Movie Review - Gran Torino

Gran Torino is a Clint Eastwood movie, in the sense that Dirty Harry is a Clint Eastwood movie, or the spaghetti westerns. More so than in Unforgiven, his character in his latest film embodies the anti-hero we expect Clint Eastwood characters to be.
Clint Eastwood plays Walt, a widower who is estranged from his sons and seems to still be fighting the Korean War. His neighborhood's demographic has slowly changed from Caucasian to Hmong, yet Walt refuses to move from the house he's lived in for so many years. He seems healthy enough to maintain the house on his own, and is repulsed when his son and daughter-in-law suggest he check into a retirement "resort". Walt prefers spending his days sitting on his porch with his dog Daisy, drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon and enjoying either a cigarette or mouthful of chew. He also seems to have a epithet or two for everyone, and doesn't mind stringing them together creatively.
Over time, Walt befriends his Hmong neighbors, Sue (Ahney Her) and Thao (Bee Vang), taking Thao under his wing to show him what it means to be a "real man". This includes a hilarious scene in a barber shop, where Walt tries to teach Thao how to "talk like a man". While a few critics have complained that this scene feels contrived, I have to disagree. Walt knows of no other way to establish intimacy with other people. He doesn't respect people unless they sass him back. I wouldn't say Walt is racist, but misunderstood (not to mention he misunderstands people as well).
I was somewhat unsatisfied by the ending. However, I believe that there was no other way for the film to end. Even though it is disappointing, it is the most realistic outcome of the situation.
The cinematography is excellent. I particularly liked the lighting in this film.
Overall, I enjoyed the film immensely, but I don't think it would be enjoyable for everyone. If you want to see a new Clint Eastwood film, starring Clint Eastwood, I think you would enjoy this.