Best Movie in Months!

Karisa and I went to see "Gran Torino" on Friday night at the local $3 theater. I don't know where to start except: YOU HAVE TO GO SEE THIS MOVIE! I honestly believe that it was one of the very best movies I have seen in a long time.

The story is about an old Korean war veteran whose wife has just died. His neighborhood has changed to contain a large Hmong population and he's... a bit racist and very bitter. The movie follows his journey as he gets to know the new family that moves in next door, especially the son, Thao. 

Gran Torino is funny. I laughed more than I have in many other movies actually labelled "comedy." The cultural interchanges are hilarious. Karisa and I have experience living overseas but it wasn't just me. The whole theater was laughing.

Gran Torino is poignant. It depicts brokenness, pain, sorrow, and death. It does it all well. Clint Eastwood's character has not been a good father, the dysfunction in his family is clear. The influence of gangs is heartbreaking. Generational gaps are clear.

Gran Torino is hopeful. I can't say too much about this because I don't want to spoil anything for you. But the movie doesn't just take you into a broken place. It gives hope about what can happen in the brokenness. 

Gran Torino is about faith. One of the main themes is the recurring interchanges between Eastwood and the young Catholic priest. Again, the movie does a superb job depicting a priest and wrestling with faith. The priest isn't perfect (he's young and inexperienced) but he's genuine and admirable.

It's a GREAT movie. SEE IT! Then tell me what you think.