The Glories of the Gospel in Gran Torino
We live in a culture that often seems to have little appreciation for deep thought. Cultural media forms such as music, television, books and movies often are filled with trivial dribble that excises little mental effort in keeping pace with its shallow themes and frivolous content. Our world feels more like a carnival littered with distractions than a serious and contemplative enterprise at understanding reality. However, every once in a while something glistens among the rabble.
Last night I went to see Gran Torino directed by Clint Eastwood. It has been a while since I have been so moved by a film and so staggered by its message. In many ways I hope it is Eastwood’s swan song. The man whose forceful presence filled many a western with his maverick sense of above-the-law justice should ride off into the sunset leaving us with this gripping picture of the Redeemer who rights all injustices and turns our perversion into His praise. Certainly sin and sacrifice are not popular themes that people flock to see on the big screen. No where was this more evident than the theater I watched this film in. The overwhelming sentiment by those who sat through the film was one of disappointment and frustration. They wanted to see Eastwood do what Eastwood does, namely, take vengeance into his own hands. But what Gran Torino gives us isn’t what we expect. It is pure, unadulterated Gospel. It may be one of the clearest portraits of the work of Christ that I have ever seen in film.
Those who watched it in my theater were indicative of a culture that missed the deep truths that were staring them right in the face from the front of the room. We read in 2 Corinthians 4:4, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Glimpses of that glory were on the silver screen last night, but very few had the lenses to see.
It should be noted that the film does have quite a bit of language, many, many racial epithets and one brief glimpse over a man’s shoulder as he looks at an inappropriate magazine. So you should go in with your eyes open (or maybe closed). But I will tell you now you will leave with your heart stirred and your mind fixated on the Gospel. So I recommend it with the mentioned caveats, but the truth is it may be one of the most meaningful pictures you will have seen in years. After you watch it, go home and read 2 Corinthians 5:21, bow your head and thank your Father for the glories of the Gospel.
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3 Responses to “The Glories of the Gospel in Gran Torino”
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I wasn’t going to go the this movie because it looked like a typical Clint Eastwood revenge movie. Not really interested in “Do you feel lucky? Well do you, Punk?” thing again. Now I’m really excited to go see it!
The high expectations of Eastwood in other films makes it difficult to watch his new Gran Torino film in that despite his grab for glory in the film, perception is that he would have America do the same, and in fact, some might consider whether shipping all jobs to China has the same effect – as some form of guilty redemption or atonement for past wrongs.
There is a sense of logic in not opting for the atonement route so that decisions made don’t put America in that situation to begin with. What has always been right about America until now is that we get into wars for causes of justice and righteousness, not to atone for past sins.
The atonement for past wrongs theory of human relations has always been a loser for America; they would just as soon do things right the first time, and be proud of it – so no atonement is warranted.
Pat,
This is an interesting take on the film, and it might be that he has some larger political agenda in mind. Particularly when he tells Tao that he has killed many that look just like him. However, I am not sure that his focus is on creating an analogy between his character and America or to suggest that America lay down and sacrifice for nations they may allegedly have wronged. I am not sure what that would look like in international affairs. Certainly doing things right the first time is preferable and an atonement approach has its limits in international affairs (although I think there is a place for it internationally at times). But I think his character in the film gives us a strong (albeit limited in application) Christ picture. His position after being shot is clearly intended to resemble a man on a cross. Of particular note was the transference of his silver star award to Tao. The camera angle makes a point of focusing on the silver star pinned on Tao’s chest at the crime scene. I think there are some interesting analogies to Christ’s sacrifice and transference of a righteous standing.