Gran Torino : the rejuvenation of an Old Brain

I've never had much time for Clint Eastwood but my mind has been changed by his latest film - Gran Torino. If you've not yet seen it, I'd recommend a night at the flics.

Clint plays a retired Ford worker and Korean vet, Walt Kowalski. He's just lost his wife and he's not happy. Not happy at all. The youth of today have no respect. His sons are arrogant and obnoxious. Gangs roam the streets and try to steal his cherished car - the Gran Torino. And to cap it all, the neighbourhood has been taken over by Asians.

Of course, the social commentary on American suburban life is a study in itself. However, the main focus is the old man and all his growling, grimacing and grinding teeth. He steps back from life and observes all this 'corrupt modernity' from behind a shield of intolerance, racism, closed mindedness and down right anti social behaviour.

Then comes the transition from Old Brain to younger brain. Slowly at first, he softens to his Hmong neighbours and lets himself be invited for a barbeque. It's hard for him but after he comes away saying that maybe he has more in common with this family than his own people. A young Laos girl calls him 'funny' - something he is vaguely insulted by - he has been called many things in his life but never 'funny'. The youngest daughter takes a shine to Wally ("stop calling me that!"). And finally he takes the 20 year old shy boy Thao as a surrogate son and decides to 'man him up', get him a job and encourage him to date a girl who has been making eyes at him.

By the end of the film, Walt has made a big step towards a Young Brain. Does he still have an acid tongue? You bet. But it's now reserved for the enemies of his Hmong neighbours. He has found a family. He trains the next generation. He gets a different cut at the barbers. He buys a fitted suit for the first time in his life. Some one who knew so much about death (during the Korean War) finally finds redemption and learns how to live.

Is anyone consigned to an Old Brain? Is being grumpy - and perhaps even hated - a destiny that people can do little about? This marvelous film reminds us that rejuvenation is open to everyone. Even Walt.