(07-04-2010 10:44 PM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote: HOW is Gran Torino a messiah story?
Let's see. Powerful, self-reliant Walter
saves weak neigbors from gang activity. Walter rejects their gratitude and overtures requesting more aid, b/c he wants to be left alone (thus the main plot).
However, he rescues the girl again, and begins to open up to their hospitality. He then sees Tao struggling to be ushered into manhood.
He reaches out to the family, and his neighborhood,
discipling them, and empowering them to become self-reliant.
When violence strikes, he once again comes to the rescue.
When the violence escalates, and he sees that his disciples will be overwhelmed and harmed, he
sacrifices himself to bring final conclusion to this episode. Notice he gives them a bendiction before and after he leaves, an exhortation to continue on w/ their own self-sufficiency.
The Christian parallels are not subtle or hidden:
Walter knows his ethos. He does not compromise nor does he apologize for it.
Walter recognizes evil exists, and he will confront it.
Walter treats everybody equally. He expects people to follow the Golden Rule, and he raises his esteem of others who do so.
Walter understands and practices repentance and forgiveness.
Walter understands the need for purpose for people, and he acknowledged that discipleship is necessary to instill and develop it.
Walter was willing to sacrifice himself so that others might live.
The deliberate religious elements within the story are handled well, they are intellectually mature. They reflect, and thus add to, the story line, they don't contradict it.