Saw Gran Torino last night

[ColdBlooded]

Great movie, loved every bit of it. the comedy style it had went great with my Sun Chips and Vitamin Water.

[PaidinBlood]

If Clint Eastwood were a member here he would kick you in the dic for that....:

[ColdBlooded]

If Clint Eastwood were a member here he would kick you in the dic for that....:

Wow, didn't know you could send kicks via Leatherneck.

[thewookie]

he was never a racist or a bigot...it was a shallow defense mechanism... no hate just a sharp tongue

I had to look them up to make sure I was using the right words, lets see what Websters says about a bigot.... a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices ; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.

And for racist... a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.

And for sheets and giggles I looked up defense mechanism... Any of various usually unconscious mental processes, including denial, projection, rationalization, and repression, that protect the ego from shame, anxiety, conflict, loss of self-esteem, or other unacceptable feelings or thoughts.

Again, from what I saw, only about the first 40 minutes or so, I think the guy was both, a racist and a bigot. Not saying he isn't a war hero. The question is - does he act that way as a self defense mechanism or a way to cope, yeah, I'm sure he does, but it's still what it is.

I asked myself, if the guy was a Marine, would I feel the same way. And I do believe I would. I'm not saying I wouldn't hang out with him. I know people just like him, and I get along with them fine, my Uncle Mario is one that comes to mind. But I still cringe inside when I hear some of the comments they make sometimes.

[DocGreek]

I'm NOT going to quote you WOOKIE. I just don't think that Eastwood intended anything but JUST what we're doing HERE!!....It's a piece of artwork meant to stimulate the apathetic public...just like a painting that creates controversy. From viewing the posts here...it WORKS!!! Way to GO...DIRTY HARRY!!!!.....DOC

[thewookie]

I'm NOT going to quote you WOOKIE. I just don't think that Eastwood intended anything but JUST what we're doing HERE!!....It's a piece of artwork meant to stimulate the apathetic public...just like a painting that creates controversy. From viewing the posts here...it WORKS!!! Way to GO...DIRTY HARRY!!!!.....DOC

I agree, Doc. Any movie that stimulates conversation and sparks debate is better then most of the crap Hollywood puts out.

[ameriken]

I was a little bothered by his attitude in the beginning, however I like the way the movie progressed with his neighbors getting through his thickened shell and into his heart. Ya gotta finish it wookie, if you havent already

[thewookie]

I like the way the movie progressed with his neighbors getting through his thickened shell and into his heart. Ya gotta finish wookie, if you havent already

I have not, but I will tonight, maybe, but until then I'm going back to shutting my mouth...

[DevsDad]

Was it just me or did he remind you a little of Gunny Highway at 80?

[Petz]

The whole world changed on him...after the war his country went downhill-represented by his son "selling jap cars" the neighborhood changed on him...his wife "left" him.

in the end, he realized the neigborhood had changed faces, but these people shared more in common with him and his generation than his own children ever would...

he was never a racist or a bigot...it was a shallow defense mechanism... no hate just a sharp tongue

I don't care what wookie said with his definitions..... this really is a good statement.

he didn't HATE or wish ill thoughts... just that they would go away... his world did turn upside down, and to show the last 40 years in a few min. you had to make him seem more of a racist and bigot than to have it a defense mechanism... since a movie and all.

so you both make a good point, but I have to back up PIB here...

[lovdog]

Saw the movie last night since it was raining buckets outside. My take on the movie was - when the years creep up on a person as did Clint, you tend to want to just be let alone, drink your beer & don't be hassled ! I've always said that 95% of the people are basically pretty good but there is that 5% that were put on this planet to make ones life miserable. And, even if evets that happen don't involve you, most of us are going to defend (or try to) the ones that can't defend themselves - its human nature. Its an ideal situation to have 1000 acres, build a home in the middle with a 60' wall around the whole place - but most of us don't have that luxury. There is the kid with the "beater" that has a boom box in the trunk that almost blows out the windows, foul speaking punks that hang around the corners and don't care what they say when women and children are present. Don't know about you - but all I see is red when this happens - and usually I can't keep my mouth shut - gotta say something even with my wife pleading not to get involved. A lot of us can identify with this story of things that have happened in the past or present. Story makes a point of taking care of people in this world and hoping to make it a better place because you did take a stand.
Was that Schlitz he was drinking ? Good man !
SF

[ameriken]

Was that Schlitz he was drinking ? Good man !
SF

Pabst Blue Ribbon

[Osotogary]

I saw it last evening at home and was uncomfortable at first with Eastwoods' character but then realized that he was playing a part in a movie. As far as the language, I have heard tell that what was said was merely terms of endearment. Understanding where you were and who you were talking to, you took it and gave it out without malice but had enough sense not to cross the line, as it were, and really get personal almost to the point where if you didn't say anything you would be asked if there was anything wrong with you. The banter in the barber shop was classic and struck a funny bone. The ending of the movie was , for me, inconclusive. I guess Clint dying and laying dead on the lawn in the shape of a crucifix about said it all for a man who came full circle with himself and his God.

[mcvet57103]

I in a lot of ways am like Clint in the movie. I hate what is happening in my neighborhood, and wish I could move somewhere else, but my finances won't allow it right now. Items in my yard have been vandalized numerous times, found a bag of marijuana in my driveway one morning, my car has been vandalized, loud neighbors, uncut lawns, unpainted homes, and the list goes on and on. I see the situations presented in the movie happening here. If I could recoup what I have invested, or at least break even, I would move today. He portrays a guy who worked hard all his life, retires in a neigborhood that used to be quiet, and family friendly, and watches helplessly as it goes down the sh!tter because those moving in don't give a tinkers damn about anybody but themselves, or are willing to stand up for what's right. I don't even know my neighbors names and I've lived here for going on 8 years. SF

[sparkie]

I sure spent a lot of time after the movie explaining all that 'slang' to my son,,LOL.