The film, “Gran Torino,” is an American drama film that follows the journey of a grizzled old Korean War veteran following the death of his late wife of 50 years. The film was released to select audiences in the United States in December of 2008 and was released internationally in January of the following year. “Gran Torino” is directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, who also stars as the films lead character, Walk Kowalski. It was given fairly positive reviews by critics and fans alike, earning 270 million dollars world wide and receiving scores of 79% and four out of five stars. “Gran Torino” is absolutely not film for young children. It certainly lives up to its ‘R’ rating, with frequent strong language, intense violence, and numerous …show more content…
He frequently ignores phone calls from his wealthy sons, but cannot ignore the problems of the world around him. These problems come knocking on his door in the form of his neighbors, a family of Hmong immigrants that live in old house beside of him. Their paths collide in the sharing of a common enemy: a vicious gang led by a relative of the family known as ‘Spider.’ The film starts its engine with a timid attempt at thievery driven by the threat of violence. The son of the neighbors, Thao (played by Bee Vang), fails to take Walt’s 1972 Gran Torino, and nearly is killed by its owner. As a matter of honor, Thao’s family forces him to become employed by Walt, which neither of the two is thrilled with. Walt then becomes a rather reluctant protector for the young teenager, a process that adds a brilliant comedic element to an otherwise over serious film.
Eastwood gives a very humorous performance early in the film that was a joy to see. He is able to direct himself excellently and is able to view his character from the eye of the audience. He has the talent to know that with every gesture and action that takes place, the audience is not just seeing Walt Kowalski, but also is able to envision Dirty Harry and all other protectors and renegades that Eastwood has embodied so well. All of these past characters, each carrying there own legend, make this film more than just some story about a racist old man that cannot let go of the past and embrace the
This movie was a tale of an immigrant seeking money and power who untimely set up his own demise. The producers did a good job at pointing out certain features that let you into the life of an organized crime leader. He tells of his humble beginnings and shows you in details how he rose to the top. The producer had a point to make and I took that point as being you can never get and stay someone good while being bad. The sound effects and graphics also makes this movie. They show just enough to intrigue you but yet not to completely make you sick to your stomach. The music is very telling and
The other distinguishing feature is the blood and gore that pervades the entire work. Numerous people, such as a fellow colleague of mine, actually dismiss the work due to the horrific acts committed by the characters. Yet if ...
The MPAA rating system was once a good source for people to find out whether a movie would contain immoral or violent images; currently the system has grown to become ineffective in today’s society. Society changes as well as movies; content and subject matter has changed for movies of this generation. If the system is not changed it will not help parents to know what movies will be appropriate for their children to watch. Because of the influence and prevalence of movies in our society and culture today a rating system is important, if that system fails to do its duty the negative influence that the movies can have on the children and youth of tomorrow will be great.
He sheds new light on stereotypes that are not commonly broken. It truly was one of the many factors that made this film unique.
The main protagonist of the film, Scotty Smalls, is introduced as a straight-A, friendless young boy who has just moved into a new neighborhood in new state. While
...ng until I started to realize the subtle techniques being utilized by Welles and his amazing shots he constructed. Like a flawless painting, every scene was drawn out and portrayed perfectly to capture the viewers’ emotions and thoughts. If the viewer likes and appreciates the art of film making, then they are sure to recognize the innovative aspects of Citizen Kane and how it has affected modern day film and culture.
...s we are given. Some displayed right on the screen, others shown through actors’ gestures. At the same time this film keeps us entertained with action and violence current the interested of the present generation. This shows “American Gangster” was made with the audience in mind and this is why it did so well in the box office. This film really does such a quality job of capturing the time period, but it still had all these other elements in it to try to make it perfect. “A perfect cast”, that become their character and still brings their own personification into the film. Setting that can not confuse you, as well as narrative economy that still again remind you were you are. Editing that flows nice and evenly. But is this all the makes for a perfect film or just a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Are all these qualities too much and really their downfall?
Perhaps the best movie to ever bless the eyes of any American is the 1983 Brian DePalma gangster movie classic, Scarface. Scarface is the tale of Tony Montana and his journey through his new life in America in the early 80’s Cuban immigrant movement. The movie depicts the American dream, to be successful, perfectly. Scarface and its main star, Al Pacino, also shows movie watchers in detail, the process of going from “rags-to-riches” since that is what he did in the feature. Lastly, Scarface is perhaps the best movie to ever be made because it basically contains all the characteristics that are that of a great movie.
The Godfather is the “dark-side of the American dream story” (Turan, pp2). The film follows the practices of a fictional Italian mafia family, the Corleone’s. Though most Americans do not condone the practices of the Italian mafia, they cannot deny that Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather is a cinematic masterpiece. This film gave insight to a mysterious way of life that the average person does not have knowledge of. As the audience is educated about the mafia they also are introduced to many stereotypes.
To prove that he is a valiant father, Walter Younger disregards his own desires and moves his family into a better home. Doing this, Walter sets an example for Travis, encouraging him to go after his dreams. In the process, Walter causes a racial conflict with the white community and learns to stand up for what he believes in. From the personal growth of Walter Younger one can see the significance in fighting for what’s important, as well as, making sacrifices for those that one
... on, Walt learns about the Hmong culture, and eventually he establishes a grumpy fatherly connection with Thao. Walt develops a relationship with the Vang Lor family and stops the Hmong gang from raping Thao’s sister. Although, Walt is dying from lung cancer, the gang kills him. Walt leaves behind all his inheritance to the Vang Lor family, and most importantly, Thao inherited the prized 1972 Gran Torino.
Gran Torino is one of those films with an outstanding and significant topic presented to its viewers. The character of Walt is introduced as a bitter old man who does not seem to have loving emotions. Living in a low income and immigrant populated neighborhood, the audience is exposed to a different and perhaps unknown perspective, such as Hmong’s cultural norms.
All in all, this film is the dark side of the American dream. Brian De Palma did an excellent job at creating memorable scenes, such as the scene earlier explained and the famous ending with Pacino reciting “Say hello to my little friend”. Throughout the film some confusion is made due to frequent slips but overall the theme is consistent and remains consistent with the help of a strong cast. Without a doubt Al Pacino was the main star of the film and it probably wouldn’t have been such a success if another star was assigned his character. It’s hard to see anyone else playing Tony Montana after Al Pacino’s performance. This film, though full of violence and crime, protrudes moments of humor and controversial situations. It’s a momentous film created in the 80’s that is still considered a classic gangster film in today’s generation.
Jalao, Ly. "Looking Gran Torino in the Eye: A Review." Journal of Southeast Asian American. 5. (2010): 1-6. Web. 23 Feb. 2012.
Gran Torino focuses on the life of Thao as he tries to live a normal life despite being pressured to join a neighborhood gang. Thao’s family moved to America to live a better life and Thao wants to be successful, but the gang in his neighborhood prevents him from doing so. Not only does it represent Walt’s American Dream, but it is a symbolic and actual vehicle for Thao’s Dream as well. Kramp highlights the significance of the Gran Torino in the movie saying “Kowalski’s masculinity, class, and status—entirely invested in the Gran Torino”.