Gran Torino (R, 2008)

Masterpiece! A gand movie for the whole family. Its powerful, funny, and moving. In a way, I think Clint Eastwood's character is somewhat a good role model, once you get passed the rude, racist part. He does stand up for this whole family that he has a racial hatred for, and teaches the boy new things, gets him a job, and saves the family from a intimidating and life-threatening gang run by the boy's corrupted cousin and friends. I also think this movie teaches a good moral to always stand up to those who are getting pushed around no matter what race they are, or cultural country they come from. Because no matter what, we are all humans living in the same world. All in all, dont miss this movie.

This movie is surprisingly realistic, and in that it is heart-breaking and almost hopeless. For example: - One of the most likeable and most positive characters is raped and beaten; her intelligence, kindness, and courage are to little avail in the face the of violence and cruelty of her environment. - "Doing the right thing" (staying in school, working, supporting family) isn't just ignored by people who don't follow that path -- a young man's peers seek out ways to disrespect and devalue him for making those good decisions. - A priest who loves God is ineffective in his service and outreach amongst gangbangers. - A father's failure to be close to his children begets a new generation of dysfunctional families. This film draws out many serious elements of real life that are pervasive in humans regardless of environment: the racism and cross-cultural suspicion that are at the heart of all of us - our thirst for revenge and retribution - the desire not to be alone - what it means to be a man - the confusion caused by changing times - the burden of guilt from past mistakes - the refugee/immigrant experience - the role of religion. This movie can help to start conversations on all of these themes; it is worth looking for applications to our own lives, whether they are similar to or completely different from what we see in the movie. It is also challenging to talk about greater perspective and higher power that might have changed the outcome of the story, or to wonder what else could have resolved or affected the conflicts and problems. Families, friends, churches, service groups, community organizations, and other networks would find good fruit in watching this movie and talking about how it relates to both their personal experience as well as their life in community. That said, it's hard to take in the dozens of racial slurs (some I had never even heard before) and the images of being shot or post-rape/beating. The film also paints a very complicated picture of what it means to be a man; perhaps the Clint Eastwood character's manhood is old and outdated like his 1970s Gran Torino, but it is still appealing despite its obsolescence and problems. It's a film that calls for a mature response, a critical look from a person who can see the shades of gray in life yet also perceive that there is something better out there than the reality of this film's story, and so I don't recommend it for youth.

I LOVED this movie, it was really good. Theres no lesson to it or anything...but just overall its a great movie. I was 12 when I watched this, and I understood it fine, and I really enjoyed the movie. But that may be because I more mature then most kids my age. LOVED THE MOVIE!

I am over 25 and thought it was too violent. I felt the post rape seen was very graphic. Even though they did not show the actual crime, the very graphic imagery was very upsetting. I would not recommend this movie for kids or grow ups. This movie would be especially bad for anyone who has PTSD relating to sex crimes.

not for kids under 10 because it can be scary. SO IFFY FOR 10-16! i think 17+ should handle these things

this is not another dirty harry just to tell you its an amazing flick you actually care for the people in the movie. there is language and some violence with partial blood but its not a shoot em up movie its great for ages 13 and up.

My 12-year-old son and I loved this movie. I was hesitant to let him watch it, but was glad that we watched it together. Yes, there is drinking and smoking, and yes, there are tons of racial slurs. None of them are portrayed in the movie as positive things, though. There is some violence, in the movie, but more threats of violence and the depiction of the horrible aftermath of violence than the violence itself. The overall messages of redemption, friendship across racial and generational lines, overcoming one's fears and prejudices, and loyalty, are well worth it.

This is my personal favorite movie ever! This movie is really good It is very sad and not for kids 11 and under. This movie was so sad it made me cry!

Realistic Violence, strong profanity, lots of drinking and drugs and more. Great movie.