I didn’t know what to expect when I went to see Clint Eastwood’s latest film, Gran Torino. I guess I was expecting a kind of Death Wish meets Billy Jack (and if you understand these references you are no doubt a senior citizen like me). What I got was something I wasn’t expecting, a lesson on life and death and missional living.
Eastwood’s Polish protagonist, Walter Kowalski, is someone “you don’t want to mess with.” He is angry and bitter and doesn’t seem to understand what is happening to the world around him. He’s racist and profane. He is desperately sad at the passing of his wife. He is disappointed in God and the church.
Then, a strange thing happens. When the next-door neighbor Hmong family infiltrates his life in unexpected ways, he becomes a bridge builder and a mentor to the next generation. How this all plays out is a lovely example of outstanding storytelling.
Kowalski’s relationship with the local priest is worth the price of admission. I was gripped and surprised by Gran Torino, especially it’s unexpected conclusion.
About Charlie Wear
I’m excited to hear this because I actually had very low hopes for this movie. To read your take, they’ve done a horrible job marketing it. Why didn’t Hollywood just call it, “a lesson on life and death and missional living?”
another one is 7 pounds. That 2 like this would come out is surprising.
Well, Hollywood may not have seen it through my eyes! If you see it, and I recommend it highly, I am sure you will see what I mean.
Yes, what a great and surprising movie. I took Caleb (my 15 year old) son to see it thinking we were going to see a typical shoot em up action flick, and left with some great conversation starters about what it means to be a man, what about life and death, and what missional living actually looks like.
Get me a beer dragon lady!