Grand Torino ( Clint Eastwood )

Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:

No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.

If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

**Frazzled**

The Wife liked it. I couldn't handle it and immediately broke down with memories of Dad.

**MeanGreenStompa**

I watched this film the night after I watched 'No Country for Old Men'.

This film fulfilled in a way the other did not, despite them both having 'quirky' outcomes, GT left me with a raise eyebrow and a 'ahhh, well I didn't expect things to go that way' whereas NCfOM left me feeling cheated after I'd enjoyed it for a while. GT never tried to be too clever for it's own good.

**generalgrog**

Even though the acting by 80% of the cast was not very good, I thought the movie was good. As far as gangs go, I can't speak much to it. However I believe gangs are a symptom of societal problems, relating to poverty and social acceptance. (I know... call me captain obvious) Gangs solve both of those problems for some people, at least temporarily. (Until they die or go to jail)

GG

**garret**

I thought he went out like a punk. I should have went out gunzablazin.

**utan**

The movie is very good. The ending suprised many because of the audience's typecast of Clint Eastwood. They expect him to Dirty Harry the "bad guys". The movie exploits this "meta" in a clever way.

Youth gangs exist in slightly varying forms in all places and times. They are not a product of bad parenting or immigrant identity issues. They are merely a continued expression of the human drive toward groups with a good measure of the teenage mental illness thrown in.

Remember, most teenagers are mentally unbalanced due to the effects of surging hormones on the brain.

**Dal'yth Dude**

GoFenris wrote:
Dal'yth Dude wrote:The whole movie is about identity. All the characters grapple with who they think they are and what their neighbors should be. Kowalski wants the American dream and is afraid of the other. The immigrants struggle to determine if they are Hmong or American.

That conflict always occurs in waves of American immigration. By the third generation most immigrants are fully "American", fluent in English and more able to move up the social ladder than their ancestors.

Gang society itself is a tribal identity.

In the end Kowalski's final act is both selfish and giving. He ends his medical issue before it compromises his opinion of self-reliance, while also having a beneficial, if limited, positive outcome for his neighbors.

Nice!

Don't you also think that Walt's relationship with Thao eventually became a resolution for Walt as a way to connect and be a father figure since he never felt satisfied regarding his relationship with his own children?

Yes, I can see that. Whether it is selfish or ego-centric, is a view I am not settled on.

Although after further thought Thao's driving around at the end of the movie can be seen as either accepting the relationship between Walter and Thao or Thao redefining his identity amongst his peers. I prefer to think of it as an affirmation of respect and growth.

The circular opening and ending in church is also a nice touch that echos many hero arcs as well.

**MeanGreenStompa**

garret wrote:I thought he went out like a punk. I should have went out gunzablazin.

And that...is why you fail.

**Emperors Faithful**

MeanGreenStompa wrote:
garret wrote:I thought he went out like a punk. I should have went out gunzablazin.

And that...is why you fail.

God-fething dammit. +1.

**Golden Eyed Scout**

utan wrote:

Remember, most teenagers are mentally unbalanced due to the effects of surging hormones on the brain.

I can attest to that.

Emperors Faithful wrote:
MeanGreenStompa wrote:
garret wrote:I thought he went out like a punk. I should have went out gunzablazin.

And that...is why you fail.

God-fething dammit. +1.

Good jesus, garret. I love ya man but....... just quit while your behind, alright?