When a movie
like Gran Torino graces the screen, it just blows you away. I was
curious about how the movie handled the Hmong people, so I went online to read
about the production. The cool thing is that Clint Eastwood cast Hmong actors,
including amateurs, which is very obvious in some scenes.
The movie is a keeper, and the comedy hits you in ways you won’t expect. While
it’s primarily a drama, it has some thrilling moments, and the way the story
unfolds makes you not want to miss a single thing.
Here’s the
story: Walt, an old man, is struggling to make the best of his life. His wife
just died, and as a war veteran, she was the only thing that gave his life
stability. Her death pushes him over the edge, leaving him bitter and hating
life—and everyone in it. That is, until one day, his neighbor, a young Hmong
boy named Thao, tries to steal his car. Walt stops him, and without realizing
it, he thwarts Thao’s chance of joining a gang.
The gang comes back, pressuring Thao to try again. When Thao’s family objects,
the gang turns violent, and Walt steps in with a gun to save the day.
The next day,
the Hmong community tries to show their appreciation, and Walt meets Thao’s
sister, Sue. Later, he sees her being harassed by thugs and steps in to save
her again. Slowly but surely, Walt gets pulled into their lives. The Hmong
people start to feel like his own family, and the movie shifts from cool to
great.
Clint Eastwood
was ahead of the game in this one, delivering an acting masterpiece. The movie
started with a limited release but went on to make over ten times its $25
million production budget.
The film also
shows how Walt decides to tackle the problems in his community. As an old
veteran with strained relationships with his own children and no connection to
his grandchildren, the only people who know anything about him are his
neighbors—the same people he mutters racist remarks at.
Thao becomes like a mentee to him, and soon, both Thao and Sue manage to break
through Walt’s tough exterior. He becomes willing to put himself on the line to
protect not just them, but the entire Hmong community from the gangs.
This is a movie
that, if you missed it back in December 2008, you should definitely watch now.
It’s still amazing and hits all the right notes. If you’re familiar with Clint
Eastwood’s work, you’ll know to expect some deep, dark, and truly sad moments
in this film.
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