Gran Torino (2008)

Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this powerful drama about a war veteran and retired auto worker who finds his old Detroit neighbourhood overrun by immigrants and rival gangs. Fiercely protecting his home and beloved classic car, the Gran Torino of the title, Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) gradually befriends the neighbouring refugees from South East Asia, coming to their aid when the teenage son (Bee Vang) is targeted by hoodlums. Eastwood is on top form as the foul-mouthed curmudgeon out of time and place, in a role that harks back to some of his most iconic characters: the Man with No Name, "Dirty" Harry Callahan and, especially, Unforgiven's William Munny. Significantly, though, there is less emphasis here on action than Eastwood fans might expect. And despite its good intentions, the film does occasionally falter in the way it deals with the impact and aftershocks of violence, and in reconciling the underlying messages about racial tolerance and redemption.