February 10 - Gran Torino

Today’s movie is a drama with a scene that happens today – February 10. I hope you will enjoy this film and watch it tonight.  

GRAN TORINO       

Walt Kowalski is a Korean War veteran and former autoworker whose wife has died.  He is always crabby and does not relate to his two sons or his grandchildren. He is not happy that his neighborhood has become the home of Asian immigrants and often makes racist comments. Walt’s pride and joy is his 1972 Ford Gran Torino. Father Janovich, the new parish priest annoys Walt because he repeatedly talks to him since Father Janovich had promised Walt’s wife he would get Walt to come to confession. His cousin, who is in a Hmong gang, taunts Thao Vang Lor, a young Hmong teen who lives next door to Walt but they will take him into the gang if he steals Walt’s car. However, Walt catches him and almost shoots Thao. Later when the gang returns to beat up Thao for failing his initiation, Walt stops them with a rifle. This makes him a hero to the Hmong, which annoys Walt, as the community, keeps bringing him gifts. Walt also saves Sue Lor, Thao’s sister from some African-American gang members. On an unseasonably warm February 10, 2008 [38:17 to 53:47] after his son and daughter-in-law leave, Sue invites Walt to celebrate his birthday with her family. Walt reluctantly accepts. A Hmong shaman tells Walt he is not at peace and Walt later coughs up blood. Walt learns that Thao likes a Hmong girl,  Youa. His family makes Thao come to work for Walt to make amends for trying to steal his car, but Walt puts him to work doing chores for all the neighbors. Walt goes to the doctor where he learns his condition is terminal. Walt helps Thao get a construction job. After the gang roughs up Thao, Walt beats up one of them and tells them all to leave Thao alone. Walt even allows Thao to use the Gran Torino on a date with Youa. Then the gang does a drive by shooting on the Lor’s house. Sue is beaten and raped by the gang. Walt goes to confession and gets absolution from   Father Janovich. Walt had told Thao he could help him get revenge on the gang, but then Walt locks Thao in his basement, telling him he does not want Thao to have to carry around the memory of killing someone, as Walt has had to do since the Korean War. Walt goes to the gang’s house and loudly taunts them, attracting the attention of the neighbors. When he reaches for his cigarette lighter the gang shoot and kills him. The gang are all arrested and charged with murder, since Walt was unarmed and there are plenty of witnesses. To the surprise of his family, Walt leaves his house to the church and the Gran Torino to Thao.

A very good movie. Eastwood gives a fantastic performance as the cranky, racist Walt. This film has a well thought out plot that holds your interest till the end. Unbelievable that this movie did not get even one Academy Award nomination.

His birthdate given in film at 1:02:37 on Walt’s medical records.

Producers - Clint Eastwood, Bill Gerber and Robert Lorenz

Director - Clint Eastwood

Screenplay - Nick Schenk

Runtime – 1 hour 56 minutes

Released – December 12, 2008

Starring -

Clint Eastwood as Walt Kowalski

Bee Vang as Thao Vang Lor

Ahney Her as Sue Lor

Christopher Carley as Father Janovich

Doua Moua as Fong "Spider"

Sonny Vue as Smokie

Elvis Thao as Hmong Gangbanger

Brian Howe as Steve Kowalski

Brian Haley as Mitch Kowalski

Geraldine Hughes as Karen Kowalski

Dreama Walker as Ashley Kowalski,

Michael E. Kurowski as Josh Kowalski

John Carroll Lynch as Martin

Chee Thao as Grandma Vang Lor

Choua Kue as Youa

Scott Eastwood as Trey

Copyright 2014 by Ivan Walters