Gran Torino (Widescreen Edition) | 
| Director: Clint Eastwood
Actors: Clint Eastwood, Brian Haley, Christopher Carley, Geraldine Hughes
Studio: Warner Home Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $19.98
Buy Used: $3.58
as of 8/1/2010 05:52 CEST details
You Save: $16.40 (82%)
New (32) Used (62) Collectible (2) from $3.58
Seller: superpawn
Rating:  435 reviews
Sales Rank: 693
Format: Color, DVD, Widescreen, Subtitled, NTSC
Languages: English (Unknown), English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), English (Original Language)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Region: 1
Discs: 1
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Running Time: 116 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: WARD041155D
UPC: 883929033164
EAN: 0883929033164
Theatrical Release Date: December 17, 2008
Release Date: June 9, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Disgruntled Korean war vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino.
Amazon.com
Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino, an unassuming picture shot during a post-production lull on his elaborate period piece Changeling, was quietly rolled out at Christmastime 2008, whereupon it proceeded to blow away all the Oscar-bait behemoths at the box office and win its 78-year-old star the best reviews of his acting career. Both film and performance are consummately sly--coming on with deceptive simplicity, only to evolve into something complex, powerful, and surprisingly tender. Just as Unforgiven was a tragic reflection on Eastwood's legacy in the Western genre, Gran Torino caps and eloquently critiques the urban heritage of Dirty Harry and his violent brethren. And on top of that, the movie becomes a savvy meditation on America in a particular historical moment, racially, economically, spiritually. Call it a "state of the union" message. But call it that with a wry grin. The latest Dirty Harry is actually a grumpy Walt: Walt Kowalski (Eastwood playing his own age), widower, Korean War veteran, retired auto worker, and the last white resident of his Detroit side street. It's hard to say who irks him more--his blood kin (a pretty lame bunch) or the Hmong families who are his new neighbors. Kowalski's a racist, because it has never occurred to him he shouldn't be. Besides, that's the flipside of the mutual ethnic baiting that serves as coin of affection for him and his working-class buddies. Circumstances--and two young people next door, the feisty Sue (Ahney Her) and her conflicted brother Thao (Bee Vang)--contrive to involve Walt with a new community, and anoint him as its hero after he turns his big guns on some ruffians. The trajectory of this may surprise you--several times over. Eastwood opted to film in economically blighted Detroit--a shrewd decision, but it's his mapping of Walt's world in that classical style of his that really counts. Every incidental corner of lawn, porch, and basement comes to matter--and by all means the workshop/garage that houses the mint-condition Gran Torino which Walt helped build in a more prosperous era. This is a remarkable movie. --Richard T. Jameson
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 435
 Missed opportunity to be a great film- Instead of a cliche July 30, 2010
PJ SanDiego (USA)
I enjoyed most of this film. However, I agree with others that the film relies on contrivances and an unoriginal storyline. It seems that the writer felt that the film had two possible ways to go: One way could be the "Dirty Harry" route where Eastwood brilliantly gets violent revenge on the bad guys...Or, the other possible ending could be melodramatic with much hanky-wringing and a "message". Neither option is appealing given the age and health of the main character...and the values he was trying to teach the young man. There was a huge missed opportunity to tell a different story based on the certain realities that each of the characters must accept. This could have been a great film...Instead it's just more of the same.
 Clint Eastwood at his BEST as a character actor July 29, 2010
T.R. (Pennsylvania)
Clint Eastwood really does act well. His character begins as a frustrated and negative Korean War Veteran/Retired Auto Worker who is hateful of his Asian neighbors. But as the movie progresses, he softened by his neighbors love and generosity. By the end of of this film, Clint becomes quite fond of his Asian neighbors and makes a great sacrifice to eliminate a violent gang. I enjoyed this film very much and so will you.
Clint's a genius. July 28, 2010
John B. Ludwick (Indianapolis, IN United States)
I know people say that this film is inspirational, made them cry, etc. I'm not saying that's false - but I am saying that until you understand the main character his language is initially a little shocking. There's also some pretty disturbing implied violence near the end. But don't let any of that stop you from seeing this movie.
Oscar winners tend to look like the same film in the best film category, but this movie trumps the typical Oscar winner in genre, performance and just good written truth novelist style. Eastwood mumbles quite a bit, and his presence swings from humorous to downright intimidating in just seconds. The movie successfully changes your opinion of every character, and in a VERY rare Hollywood moment includes a sympathetic priest character. I can't tell you how many directors are scared to include THAT. For that, and many other reasons, Gran Torino is a bold film, and worthy of your evening.
Thank You Clint July 28, 2010
Book Lover (Vermont)
This is a great movie. The end is a little weak but all the rest is fabulous. Thank you Clint for believing in the American Dream, and bringing these fabulous Hmong actors and actresses to the screen and to the awareness of the American Public.
 Gran Torino July 21, 2010
Midge
Since I had heard this was Clint Eastwood's best movie, I was anxious to view it. The story line was OK, but I just don't like the gutter language from the gang members, but I guess that's the only language they know. They lack education and therefore vocabulary so what else is there for them to say in trying to have an exchange of communication with each other. Glad I got a bargain on the price and didn't spend bucks at a theater.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 435
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