Death is bittersweet. Bitter in the pain but sweet in the salvation. That was how it started in the movie. Gran Torino. Directed and acted by the legendary Clint Eastwood. The Last American Hero. Apparently his last acting role too.
Despite his name being in the poster, the movie wasn't much of a hit. Maybe putting an old fart like him on the poster, let alone giving him the lead role, doesn't appeal to most fans, especially the younger generation. Well, not me. And of course, for those who watched it.
Basically, the story is about Walt Kowalski(played by Eastwood) ,with a special love for his 1972 Gran Torino, whom just had a Hmong family move in next to his house. Trouble ensues when one of the family members tries to steal his car. Forced to work for Walt as punishment, the thief and him bonded unexpectedly. As Walt grew closer to the family, problems arise, particularly from the gangs around the neighborhood.
Kowalski is a grumpy, old, back-talking, vulgarity-spewing, tortured soul. Having served in the Vietnam War, he had a particular dislike to the Asian folk. He never was close to anyone, even to his family. So he just walks around, cursing anyone he sees, punctuating every word with obscenities. This character was made just for Eastwood. Hands down the perfect man for the job.
Forgive me if i am being biased but i really love Eastwood, especially in this film. He's the only man who can growl 'Get out of my lawn' and not look like a fool. This film just shows you that a 70-plus year old man can still look damn intimidatingly and mean it.
This movie depicts the Western culture. Shows the every day lives of a typical American. And i'm really thankful that i live in Singapore and not there. There's extreme peer pressure, almost impossible to say no and get away without nothing happening. Gangsters flaunting their guns like it's the new trend. I mean, you just stroll along the street and that act alone would be very dangerous. I'm thankful i'm able to walk around without fearing for my life, if you know what i mean.
The scene that got to me surprisingly was the first. A funeral for Kowalski's wife. A respectable amount of people turned up but the thing that got to me is the fact that everyone there didn't really care that she died, relative or non. Only a handful of friends were still alive to be there. Your sons and daughters with their families sitting there not mourning, but wondering when it will all end. I know it's still early in my life to be thinking this way but what if i become like Kowalski? What if i become bitter and cold, attending every friend's funeral until there's no one left but me. It would f*%-ing suck.
This movie is very, very sad. Don't be surprised if you have moist in your eyes at the end of the movie. It's those kind of movie where you have a relationship with the lead and in the end everything just falls apart.(including you) I also won't be surprise if you keep spouting obscenities repeatedly thanks to Kowalski. Oh Son of A ......
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