By Nomadic Chris, 14 April 2009

Everyone has a form of mentor.

Teachers, colleagues, friends, family members, all are purveyors of knowledge whom offer wise words to help a person through the challenging journey that is life.

But what if your mentor was a grizzled, bigoted, racist and stubborn old man in one of the roughest neighbourhoods of a once booming economic powerhouse city? What could you learn and would they really take you under their wing?

This is the question that is raised in ‘Gran Torino’, another film by Clint Eastwood. Having demystified the old West (Unforgiven), analysed crime and revenge (Mystic River), discussed redemption (Million Dollar Baby) and the Second World War (Letters from Iwo Jima and Flags of our Fathers), the grand old master takes his hand at modern American identity and race relations.

Set in Detroit, once the bastion of the American car Industry, Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is a widowed Korean War veteran who wears his prejudices on his sleeve and is not afraid of people knowing it. Like Detroit’s car industry, the glory of his youth is long past and he pretty much passes his days by looking after his dog and drinking beer on the porch.

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To neighbours and his own family, Kowalski is a stubborn old man. His prize possession is a 1972 Gran Torino, a symbol of more prosperous times. When his neighbour, Thao (Bee Vang), a teenager under pressure from his cousin, a gang member, tries to steal the Gran Torino, Kowalski is inexplicitly drawn into the lives of his neighbours, a Hmong family.

A series of circumstances draws the Hmong family closer into Kowalski’s life. Estranged from this own family, he reluctantly starts to open up and embrace them. He mentors Thao on life, the world and of course girls. Mutual respect grows through the film but as the threat of gang violence rears its ugly head, Kowalski is soon taking steps to protect his new friends.

A film about America’s ever evolving identity due to immigration and generational shifts, the viewer will see that underneath the gruff exterior, a man trapped in the past just longs for some company.

Clichéd?

Yes but the plausible script and understated plot keeps the film going. ‘Gran Torino’ is about life and the people that enter your life briefly and leave a lasting impression or lesson with you. Young viewers can learn about:

Gang violence

Mentoring

Racism and bigotry

The decline of the American Car industry

Family bonds (Asian and Western Perspectives)

The Hmong people from Asia – An Asian ethnic group in the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia whom fought in the secret war in Laos with the US during the Vietnam war. At the war’s conclusion, they were singled out for retribution and thousands fled overseas.

The film is already Clint Eastwood’s highest grossing film of his directorial career. Having long abandoned his Dirty Harry image, he continues to make deep and meaningful films both about America and the human condition. Long may he continue!

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Official Website - the Gran Torino The Hmong People