Gran Torino

It's been a long time since a film touched my heart, and then came Gran Torino. On the surface, it's a story about a grouchy retired auto worker living in a neighborhood that has changed from suburban family to inner-city roughness.

What's moving about this film and refreshing is that the main character, Wallis, is pretty unlikeable character. He's rough around the edges, doesn't mince words and by all estimates, lacking in most social graces.

What he does have, however, is a good heart which is something we start to slowly realize as the story slowly unfolds. I don't want to spoil the plot for those who haven't seen it, but trust me, it's a meditation in human nature, it's funny and moving. And it's not fluff, rather it has a gritty feel making it that much more authentic.