Gran Torino (2008)

Disgruntled Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, Thao Lor, a Hmong teenager who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: a 1972 Gran Torino.

Director:

Clint Eastwood

Writers:

Nick Schenk (screenplay), Dave Johannson (story)

Stars:

Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley

Top Rated Movies #181 | Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 21 wins & 21 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Clint Eastwood	...	Walt Kowalski
Christopher Carley	...	Father Janovich
Bee Vang	...	Thao
Ahney Her	...	Sue
Brian Haley	...	Mitch Kowalski
Geraldine Hughes	...	Karen Kowalski
Dreama Walker	...	Ashley Kowalski
Brian Howe	...	Steve Kowalski
John Carroll Lynch	...	Barber Martin
William Hill	...	Tim Kennedy
Brooke Chia Thao	...	Vu
Chee Thao	...	Grandma
Choua Kue	...	Youa
Scott Eastwood	...	Trey (as Scott Reeves)
Xia Soua Chang	...	Kor Khue

Storyline

Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is a widower who holds onto his prejudices despite the changes in his Michigan neighborhood and the world around him. Kowalski is a grumpy, tough-minded, unhappy old man who can't get along with either his kids or his neighbors. He is a Korean War veteran whose prize possession is a 1972 Gran Torino he keeps in mint condition. When his neighbor Thao Lor (Bee Vang), a young Hmong teenager under pressure from his gang member cousin, tries to steal his Gran Torino, Kowalski sets out to reform the youth. Drawn against his will into the life of Thao's family, Kowalski is soon taking steps to protect them from the gangs that infest their neighborhood.

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Plot Keywords:

gang | widower | teenager | street gang | gang rape | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language throughout, and some violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

Open casting calls for Hmong actors were held in Hmong communities in Detroit, Michigan, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and in Fresno, California.

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Goofs

Walt's medical form lists date of birth as February 1930. When his family celebrates his birthday with him, the grass is green, and he joins his neighbors for a cookout. That isn't February in Detroit.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Al: God, I am sorry for Dorothy, Walt. She was a real peach.
Walt Kowalski: Thanks for coming, Al.

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Crazy Credits

The credits scroll over a highway overlooking the lake shore, with the Warner Logo appearing in black and white.

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Connections

Referenced in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Episode #8.3 (2009)

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Soundtracks

Gran Torino
(uncredited)
Written by Clint Eastwood, Jamie Cullum, Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens
Performed by Jamie Cullum feat. Clint Eastwood

User Reviews

Impressive character-driven drama with a memorable ending

If there's any Clint Eastwood film that sums up his 'jack of all trades' reputation, then this one has got to be it. There's nothing that the guy doesn't do, and this peculiar yet powerful character study is the perfect example of that. 'Gran Torino' is a very smart and hugely enjoyable drama film with a brilliant ending that tops off what is a truly great story.

It is a story built on characters and friendship where you would least expect to find it. The character development is excellent, and rarely will you find such a convincing and diverse bunch of characters that work so well together. The film's strength is definitely in its simplicity, with the stripped back, raw approach complementing the storyline perfectly. 'Gran Torino' is an impressive character-driven drama with a memorable ending.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site [Japan]

Country:

Germany USA

Language:

English Hmong

Release Date:

9 January 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Gran Torino

Filming Locations:

13140 Charlevoix St, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$33,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$271,720, 14 December 2008

Gross USA:

$148,095,302

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$269,958,228

Company Credits

Production Co:

Matten Productions, Double Nickel Entertainment, Gerber Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1