There is so much to Gran Torino that many movie goers are going to miss a lot of the subtleties and excellent story telling.  This movie is all Clint Eastwood, a whole career of movie making rolled into what looks like a simple, cheap made, forgettable B independent movie.  Don't be fooled !

First there is a story of Walt Kowalski, an old man that has just lost his wife.  He has worked in a Ford factory in the mid west most of his life, service in the Army and won a Silver Star in Korea.  He is foul mouthed, bigoted, and seems to be angry at everything and everyone.  His home neighborhood is rundown, and you'll notice right away that Walt's house is kept up, clean, the grass is mowed ( He even uses and old fashion push lawn mower) . Walt can scowl and growl with the best of any character that Eastwood has ever invented.  He is our first look at what Harry Callahan might have looked like in old age, but  there is so much more depth and mystery to his character. Typical Eastwood minimalist in dialog and long on grunts, scowls, and curled lips. He takes his time letting you get to know and understand him, this will all make sense in the end.

Next door a family of Hmong people move in.  Grandma is swearing at Walt and through the magic of English subtitles we know what Grandma is saying. In short why is he still here and not with his "own" people.  In the family we have two of our other main characters.  New to the screen, Bee Vang, who plays Tao Vang Lor or as Walt calls him "Toad".  He unwisely gets involved with his cousin and in an initiation rite is told to steal the prize possession of Walt, his 1973 Gran Torino.  Playing his sister, Sue Lor,  is Ahney Her.  Neither have have any movie credits but then again how many Hmong stars do you know ?  Reminiscent of Clint's early work and first chances on the silver screen in such giant films like "Francis in the Navy" or "Revenge of the Creature" from the 1950's, Clint has tapped into a new community of people and has given them a chance on the big screen.  To her credit Ahney Her, does a fine job.  She acts in addition to being a facilitator two the two cultures and neighbors, but also the interpreter. Her role in the film will be a pivot point and cause a dramatic climax to the movie in the end.  For his part Bee Vang is not as convincing as a humble and smart young man, nor do we see any torment in him from the gang influence or academic life is supposed to be good at.

A great line and insight into the dilemma is presented in Walt's simple speech, as he talks to Sue, "so what's with you people ?" Sue looks back and says, "The women go to college and the men go to jail."  instantly we understand the lure of the street and neighborhood gang recognition Vs. real academic accomplish, long term goals, thinking, and inclusiveness in society. 

When the attempted theft fails, the mother offers her son to do work to atone for his misdeeds.  Through this relationship and a chance encounter where Walt sees Tao  perform a random kindness and good deed, he sees something in the boy worth redemption.  A friendship starts where Walt reluctantly starts to take an interest in the boy, his family and the sister. 

All the time we witness another side of Walt, an almost but not quite vigilante that doesn't like to see nor will stand for someone bullying another or taking advantage of another by intimidation.  Unlike others that would most likely call the police as an aging old man, Walt is willing to mix it up and dish out his own justice.  Now we have another mixture of Eastwood characters, but to get Walt Kowalski you'll have climb a few rungs on a ladder and take him up another notch.

I'd like to take it further, but when it is obvious that the gang is not ever going to let up on Sue or Tao, Walt makes a decision to get involved and bring about his own justice.  Needless to say I was surprised at the ending, smiled shook my head and walked away with a big grin. 

Clint got me.  I suspected the end result but not the action sequence.  I promise it will get you too.  I almost felt like Clint was looking at me personally and whispered "Gotcha". 

Make no mistake, parts of this look and sound like a blend of cheap early Hong Kong Jackie Chan movies,  vintage Sergio Leone type spaghetti Westerns and sprinkled with the genius of Clint Eastwood's story telling and direction. 

Solid entertainment with poignant life lessons.