Gran Torino: Sometimes Winning Is About Losing Too

Just saw Gran Torino. Clint Eastwood, who will be 80 next month, is still formidable with his high-caliber imagery.

Just think, when he challenges a group of young boys: "Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have f----d with? That's me."

And I’m not complaining. Not because every film is great — though, damn, most of them are.

How does he do it again and again? Though I don’t want him to stop.

What a shame! Why this film wasn't in the official running for a best-picture Oscar last year is a baffling mystery. It should have happened. Just think, a superstar of film working with young Chinese American actors, elevating them, highlighting them. They’re as good as our own little known actors in Slumdog Millionaire.

What a ending (as like most of his films) where he gave his life willingly; just to let a Hmong neighbor family (who previously tried to steal his Gran Torino) can live safely.

Yes, sometimes winning isn’t about just defeating others; sometimes winning is about losing too.

So tenderly your story is

Nothing more than what you see

Or what you've done or will become

Standing strong do you belong

In your skin; just wondering

~ Clint Eastwood (Written by Jamie Cullum)