Viraj's Weblog

Upon reading some reviews of this movie, it sounded like a feel-good racial harmony picture. I've liked Eastwood's directing and acting. He is a masterful storyteller, so I decided to check this out. What's interesting about this film was how gritty and real it felt. Eastwood has a knack for getting at the primitive feelings in characters. The lead character proudly says racist remarks, and at times he really means bad by them. It's those gut feelings that all humans have when they see someone that looks different from them. But it's not only other races he dislikes. It's generally anyone that's not like him, including his priest. Clint Eastwood can show hatred in his facial expressions like no one else.

The film is basically old war man meets gangland violence. Even though he's been through war, he's no match for the stupidity of kids with guns. He walks a tightrope pushing everyone's buttons, and eventually he knows what's coming. It's a good movie that shows the sign of our times. I especially like the comical parts. Some of them are racist and vulgar, but it's not done in a mean-spirited way at all. The characters understand they are different and are ok with brutally making fun of each other.

The plot has some unlikely dramatic events. But then again it wouldn't be a movie if it didn't.