GRAN TORINO (2008) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MOVIE REACTION

[@mike7146]

As an old military vet, this movie brings tears to my eyes everytime. Never too strong to feel!

[@xsidx232]

Thanks for your service sir🇺🇸

[@dragonbltz2570]

Thank you for your service.

[@OrdinaryInspiration]

Thank you for your service, sir.

[@alvinnnYY]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@moonblink]

Thank you for your service

[@johnfriday5169]

For me the main theme of this movie is to judge a person by their deeds, not their words. A person can say anything but you'll know their character by what they actually do. Also, this entire story hinges on Sue taking Walt with a grain of salt, even playing back at him and earning his respect. Had she been offended by Walt, the story would have had a very different ending. All it took was one person breaking through Walt's defenses to bring him into an entire community of friends and neighbors.

[@TheToledoTrumpton]

Walt is the kind of guy that you don't want at a party, but when the shit hits the fan, he is the guy you want watching your back, whatever color you are.

[@Databyter]

Agreed on the deeds and not the words, and also I agree that a big part of this movie is the girl, who was able to see thru Walts exterior and see him as a person and not a stereotype.

[@paolo-1283]

But words have to power to kill or heal (give life), they're either poison or fruit. So one should be careful with their words.

[@Databyter]

@@paolo-1283 We can all agree with this I think. But you take a guy who grew up on the farm and was sent to Korea at 17 and was traumatized by war. Learned about love and morality in a foxhole with other Marines. Of course that guy is not going to look or sound like the young man who went to college on a merit scholarship studied history, and became a school teacher. Can we say either man has less value even if one is crude and the other refined? But bottom line I do agree with you. But we should be tolerant of those, especially that didn't have the same benefits as you and I did, and grew up harder. They can still be salt of the earth, even if they may sound like the foxhole they were raised in.. Databyter

[@robertreynolds930]

@@Databyter great perspective!

[@AveMarie1]

i am older and knew of that generation ( Korean War Vets) first hand. Yes, they did talk like that. I witnessed an ethnic Polish Korean War vet staring at the empty trunk of his car preparing for a long car trip. He was obviously lost in thought. His neighbor , an ethnic Italian WWII and Korean War Vet, saw his neighbor just standing there - staring inside the open trunk of the large sedan. The Italian vet yelled out his kitchen window. "Hey you stupid Pollock, the engine is in the front of the car!" The ethnic Pole absorbed the comment, realized the joke and turned around and laughed his ass off along with his neighbor.These men used ethnic slurs more as a ribbing then anything mean-spirited. When I saw this movie I was immediately reminded of them.

[@bad2000ta]

Exactly!! My Uncle, who was 50% Polish, which in turn made me only 25% Polish, would always tell me when I made a mistake working at his gas station, "Boy, you might only be a 1/4 percentage Polish, but you act a lot more than that!!" It was funny and never took it as a put down or anything more than my Uncle just telling me not to be an idiot!!

[@jaredschemanski3294]

I am from a polish family in metro Detroit, this is how my grandfather talked and my father still talks. Watching this movie felt like I was back with family. i could even remember the smell of the basement of the houses they filmed this in.

[@primary2630]

that's actually a hilarious jab lol

[@synshenron798]

Growing up around a lot of vets and tradesmen learned this sort of behavior and they would always tell me stuff like these slurs and such and my parents were so concerned about me learning that stuff. The vets would always tell me not to say it to be mean but as a joke with your friends. My friends and I now say some of the worst shit you can say to each other but at the end of the day we all know that we are all each others ride or die. To a lot of people those words are very hurtful and offensive but to people like vets and trades guys they all say stuff like that to mess with each other, its all just joking. That's what I like about the older generation. I hate my generation thats all bent outta shape when they hear people sayin that stuff

[@StormyPeak]

