Kowalski’s occidental kids and their occidental families are not shown in a very good light. They reflect typical western values of selfishness. In contrast, the Hmong depict the typical Asian view where family means everything. So the irony is that a movie full of racial slurs against non-whites is actually endorsing a non-white culture.

Not all movies have to have a message or even a message that I agree with, but I liked how Kowalski resolved his dilemma. It seemed realistic to me. Some people think the gang culture depicted was simplistic, but the movie wasn’t about them. People in gangs are stupid and I think Gran Torino puts them in their place without provoking them.

I enjoyed the review and I understand your criticisms. But all gems are flawed.

I would hasten to add that minorities should go see this film as well. Only those sensitive to words will be offended. “Actions speak louder than words.” (I couldn’t find who first said that quote in those exact words. )