Movie/TV Show Being Reviewed:
Gran Torino

Reviewer:
Emily Holmes and Jane Myers

Genre:
Drama

Movies/TV Shows:
Movie

Suggested Age Range:
Parental Guidance

Age Range Explained:
Contains violence

Subject Headings:
Aging, Anxiety disorders, Depression, Family dynamics, Grief & loss, Men's issues, PTSD, Relationships

Review:
Gran Torino is the story of Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), a 75-year old Korean War veteran. Walt is a retired autoworker who has been recently widowed and has little family or friend support, mostly due to his harsh judgments of others and negative attitude. Walt lives in an old neighborhood that has become home to many Hmong immigrants from Southeast Asia toward whom Walt displays open disgust. Through an unexpected chain of events, Walt comes to befriend some of his young Hmong neighbors. Walt grows particularly close to one adolescent boy. In the end, Walt is able to regain purpose in his life by providing protection and guidance to his young friend, which allows Walt to die with dignity.

From a developmental counseling perspective, Gran Torino is an excellent example of the struggle many older adults face in the final stage of life that Erickson called, Integrity versus Despair. The film aptly demonstrates the despair many older adults may feel, especially men who used to see themselves as strong, active members of society, and the ways in which that despair may manifest as anger, hatred, or resentment. The film also demonstrates the power of having a purpose and of relationships in combatting despair in older adults. From another developmental perspective, the film could also be used with adolescent clients who are struggling with identity and role determination, especially as they relate to potential gang involvement. Gran Torino, however, should be viewed with some caution as it does contain profanity and violence.