Living a life that counts…

I didn’t know what to expect when I went to see Clint Eastwood’s latest film, Gran Torino. I guess I was expecting a kind of Death Wish meets Billy Jack (and if you understand these references you are no doubt a senior citizen like me). What I got was something I wasn’t expecting, a lesson on life and death and missional living.

Eastwood’s Polish protagonist, Walter Kowalski, is someone “you don’t want to mess with.” He is angry and bitter and doesn’t seem to understand what is happening to the world around him. He’s racist and profane. He is desperately sad at the passing of his wife. He is disappointed in God and the church.

Then, a strange thing happens. When the next-door neighbor Hmong family infiltrates his life in unexpected ways, he becomes a bridge builder and a mentor to the next generation. How this all plays out is a lovely example of outstanding storytelling.

Kowalski’s relationship with the local priest is worth the price of admission. I was gripped and surprised by Gran Torino, especially it’s unexpected conclusion.