Movie Review------Grand Torino----And the Academy Award Winner is
Posted: Saturday, January 24, 2009
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
If you've already seen this movie, you'll probably want to see it again, and maybe again. I know I will. I plan to buy the DVD as soon as it's available. And not just because I'm a Clint Eastwood fan-although, I am. I've actually had a secret crush on him since his Rowdy Yates, Rawhide Days. Whoever said, "No country for old men," didn't know Eastwood. Grand Torino is one of his best and should set the box offices on their ears! I personally think it is one of Clint Eastwood's best. Just goes to show you're never too old.
The movie has a variety of talented young Oriental (and I say Oriental' because I'm not sure of their true nationalities), Hispanic, and African American actors. And Eastwood outdoes himself as the crusty Caucasian opposite of the front-porch-rocking matriarch of the oriental family who has moved in next door. As he growls and mumbles his bigotis feelings about the situation, she meets him tit for tat in a language you don't have to understand to know pretty much what she thinks of him, too.
For an old man who survived the Korean conflict, having oriental neighbors is not something that sits well, but neither does the teenage gang that continuously harasses the young boy and girl of the family next door. Things gradually rise to the boiling point with the attempted theft of Walt Kowalski's (Eastwood) mint condition 1972 Grand Torino. Situations involving the young street gangs go steadily downhill from there, although, relationships between Walt and his next door neighbors improve somewhat.
For those of you who had thought Dirty Harry' had retired, think again. Revenge takes on new meaning as the story teaches us a few things about life, death, and finally letting go of long held prejudices.
This is one movie I think you will enjoy. Some violence but not as bad as most movies. Although I am not a big Batman fan, I did also enjoy Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight, but I think Grand Torino will give it a run for its money at the academy awards next month.
(Peter Scrietta)
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Sandra E. Graham, author, AMOS JAKEY and NICOLINA published by American Book Publishing. I also write book reviews for authors through Book Pleasures. Visit my website for more information on my books that are in print now and reviews I have written.
http://www.sandragraham-articles-books.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)I liked the trailers but the gang members a little too collegiate for this days gang members.I think the biggest and most important issue the film did well to get across was the racial issues.Thanks for reading and commenting, Robert.Have a great week.Sandra
Good review. Can't wait to see the movie.ThanksSammie B.Thanks, Sammie.Have a good week.Sandra
I agree! Great movie, with bitter-sweet ending! Definitely lives up to Clint Eastwood's reputation!:)Thanks, Peter, for reading and commenting.Have a good week.Sandra
I think this is the BEST movie I have seen in years. OMG Clint has done it this time. Awesome. I have not been so moved by a movie in years.
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