You may not realise it just now, but Clint Eastwood is one of the finest directors of our generation. Although his steely performances on screen can make him seem quite rigid, stiff and unemotional, his films burst at the seams with emotions, many of them heartbreaking.

Many have argued that he has not made a great film since the release of Gran Torino, but that is neither here nor there. Here are seven gifts Eastwood has given us...

1. Gran Torino

There are more life lessons crammed into this 116 minute drama than you can learn in a lifetime. Eastwood plays an old war veteran who decides he is going to teach his neighbour a few lessons about respect and hard work after he discovers him trying to rob his beautiful Gran Torino.

2. Changeling

Based on the true story about a grief-stricken mother who is forced to pass of a child as her missing son, despite her repeated attempts to inform the LAPD that the child is not hers. Jolie gives the performance of a lifetime.

3. Flags of our Fathers

A war story with a great deal of heart, Flags tells the life stories of six men who raised the flags at Iwo Jim during World War II.

4. Mystic River

Revolving around three men who suffered abuse in their childhood, their lives converge when one of them loses a daughter. A powerful and emotional story with star turns from Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins.

5. A Perfect World

A very underrated film, A Perfect World revolves around a kidnapped boy who strikes up a friendship with his captor.

6. Million Dollar Baby

Hilary Swank plays a female boxer, Clint Eastwood her coach. If you haven't seen this one, this is all you need to know. A masterpiece.

7. Unforgiven

Perhaps one of the greatest Westerns that has ever been made, Unforgiven tells the story of a retired gunslinger who takes on one last job.

And the honourable acting mention.

In the Line of Fire

Another one of those "Save the President" type films, but this one just happens to have a magnificent cast and the most amazing villain, John Malkovich.