I don't disagree totally with the criticisms the movie has received from critics, Ido see the point about some of the acting, et. al...but at the same time I think you're picking at nits.
The ending of the Hmong translation is simple enough: his relationship with Su, who can speak English, now makes her his "translator", as well as his friend. Also, I think you are being unfair to the two actors who play Su and Tao; I agree it was spotty, but think about the fact that this is their first roles and their trying to hold their own against Eastwood. No, they won't win Oscars for it, but personally I thought they did an ok job. The come across as believable to me, and that's enough.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT I didn't like the pastor character in the beginning either, and I found it initially a bit confusing....however, looking back on it, I think he serves a purpose as well....and of course he's nervous! You'd be too if you were staring down some grizzled old war veteran who hasn't been in the church you now parish in years! Remember too, in all probability, this is NOT Walt's pastor; he's a new kid brought in to try and bring hope and faith to a community that appears to be falling apart. However, his job was to watch over Walt, and if one stops and thinks about it for a while, one wonders that if the pastor had NOT kept up his duties if the ending of the movie would have been more "Dirty Harry"esque.
I think so. I think Walt's wife knew that as long as he held that bitterness inside him, he would be more than capable of going down and blowing the high hell out of those asian gang members and thinking nothing of it. It is the pastor's bringing him to peace with himself, however (as well as his coming to peace with the Hmong through his friendships with Su and Tao), that leads to the ending we got....and for my money, it was just jaw dropping. I definitely expected something beyond that.
Going back to the ending, after I got up and moved around a bit this morning, I found myself thinking back to it...and I just can't get it out of my mind. It's such a beautiful, elegant, simple ending....and yet so shocking....it just sticks with you. Again for my money, that's part of what makes it such a great film; it's unforgettable.
Savannah, you're right...this is definitely what made Eastwood Eastwood....I am a die-hard fan of the man. I was introduced to his "macho" films by my "adopted father" who thought Clint could do no wrong....and ate up every one of the Dirty Harry films.
My second dad passed away about 20 years ago, but I coudn't help picturing us sharing Torino together - and while I was never into gangs and stealing, the bond that forms between Clint and Tao reminded me of the precious memories that Bill and I shared together too....it really struck a nerve with me yesterday.
Sorry for such a long post! Anyway, carry on.....