I'm 58, a white woman of German, Dutch, Irish ancestry, on both of my parent's side with a touch of Shoshone on my mom's side. I grew up around people, mostly men who talked like that too. I kind of find it sad that the younger generation can't seem to distinguish between insults tossed back and forth in gest, and those meant to insult with just utter meanness. My dad, use to say things that would make the politically correct crowd's ears bleed...it was very racist sounding shit. However, my dad wasn't a racist. When he was 25, (mid-1950s) he was going home from having a few drinks in a bar, and heard someone say 'help' from an alley and he looked and found a black man, who had been beat up and had a shard of glass stuck in his neck, and he was bleeding pretty bad. My dad got him up and walked him to a hospital that was about 4 blocks away. The hospital wasn't going to accept a black man and wanted him taken to a 'black hospital' some distance away, but my dad threw a fit and a white doctor came over and ordered the black man to be taken into the hospital. My dad saved that man's life and this was in an era when a lot of white men might have jut walked on by...with the idea that some black person might come by and help their own race. Later on in life, my dad was a successful business man and he had 3 Very good friends...all three were born in the USA, but of Mexican heritage, one was a carpet installer who worked for my dad, and the other two men were college educated business men who wore suits and ties all day. My dad wore jeans and a business shirt, but no ties. The names and ethnic insults those guys would toss back and forth at each other were hilarious. I've rarely heard an employee call his boss a 'fucker' lol...but 'B' did it quite often...and both of them would laugh. The three friends all spoke fluent Spanish, and my dad didn't understand a word of it...so they loved to goad him on by doing so during poker night, or out on the golf course..and my dad would respond with something like "You wetbacks, speak English, dammit...so I know you're not planning on cheating me." That would have all four of them laughing. When my dad died, all three of those men, took turns standing up at his service and told everyone how much of a great friend he was, and all commented on the 'false front' of racism that they all showed towards each other, but under that...there was no racism...they were all friends and loved the ethnic joking around. My dad, also, back in the 1970s, was one of the very very few business people in my itty bitty town that use to give the Mexican migrant workers, and indigenous people, credit if they needed an item in our store that was a bit out of their budget. He rarely got screwed over by any of them.

[@dennisfitzgerald8486]

My grandpa was also a Korean vet, he was gruff as hell and when his work friends came over to drink beer and play cards they insulted each other all night long, he taught me about fixing everything in the house, he only once said I love you once a few days before he died in 2013, I will always miss him.

[@deadralynx1288]

We are not defined by words but by our actions. I will never judge a generation who experienced the horrors of war.

[@mercerowens1880]

The reason you like him despite the rude language Is that he speaks truth and didn’t waver from who he his. I’ll take a person any day that tells me who he is; even if he doesn’t like me. Truth is paramount. Speak that I may see thee. Ben Johnson

[@brettfromla4055]

An interesting scene is when we see Walt go treat his official confession as if he was going to the DMV, but gives his real confession to Thao. The basement screen gives the impression of Walt being in a confession booth.

[@airgunfun4248]

Good observation

[@fredermac7468]

Right! I didn’t even catch his true confession to Thao until the 3rd or 4th time I had watched this.

[@malalaz66]

I missed that, thanks for pointing that out!

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

Tao needed to hear it, at that time. The pastor or whatever, didn’t deserve to hear it. He wouldn’t understand.

[@dougsandison3217]

Nice! You're the first guy I've ever (heard) that made that connection. ☮

[@persallnas5408]

Often times when men and boys talk shit to each other its a way of expressing affection. And it is not toxic and the world would not be a better place without it

[@shredd5705]

Yup. Men poke each other a bit, that nobody gets too soft. Because historically, being too soft man has been a threat to everyone. Men toughen each other up a bit by these remarks, and that's actually caring. "I got your back and you got mine, rememeber not to let me down buddy,". It only gets annoying if it's like constant, and the dude can never have a serious / more empathetic moment. Walt has them in the movie too, but he just uses them sparingly so they mean something

[@brycehiigel235]

Exactly. Terms of endearment between men/friends. Without sounding wimpy.

