Dinner and a movie, with a sprinkle of racism

Michael and I had a date night last night and went to Noodles & Company to eat.  We always get the same thing whenever we go there.  I get Mac 'N Cheese and a cucumber and tomato salad and Michael gets the Buttered Noodles with Parmesan Crusted Chicken.  After eating we went to see the movie, Gran Torino.  It just opened for wide release yesterday.  It's directed by Clint Eastwood and he also stars in it.  It's reported that this is his last starring role.  There have been mixed reviews about this movie.  It's about a racist Korean War veteran widow named Walt who is still living in his upkept house in the old neighborhood while everything else has slowly declined over time and minority groups have moved in. He does not embrace the change he has seen but seems to have no choice but to either defy or adapt to the situation, which he does both.  The movie is focused primarily on the Hmong community.  The movie was to be set in Minnesota but instead was shot in Michigan.  One of the main characters, Thao, is a junior in high school from Robbinsdale, MN.  You can read about him here.  I enjoyed the movie, however there were times when the racism was over the top.  You will endure many feelings while watching this movie and I do recommend it.  

Watch the trailer:  Gran Torino