Gran Torino (2008)
There are a number of movies that I acknowledge as very good films, but I don't think I'll be able to watch them again. Often this is because they're too emotionally upsetting and intense for me. Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino (2008) falls into this category. I watched the movie once. I cried a lot, and I still remember almost every scene.
Basically, it's about an old Korean war veteran, Walt, who's stuck in his ways and is at odds with the way life has changed in the world, particularly in his inner city neighborhood. He's a widower, and his only companion is a faithful dog.
Walt is not very sociable, and pretty much his only hobby is keeping his classic car, a 1972 Gran Torino, in excellent condition. After his next-door neighbor tries to steal it as part of a gang initiation, Walt decides to form a relationship with the teen and give him some guidance…and protection. Walt finds himself heavily involved in a fight against this neighborhood gang.
The movie is about human values, courage under pressure, racial dynamics, and forgiveness. There's a lot for the viewer to deal with. The movie wouldn't be able to tell the story genuinely without all the violence and strong language, so brace yourself for a strong impact.
KEY VOCABULARY
emotionally upsetting (adjective phrase) something that makes you feel sad or angry
intense (adjective) very strong, especially in terms of emotions
stuck in one's ways (adjective phrase) not able to change one's habits
widower (noun) a man whose spouse has died
faithful (adjective) loyal
sociable (adjective) like to socialize and be among people
a gang initiation (noun phrase) a process or ritual one must experience to become a member of a gang
be heavily involved in (verb phrase) deeply connected to or participating actively in
racial dynamics (noun phrase) the relationships and interaction among races
brace yourself for (verb phrase) be prepared for something difficult