[@Murdo2112]

@Raylan Givens Really? That pile of bullshit is one of the best lines you ever heard? That's pretty pathetic. You're embarrassing to men, go and stand with the boys who still feel they have something to prove.

[@ShifuCareaga]

I agree with all you pricks.

[@eddieguererro46]

Men be mean af to each other but we dont ever really mean it. We insult as jokes, but we know what lines not to cross and when we go our own separate ways, we brothers in our minds. We'll bully and call eachother the most vile shit but when we leave we think "What a cool fucking dude. Cant wait to hang out again" 😅😅

[@robertrouse4503]

Clint was 78 when he directed thus in 2009. He's 92 now and still making movies.

[@phredphlintstone6455]

@@JohnJohnson-mo4bn not a LIE. Just incorrect. And not very incorrect at that.

[@Ribby00]

fuckin' legend

[@BrandonWestfall]

@@JohnJohnson-mo4bn Christ you’re full of yourself.

[@William1w1]

@@BrandonWestfall I mean I can't be 100% sure, but it sure reads like the comment was written for laughs.

[@William1w1]

@John Wheeler Like... Nothing better to do than making jokes on the Internet? I _guess._ Is that more or less of a waste of time than your reply comments? Or this reply I'm writing now? It's like a metaphor for the pointlessness of life in general. Such poetry.

[@docproc144]

“Why do they have brown spit?” Her innocence kills me sometimes 🤣

[@davidshattock9522]

Brown saliva is probably blood or tobacco chewing gunk.

[@KevyNova]

She obviously doesn’t live in Vermont.

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Hi, possibly snuff or maybe chewing tobacco. But I've always thought being Asian it was Betel Nuts. Betel nut chewing, also called betel quid chewing or areca nut chewing, is a practice in which areca nuts (also called "betel nuts") are chewed together with slaked lime and betel leaves for their stimulant and narcotic effects. The practice is widespread in Southeast Asia, Micronesia, Island Melanesia, and South Asia. As an aside, when I was eight years old, I knew a man who dipped snuff. So, after a while I began to dip Nestle's Quick straight from the can. It sure was good.

[@jeffburnham6611]

@@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710 that would be my guess as well. Being an older woman from Laos, it's likely that she was chewing betel nuts because it was common for women of that age to do that.

[@tomadkins2866]

@@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710 The volume of Grandmas spit, compared to Walts tobacco spit makes me think you are right about the Betel nuts. That's something I never knew about, Thank You! Growing up, I recall a lot of old southern (US) women dipping snuff. It was a powder much like Nestle Quick, not like Skoal or Copenhagen today, usually Brewton or Bluebell brand. I tried both in my youth and the end result was much the same. Sneezing some of it out my nose and a glob of viscous stuff in my mouth. The Nestle Quick sure tasted better though, lol. I guess I didn't have the knack, lol.

[@siavashmassoudi]

I’m half Hmong and I love how this movie showcases Hmong culture and people ❤️

[@cjpreach]

Long and Mae were Hmong friends of ours in college. They were from Laos. That's where I was introduced to the Hmong People. They lived in the apartment above us, and when we visited I noticed 8 bags of rice, about 80 pounds each, in their dining room. Not like my pasta, bread and potato upbringing. 😀

[@Ron-d2s]

@@cjpreach 640 pounds of rice..... directly over your head....................

[@gritnix]

What makes Walt endearing is that he's honest in everything. So yes, he says the mean things that he's thinking. But when he says something nice, that he's satisfied or pleased or the food is good, anything good, you know for sure that is also honest.

[@RobertMorgan]

People love honestly when you're honestly praising them, but hate it when you're honestly criticizing them.

[@lkb3rd]

I have a friend like this and it's great because you always know where you stand with someone like this. If he's pissed you will definitely know about it right away.

