Gran Torino

Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is starting to lose everything.
He's lost his wife, he's estranged from his family in an emotional sense (his greatest regret, or sin as he put it, is that he never got to know his sons), he's aging and his neighbourhood no longer resembles the one he calls home.
And, everyone seems to want his car.
Gran Torino isn't about a car but it is the centre of the film in many ways.
Walt's living in a world that has been, to his mind, taken over by other cultures. He doesn't understand them and many look like people he fought against in Korea.
When teenager Thao (Bee Vang) is caught trying to steal the Gran Torino to impress his gang leader cousin he is forced, by his family not Walt, to make amends. In time Walt takes a liking to the young boy who he relentlessly insults for not being a man.
But that's Walt. He calls it like he sees it.
This is a movie about sacrifice, atonement, redemption and love and it is a great one. Even though at times you just want to hear Eastwood say `go ahead, make my day' it is satisfying that he doesn't. But the feel of that character is very much alive in Walt.
It's a shade slow to get going, it takes its time building the characters then tends to rush a bit towards the end. That's a minor criticism because this film moved me, shocked me at times and had me thinking how fortunate I am.
If you don't walk away from Gran Torino moved in some way I'd be very surprised. Eastwood has made a touching film that is rough around the edges (and doesn't mince words) but one that has heart. The first high quality film I've seen this year. A 9 out of 10.