Gran Torino

Finding empathy for the unlikable hero

While structurally there aren't too many surprises here, it is an interesting example of a severely unlikable Main Character who somehow manages to grab our empathy. Following in the footsteps of Unforgiven, Clint Eastwood plays another bad-ass internal problem-solver who is forced into taking major action by the end of the film. It's safe to say Walt Kowalski has a major attitude problem. His character also provides the definitive example of a Main Character with a considerable chip on their shoulder, and thus must find someway to lose those destructive traits if he is ever to change. A bit uncomfortable to watch some of the uneasiness with which the actors portraying his neighbors display, but overall a satisfying character piece.