[@johnnyhayhurst196]

Clint always leaves you appreciative of his grasp of storytelling and media. One of the best, will never be replaced.

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Yep, I was watching " Rowdy Yates " and had no clue about what his future accomplishments would be.

[@Chris-ji4iu]

I love the little details - the lighter as his hand opens is shown for a second or two, but that was a First Armored Cavalry insignia which has a storied history and one of the most decorated military units. The First Cavalry fought in the Pacific Theatre in WWII and in Korea where Walt served, the men saw 549 days of continuous combat. Walt's medal is the Silver Star - the third highest award behind the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross.

[@jhnshep]

@@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710 Rowdy yates? took me a second, hadn't seen Rawhide since the '80s lol

[@andy6576]

@@nsasupporter7557 I'm sad for you, but to each their own.

[@andy6576]

@@nsasupporter7557 🤣😂 Touched a nerve, did I?

[@calibre97]

"Is this exaggerated?" "Don't they ever want to have a meaningful conversation?" I mean, yeah, maybe, sometimes, but also no. This is more natural and actually conveys a lot more than it seems.

[@lordsummerisle87]

The lesson he's being taught is to be polite and respectful to new people you meet, even if others aren't -- the banter and shit talking is for later when you've built mutual respect for each other. I'm British with a lot of military and what you would call blue collar friends. Apart from a few vocabulary differences this is pretty much everyday talk.

[@robertocortez8087]

One thing I learned in the army, if someone is only ever formal and respectful, it's because they're not comfortable around you. If someone is cussing and hurling insults, it means they like you.

[@osmanyousif7849]

Cassie clearly hasn't been around real men before....

[@Stevie8654]

“Do they ever just want to have a meaningful conversation?” They’re blue collar guys. Busting each other’s balls is meaningful.

[@osmanyousif7849]

They’re real men right there….

[@garretthorsch8143]

100%. Thats the way I grew up. We cuss like sailors and we give eachother shit endlessly. It’s endearing for us lol. If we really didn’t like you then you wouldn’t know because we would either not talk to you or be short

[@terryarnold1343]

Those eyes.

[@mooncritter721]

Walt was dying. He knew it. So he gave his last for those he loved. An act of compassion to counter act his suffering of war.

[@Billyregin]

"You're wrong, eggroll" that line makes me laugh every single time, it's such a stupid insult but Clint's delivery is perfect

[@That1punk91]

lol dragon lady was funny too

[@kyranblack5162]

@@That1punk91 Dragon lady was funny

[@samuelzuleger5134]

@@kyranblack5162 Yum Yum

[@daerdevvyl4314]

“How do you want your dog?” “I told you! We only eat cats!”

[@tomoshiro87]

Walt doesn’t use racial insults as a sword to hurt people, he uses them as a shield to keep people away.

[@DertBagg]

You can keep people away with all manner of insults that aren’t racist.

[@Mubiki]

This is true. You notice that he uses inappropriate language with all of the white characters as well. A lot of people point to the racist terms, but it is not like he is exclusively disrespectful to ONLY the non-white people in the movie. Obviously his language is not ok, but his demeanor is not racially motivated. If anything it is more cultural, and he is too ignorant to understand the difference.

[@topomusicale5580]

Yes. There is no malice behind his use of racial 'slurs', they are used to startle those he is interacting with so they will leave him alone (or to shut them up.) That power is granted by the ones hearing it. Sue recognizes this from the start and not only ignores them, but playfully turns it into a joke when he states 'stereotypical' ideas like "don't you people eat dogs".

[@willgenre]

Yeah, his subjective reality isn't the only one that exists. So saying he doesn't use them to hurt people doesn't mean he's not.

[@Mubiki]

@@topomusicale5580 Exactly. She knows it's inappropriate, but also recognizes that there is no malice. In fact, you can even hear the difference between the way he says it to the friendly people vs the gang members. His language is inappropriate, but his tone and non verbal queues make it quite clear what his intentions are.

