradually comes to accept them.
Kowalski becomes their protector when the gang comes to cause trouble. Even though he does not fully understand them, he knows that without him Thao and Sue don’t stand a chance of surviving against the gang.
Bridging the Gap between Generations
Little by little the gap between the generations narrows and the three, Kowalski, Thao, and Sue, become their own family. And the bigoted old man discovers he has a softer side. As the violence escalates, he also knows that he must keep these young people from having the horrific memories he carries with him from the Korean War. He knows that killing someone is a memory that stays with a person the rest of their lives and that is the last thing he wants these two young kids to have.
He has become their friend, family, and protector. And when the final conflict nears, he knows what’s best for everyone. He knows what he has to do.
The DVD Bonus Features
The DVD contains two bonus features, both dealing with the Gran Torino automobile, men and their cars, and the car culture in America. Everyone has their favorite car. Cars are an important part of life in America, and these features spotlight that.
- Rating: R (Restricted)
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Run Time: 116 minutes
