Gran Torino

2009

Gran Torino

Critics Consensus

Though a minor entry in Eastwood's body of work, Gran Torino is nevertheless a humorous, touching, and intriguing old-school parable.

80%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 231

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Movie Info

A racist Korean War veteran living in a crime-ridden Detroit neighborhood is forced to confront his own lingering prejudice when a troubled Hmong teen from his neighborhood attempts to steal his prized Gran Torino. Decades after the Korean War has ended, ageing veteran Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is still haunted by the horrors he witnessed on the battlefield. The two objects that matter most to Kowalski in life are the classic Gran Torino that represents his happier days working in a Ford assembly plant, and the M-1 rifle that saved his life countless times during combat. When Kowalski's teenage neighbor (Bee Vang) attempts to steal his Gran Torino as part of a gang initiation rite, the old man manages to catch the aspiring thief at the business end of his well-maintained semi-automatic rifle. Later, due to the pride of the Asian group, the boy is forced to return to Kowalski's house and perform an act of penance. Despite the fact that Kowalski wants nothing to do with the young troublemaker, he realizes that the quickest way out of the situation is to simply cooperate. In an effort to set the teen on the right path in life and toughen him up, the reluctant vet sets him up with an old crony who now works in construction. In the process, Kowalski discovers that the only way to lay his many painful memories to rest is to finally face his own blinding prejudice head-on. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Cast

Clint Eastwood
as Walt Kowalski
Bee Vang
as Thao
Ahney Her
as Sue
Christopher Carley
as Father Janovich
Brian Haley
as Mitch Kowalski
Geraldine Hughes
as Karen Kowalski
Brian Howe
as Steve Kowalski
Dreama Walker
as Ashley Kowalski
William Hill
as Tim Kennedy
John Carroll Lynch
as Barber Martin
Brooke Chia Thao
as Vu
Chee Thao
as Grandma
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Critic Reviews for Gran Torino

All Critics (231) | Top Critics (56)

  • Though the film feels like a requiem, Kowalski's heart is still defiantly beating.

    May 6, 2011 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…

    Christine Champ

    Film.com
    Top Critic

  • Seeing the new inclusive Clint shows an old dog can learn new tricks. But like Walt himself, I can't help but prefer Dirty Harry to Caring Clint any day.

    Feb 27, 2009 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Cosmo Landesman

    Times (UK)
    Top Critic

  • Although the first half feels a little devoid of direction, Eastwood takes out the jump leads and kicks it into life, giving the second half of the film a better pace, vibrancy and gentle humour that makes Gran Torino worth at least one ride.

    Feb 26, 2009 | Rating: 3/5

    Monisha Rajesh

    Little White Lies
    Top Critic

  • This is still an enjoyably big, brash, macho melodrama, saved from absurdity by Eastwood's cracking performance.

    Feb 20, 2009 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Peter Bradshaw

    Guardian
    Top Critic

  • The comedy-drama on release is actually a rather wise, insightful exploration of family and friendship, violence and vengeance.

    Feb 19, 2009 | Rating: 4/6 | Full Review…

    Geoff Andrew

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • What the film aches for is a challenge worthy of the monster Eastwood effortlessly inhabits.

    Feb 19, 2009 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    James Christopher

    Times (UK)
    Top Critic
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