[@Mark-ke1rj]

Hi, I'm Catholic and I can tell you that while the scene in the confessional was simplified, it held the basic elements of the Sacrament. There is more to it, but to answer your question yes, it is that simple to receive forgiveness as long as one makes and honest and heartfelt confession and asks for forgiveness.

[@brownstarslots]

I came here just to say this. Well put.

[@wadestewart5504]

I am Catholic as well. Very well put. When Walt made the choice to sacrifice himself he knew he had to make his confession. The persistence of the Priest was awesome too.

[@B-a-t-m-a-n]

Well-put. Sometimes I hear, "So that's it? I just have to SAY I'm sorry? What if I have a whole life of crime up to the moment I die and then say I'm sorry?" Like God is stupid.

[@joes2514]

I like the way you put it... "It's simple to RECEIVE forgiveness." It sounds simple until you realize you have to face your sins and own up to them. It's an exercise meant to help us. If you find yourself confessing the same things over and over eventually, hopefully, people face the fact they need to try harder, that confessing more isn't the fix. For those who've never tried confessing to a priest, think about how difficult it would be to tell another person your sins. It's more difficult than it sounds.

[@Mark-ke1rj]

@Rusty Cuyler confession isn't just asking to be forgiven without consequence. You must authentically seek to reconcile yourself.

[@Vandalspeed]

Grand Torino, Million Dollar Baby, and The Mule are all incredible movies. Clint Eastwood never disappoints.

[@billthomas478]

Plus letters from Iwo Jima

[@hashshashiin.forsī]

Mystic river as the director 🖤

[@Appalachianasshole41]

Cry macho was a great film also

[@isabelsilva62023]

And "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" Clint is a brilliant director.

[@mvargasmoran]

You are missing a little movie called: Unforgiven

[@TXP9]

“He’s got the Batman voice without even trying.” Yes he does, and it’s a shame that a Batman Beyond movie with Clint Eastwood as an older Bruce Wayne has not been made.

[@JoeMama-vj8es]

Ohhh.. that's good man!

[@tbirdUCW6ReAJ]

I think they considered him for a Batman movie

[@tylertheguy3160]

@@tbirdUCW6ReAJ In the 90's they considered him for an adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns.

[@CYB3R2K]

I think Clint would hate that, especially nowdays 😂

[@JMB86]

That's what I've been saying.

[@whisperingpeaksphotography4347]

I am 66. Most of the conversations I remember growing up with older generation that fought in WW2 was much like this. On the outer appearance they were racists but if you were in trouble they would be the first people to save you. So much is said in this movie that some would miss. You are based on your deeds. He died for them. He was true in his deeds and heart regardless if he sounded grumpy. Cassie, it is always amazing to watch your reactions. So heartfelt and such a desire for everything to be happy and good.....the world needs more Cassies.

[@patrickkenyon2326]

Truth. Words are nothing. Deeds are everything. And yes, the world does need more Cassies.

[@peaknonsense2041]

Words are not what makes people racist. It's deeds that do.

[@whisperingpeaksphotography4347]

@@peaknonsense2041 I agree.

[@peaknonsense2041]

The most cohesive team I have ever been on was in the military. White, black, Latino; Protestant, Catholic and Jew. The civilian world couldn't handle how we spoke to each other. They'd need fainting couches. At the end of the day after every racial, religious and ethnic slur, we went and had beers. Because the only thing that mattered, is how we act toward each other and we all knew, the other had our 6. Because if it was work ethic we're bashing on, that is serious and we weren't joking. Crap work ethic put our brothers in danger and was unacceptable. Funny story. We got called to a squad meeting. My squad leader was Jewish. We were told we had to work late to inventory equipment. I said that's Jewish to get a rise out of him. He stopped and looked at me and said "You know what else is going to be Jewish? The lactic acid build up from you doing push ups until I get tired...Start pushing because unlike Pontius Pilatus, I don't have all day to f*#% around with you Christians" I couldn't even do push-ups I was laughing so damn hard 🤣

[@PrinsPrygel]

@@peaknonsense2041 White, brown, black, didnt matter, we were all green and equally worthless... :P

[@CrashTestPilot]

This was my Grandfather. A dear, sweet, old man surrounded by VERY high walls of gruffness built by war. Son of a bitch sometimes but it always came from a good place and he meant well, if you can imagine that. I miss him all the time.

