Note: This post will be poorly-written. It’s more a collection of mental notes.
As I watched Gran Torino tonight I kept being reminded of many different people and aspects of my own life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not Thao. Not even close. Never was. Don’t have it in me.
I kept thinking of my dad, my brother, and myself in Clint Eastwood’s character. The three of us have a reputation among people who know us for being pretty straight forward. None of us is afraid to get in the face of someone who causes trouble yet for the most part we don’t go looking for problems. We’re just there in case it turns up. My dad and brother also have a soft spot underneath the tough stuff. Me too.
I’m looking forward to going to the the Philippines this April w/ Santos for our father’s birthday. It’ll be the first time all three of us will be in the Philippines as men.
The gang scenes and the guys causing trouble reminded me of growing up Chicago. It wasn’t that hard to find people who didn’t like us because of our looks. I grew up in the city and the city can definitely “man you up.”
The exchanges between Clint and the Barber and his construction supervisor friend were definitely reminders of growing up in the city. There’s just a certain way we talk. My brother’s talk is more exaggerated because of his work. I guess I didn’t notice that until I watched the movie. Guys raised in the suburbs are different from guys raised in the city. I really didn’t see that until I went to a school reunion and heard the way the guys and girls all talked to each other. We all were products of Chicago and it shows. You could hear it.
The family gatherings and the food reminded me of our family parties. I love those.
The way Clint died at the end makes sense to me. I hope I never find myself waiting around for my last day. I want to go out on my terms. Not reckless. Purposeful. It also helped me understand my brother more. I shouldn’t go into details but let’s just say me, my dad, and my brother all want to go out as men.
Other characters reminded me of other people in my life. It was very engaging.
The movie was worthwhile.
Sorry for the quality of writing here. These are just notes.
