Gran Torino (2008)
Clint Eastwood directed and produced Gran Torino (2008), an American drama film in which he also starred. This marked Eastwood’s return to the big screen since his role in Million Dollar Baby (2004). Walt Kowalski is a recently widowed Korean War veteran and retired Ford factory worker living in a Rust Belt neighborhood of Metro Detroit. The area has been plagued by gang violence and an influx of poor Hmong immigrants, including the Vang Lor family next door. Despite his son’s suggestion that he move to a retirement community, Walt chooses to live alone with his elderly labrador Daisy. A heavy smoker, Walt frequently suffers from coughing fits and sometimes spits up blood. At the request of Walt’s late wife, Father Janovich, the parish priest, attempts to provide comfort and convince him to go to confession. Despite being harshly rejected by Walt, Father Janovich persists in trying to help him.
Fifteen-year-old Thao Vang Lor finds himself under the control of his cousin, known as ‘Spider’, and a group of Hmong gang members. They pressure Thao to complete an initiation by stealing Walt’s 1972 Ford Torino. However, Walt catches Thao in the act and foils the theft. Thao manages to escape, but only after Walt nearly shoots him. The gang later attempts to forcefully take Thao, but Walt defends him with his M1 Garand rifle, earning respect from the local Hmong community. As a form of penance, Thao’s mother insists that he work for Walt, who assigns him various tasks aimed at improving their neighborhood. Despite their initial resentment towards each other, a mutual respect begins to develop between Walt and Thao. Walt takes on a mentoring role for Thao, even helping him secure a construction job. In addition, he comes to the rescue when Thao’s sister, Sue, is being harassed by three African-American gangsters. Despite any preconceptions he may have had, Walt forms a bond with the Vang Lor family.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Clint EastwoodWalt Kowalski  Bee VangThao  Christopher CarleyFather Janovich  Doua MouaSpider  Ahney HerSue  Brian HaleyMitch Kowalski  Geraldine HughesKaren Kowalski  Dreama WalkerAshley Kowalski  Brian HoweSteve Kowalski  John Carroll LynchBarber Martin |
Clint Eastwood directed and produced Gran Torino (2008), an American drama film in which he also starred. This marked Eastwood’s return to the big screen since his role in Million Dollar Baby (2004). Walt Kowalski is a recently widowed Korean War veteran and retired Ford factory worker living in a Rust Belt neighborhood of Metro Detroit. The area has been plagued by gang violence and an influx of poor Hmong immigrants, including the Vang Lor family next door. Despite his son’s suggestion that he move to a retirement community, Walt chooses to live alone with his elderly labrador Daisy. A heavy smoker, Walt frequently suffers from coughing fits and sometimes spits up blood. At the request of Walt’s late wife, Father Janovich, the parish priest, attempts to provide comfort and convince him to go to confession. Despite being harshly rejected by Walt, Father Janovich persists in trying to help him.
Fifteen-year-old Thao Vang Lor finds himself under the control of his cousin, known as ‘Spider’, and a group of Hmong gang members. They pressure Thao to complete an initiation by stealing Walt’s 1972 Ford Torino. However, Walt catches Thao in the act and foils the theft. Thao manages to escape, but only after Walt nearly shoots him. The gang later attempts to forcefully take Thao, but Walt defends him with his M1 Garand rifle, earning respect from the local Hmong community. As a form of penance, Thao’s mother insists that he work for Walt, who assigns him various tasks aimed at improving their neighborhood. Despite their initial resentment towards each other, a mutual respect begins to develop between Walt and Thao. Walt takes on a mentoring role for Thao, even helping him secure a construction job. In addition, he comes to the rescue when Thao’s sister, Sue, is being harassed by three African-American gangsters. Despite any preconceptions he may have had, Walt forms a bond with the Vang Lor family.
