GRAN TORINO

Clint Eastwood both directs and stars in Gran Torino, a film that explores the human ability to both adapt to and bring about change. Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski: an intolerant and disillusioned Korean War veteran who is alienated from his community, which has been transformed beyond recognition in his lifetime, and from his materialistic family. When someone tries to steal his ’72 Gran Torino, Kowalski is unexpectedly drawn into a re-engagement with the world around him. This is a beautifully shot and powerfully told narrative, strongly connected to the Hmong communities that lie its centre. Eastwood is subtly brilliant, and his co-stars Bee Vang and Ahney Her deliver impressive raw performances. Gran Torino is a captivating and powerfully real film. (Trish Roberts)