[@susanharrah3462]

my father in law was the same he was in ww2 . he was curmudgeonly but sweet and generous. if you got passed his grumpy part. we miss him he was 97

[@deadralynx1288]

And under all that bitterness was nothing but true love for you. Thanks for sharing.

[@commanderwyro4204]

his confession during the screen door scene to toad is so good and such good story telling

[@YKB1966]

As for Cassie's confession question, I can answer it. In a certain sense, it is "that easy." In the early Church, you had to make a public confession, and the penance was more severe. Today, a public or "general" confession is reserved for times where private confession is impossible or impractical. Most of my fellow Catholics prefer private confession, which is more available. The one detail that got skipped is that a priest will give the penitent a penance. It is left to the discretion of the priest, but it can be the recitation of some prayers or a corporal or spiritual work of mercy.

[@Gutslinger]

Dang.. I never thought of the symbolic similarity of that screen door and the confessional booth. Though I did recognize that he was confessing the one sin that had been bothering him the most in that moment.

[@x_mau9355]

Toad... 😆

[@LucianDevine]

I absolutely love how Walt uses Thao's debt to him to help fix up the neighborhood. The part about the wasp nest always makes me smile, because it's absolutely adorable.

[@DaSoda70]

Cassie: "Oh my god, people don't say that!" "Do people really talk like that?" Me, a vet who now works in infrastructure maintenance: Yep, we really do talk like that. I have called friends, shipmates, and coworkers some of the most vile things in an endearing way and they've called me some pretty bad things too but it's all in good fun. It's reasonably common in blue collar work, even today.

[@Chrisfragger1]

You can tell a sheltered person when you hear them.

[@LordEriolTolkien]

@@Chrisfragger1 not necessarily sheltered, just not working class

[@Zireael83]

i´m from germany and work in an office and i really thought they mad this up for the movie ^^ i have a friend that works on construction sites but he never talks like this to me and as far as i know, nobody at his work does talk in that way. maybe it´s very regional or country specific. maybe the german language sounds hard enough so that no additional swearing is needed, lol ^^

[@DaSoda70]

@@Zireael83 I think it's a North American thing, tbh. I'm American and have worked in Canada and with Mexicans and it's pretty much the same wherever you go here. If you can't handle banter, you won't get run off but you'll get picked on more often for sure. It's probably gonna start decreasing as I'm starting to see more and more HR reps in construction which is driving me up the wall.

[@framergod69]

@@Zireael83 yes well all know germans would never be mean to anyone

[@Jumpman67]

Clint Eastwood has been a movie star for over 60 years. He's also a great director and had a movie come out last year. One of the best careers in Hollywood of all time.

[@ShadowMoon878]

Clint Eastwood is already 90 plus years and have fathered at least 8 kids with different women plus several others he never acknowledged. The youngest is 24 while the oldest is in her 60s. All 8, excluding the ones he never acknowledged, got together at one time and it was awkward as hell.

[@JordanJMyers]

Agreed. I know most ppl think John Wayne when it comes to Westerns but to me its Clint. Love all his movies. Damn legend

[@Chris-T22]

Great director, Invictus (2009)

[@sup9542]

​@@ShadowMoon878 Not really relevant, but hey, good for him, and good for his kids getting those genes.

