Gran Torino (2008)

Director: Clint Eastwood
Writers: Nick Schenk, Dave Johannson
Actors: Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Wong, Andrea Ho, Brian Haley, Geraldine Hughes, Drema Walker, Brian Howe / John Carroll Lynch / Scott Eastwood
Type: Drama
Region: USA / Germany
Language: English / Hmong
Released: 2008-12-12 (USA)
Runtime: 116 minutes
Also known as: Classic Classic Car (Taiwan) / Drive. Chase (Hong Kong)
Rating: IMDB 8.1 / Rotten Tomatoes 81%

Movie Synopsis
Walter Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), a retired Ford car factory worker who participated in the Korean War, lives alone in a low-income Asian immigrant area of a small Michigan town after the death of his wife. The neighbors were a large Hmong family, and a brother and sister caught Walter’s attention. Sister Su (played by Ahney Her) is humorous and talkative, and gradually becomes friends with the stubborn and a little racist old Walter; the taciturn younger brother Tao (played by Bee Vang) is forced to join by his distant cousin. The local Hmong gang was assigned to steal the 1972 Ford classic car that Walter regarded as a treasure in his first operation. After failing to steal the car, Tao was forced by his family to work for Walter to atone for his sins, but he never expected to establish a deep friendship with Walter. However, the local Hmong gang refused to stop there. For the safety of Su Yutao and the peace of the community, what should veteran Walter do?
The film was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song (“Grand Cars”).

Gran Torino is a 2008 American drama film directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. The film follows Walt Kowalski, a recently widowed Korean War veteran who is disillusioned with his life and resentful of the changes in his neighborhood. When he witnesses a gang initiation and befriends a Hmong teenager named Thao (Bee Vang), Walt becomes involved in a conflict with the gang and attempts to protect his neighbors from their violence.

The film features a talented supporting cast, including Ahney Her as Thao’s sister Sue, Christopher Carley as Walt’s priest, and Brian Haley as his son’s friend. It also explores themes such as redemption, racism, and the power of human connection.

Gran Torino was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $269 million worldwide. The film has been praised for Eastwood’s performance, direction, and screenplay, as well as its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and themes. The film’s ending and its message about the importance of empathy and understanding have resonated with audiences and made it a memorable addition to Eastwood’s filmography.