Review: Gran Torino

Gran Torino is an inspiring movie on the changing dynamics of race relations in the U.S. It is recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the Ten Best Films of 2008. Clint Eastwood also won Best Actor from the National Board of Review and is nominated for the Critics' Choice Awards. Clint Eastwood's performance was excellent of course, but that much was expected. Why, you ask? Anyone would be good if you surrounded yourself with a team full of amateur actors with little to no experience.

1. Supporting Actor: Bee Vang as Toad Lor - did an admirable job. The 17-year-old from Fresno, California was a pre-med student at the University of Minnesota. "His only previous acting experience was membership in a drama club." (http://www.thegrantorino.com/#/aboutthefilm/cast/beevang/)


2. Supporting Actress: Ahney Her as Sue Lor - also did a great job. She was sixteen when she won the role of Sue. "Although she had not acted professionally, she loved performing and had trained for three years at a local drama school." (http://www.thegrantorino.com/#/aboutthefilm/cast/ahneyher/)


3. Supporting Actor: Christopher Carley as Father Janovich - The only one with any professional acting experience. He guest starred in The Sopranos, Law and Order SVU, Numb3rs and House. He was also in a couple of independent films.

Did I mention that Gran Torino was directed and produced by Clint Eastwood? Look, there was no doubt that Clint Eastwood was good, especially when he surrounded himself with a bunch of amateurs. It's like Michael Jordan playing against a bunch of kids in a small town rec league HE created - where is the challenge?

Think I'm being harsh? I'll give you three words to prove my point: Million, Dollar, Baby.

Editor's Note: Morgan Freeman won an Academy Award for best supporting actor in Million Dollar Baby