[@breakingames7772]

I live in the house next to the asain family...it's on army right off of Vernor. His house is a drug house now. It was abandoned before they took over. I turned the electric on for them illegally and in turn they look after my home while I'm working. I have never paid a power bill in 2 years since i moved in. I climbed the pole and tapped the line and ran it into the fuse box lol...screw Detroit Edison

[@legitzkrieg]

He played this character perfectly. Men like this are a dying breed and IMO we need them now more than ever.

[@airgunfun4248]

Hell yes

[@TheseBitchesWantNikes]

Correct

[@kendric2000-q3d]

Walt saved their lives and saved his soul at the same time. Like you said, he made the ultimate sacrifice for his friends who he loved in his own way. Such an excellent movie all around.

[@michaellueneburg2261]

Favorite line in the reaction..."Little does his son know, he's been scaring gangs in his neighborhood all day." Hilarious. Great reaction! Incredible story and character arc! BTW there is nothing exaggerated about how some guys talk to each other!

[@ronhall5395]

I worked with some guys who would insult each other like this. If trouble came to one of them, the others would be right thereto help, even if it meant some fighting.

[@osmanyousif7849]

Also, Cassie swearing in a reaction (23:25). That's new....

[@Oakshield2]

"How does he says the worse things out of his mouth and he's still endearing" It's not about words, it's about context and meaning. He means good. Don't pay too much attention or be offended by words, words mean nothings. It's how you use them that matters.

[@marleybob3157]

He was dying anyway so sacrificing himself while setting up those that would cause trouble gave his death meaning. On top of that, he gave his house to the church and the Gran Torino to Thao. I always thought he should have left his tools to Thao as well. BTW, Walt's dog, Daisy, is actually is actually Clint Eastwood's beloved family retriever in real life. That's a nice nod to the original "Rocky" when they used Stallone's real dog Butkus

[@fredericklema2221]

Tools have to be earned and acquired over time. When a new problem arises you get to learn how to use a new tool. Thao getting car was cool. The Grand Torino was the object that Thao wanted that would have let him down the wrong path. In the end the car was the symbol of him starting his adult life and Walt's redemption.

[@marleybob3157]

@@fredericklema2221 I hear you but what do you think will happen to the tools now? Do you think his sons want them, or anything other than. money? That would appreciate them because they came from him. He would value them and put them to good use. As to your first point, by helping Walt, he did earn the tools.

[@gd3369]

and Clint's son was also in the movie as well ...

[@Pazuzu82]

Hahahaha butkus

[@eatsmylifeYT]

No, it's not.

[@flobp2381]

My dad was of that generation, The Silent Generation. He was like Walt, rude, crude, harsh, a product of his time. He grew up in the poverty of the Great Depression, and the austerity of WW2. and he went to war in Korea - it made him tough and he never complained about anything. The things he said and did, were hurtful, but it made his kids tough. He was a big softy, he loved us in his own way. He's been gone for years and I miss him so much...

[@Gothguy1961]

I know exactly what you mean.

[@ArtofFreeSpeech]

My dad was the same way... grew up during the depression, tough, went to Korea, but I didn't find the things he said hurtful, at least not in any grand scheme way. They were said to help you grow a thicker skin and learn the old adage "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." For some reason that lesson seems to have been lost on millennials and Zoomers. We learned the difference between saying something as a joke and saying it with hurtful intent, another thing people can't seem to figure out today.

[@philosopher0076]

Same.

[@billhicks6449]

Im 42 and my grandfather was the same way. An Archie bunker for sure. Completely foul mouthed and ornery as hell but a good man at heart. He too grew up in the depression and fought in WW2. As much as I think the generation gap exists now I have to imagine the gap between those whose childhood were still very much old world and the next is the widest the world has ever seen. My father ( born 1949) grew up in a world of democracies, nuclear weapons, free trade and social revolutions. My grandfather (born in 1922) in a world that still had Monarchs and empires, horses on the road, prohibition, and the Tommy gun. .

[@Seek1878]

There's tough and then there's damaged.

