Comments on: The Glories of the Gospel in Gran Torino http://blog.lifelinecommunity.com/2009/01/the-glories-of-the-gospel-in-gran-torino/ Building lives that make God look great Sun, 13 Jun 2010 05:58:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: bryan http://blog.lifelinecommunity.com/2009/01/the-glories-of-the-gospel-in-gran-torino/comment-page-1/#comment-559 bryan Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:02:07 +0000 http://blog.lifelinecommunity.com/?p=21#comment-559 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. 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.

]]> By: Pat http://blog.lifelinecommunity.com/2009/01/the-glories-of-the-gospel-in-gran-torino/comment-page-1/#comment-558 Pat Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:52:00 +0000 http://blog.lifelinecommunity.com/?p=21#comment-558 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. 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.

]]> By: Miranda http://blog.lifelinecommunity.com/2009/01/the-glories-of-the-gospel-in-gran-torino/comment-page-1/#comment-557 Miranda Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:12:14 +0000 http://blog.lifelinecommunity.com/?p=21#comment-557 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! 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!

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