[@tonygallagher6989]

I worked on a suicide helpline for a few years. It became obvious there that people who lash out, even to the point of being wilfully offensive to those around them, are usually carrying a whole lot of pain. I always understood this film as reinforcing that idea. In his last moments, Walt finds peace in making the ultimate sacrifice to help others have a better future. He had come to realise that the people he had initially thought of as his enemy were more like family than his actual remaining family. There's lots of dialogue that would now be written off as unacceptably racist, but the film sends a powerful message about the stupidity of racism.

[@terminallumbago6465]

He even says it at one point in the film, that he has more in common with them than his own family.

[@veemporer5592]

What is the stupidity of racism?....

[@tomadkins2866]

Absolutely. You summed up the whole point of the movie.

[@synshenron798]

I am one of those exact people. Ever since I was a little boy I mever felt worth anything. I work in trades and im still real young compared to the other guys there. When I get told how slow I am and how even when I take my time doing stuff I still make mistakes, it just drives a spike in my heart. Just when I think maybe im getting better... I keep falling on my face. But for some reason I keep showing up to work everyday. That feeling of being 2 steps from incompitent despite giving it your best shot every single day. I think its enough to make anyone want to end their lives

[@thrashmetalmatters4678]

​@synshenron798 well brotha I feel the same man, we gotta stay strong and keep pushing forward with doing the right thing and good karma will eventually find its way back to us. Take care my guy and best of luck in life! 🫶

[@RobertLutece909]

"Do they ever just want to have a meaningful conversation?" They _are_ having a meaningful conversation. It's just in... a sort of man code.

[@wolfie35p]

I have seen Gran Torino about 10 times, and every time it brings tears to my eyes, an absolutely brilliant film, from a brilliant actor and Director.

[@Databyter]

The point Eastwood was making with this movie, is that not judging a book by it's cover works both ways. If you see or hear or watch somebody that is not as politically correct, woke, enlightened, whatever, compared to you. Don't be a hypochrite and judge them by assuming that they are as shallow as you assume they are. That is literally the mechanics of Pre Judging, or Predjudice. Walt was gruff and raw, but he was a good man. He said some terrible things, but he had a good heart and an empathetic spirit. He couldn't be more different than his neighbors, and before they knew each other they were both a bit uncomfortable, but underneath that was the basis for human friendship, love, and respect. Databyter

[@striderhiryu2]

Indeed.perfect descrption of the movie.

[@callmeshaggy5166]

This movie has literally nothing to do with being woke or anything of the like. You're virtue signaling.

[@MikeB12800]

Lol…they signed their comment!! And the name implies the comment is plagiarized

[@Databyter]

@@callmeshaggy5166 I wasn't TALKING about the movie. I was talking about the audience. And only that part of the audience that has reading comprehension and an intellect to go with it.

[@Databyter]

@@MikeB12800 It's not plagerized. I am Databyter. I often chat on discussion forums and I sign my name automatically. You can google me. I am the one and only. Almost everything on my home page is signed the same way. What is WRONG with you people.I came here to enjoy a movie. I make a comment and now it's pile on Databyter?

[@ThomasCorp]

I remember when this came out during my senior year of high school, and how it was believed at the time that this was to be Clint Eastwood’s final acting role. Though that ended up not being the case, when I saw it for the first time, I thought Clint’s performance in this was most impressive, and if it was to be his last, it was quite a high note to go out on.

[@patgray5402]

They say every time Death comes for Clint, Clint just gives him a steely look and Death says he'll be back next week.

[@pamosborn1956]

I remember hearing that, also. I cried when he died in this & then he sang the song at the end

[@dougstevenson1503]

This movie rips my heart out every time I see it. I saw it in theatres when it came out, and it was the same then as it is now. As a huge Clint Eastwood fan, it was another phenomenal entry in his film career.

[@dodge2625]

I loved how throughout the whole movie, Walt was taking care of others. Everything he did was for other people.

[@chrisnorman1902]

Everything?

[@raywideman7157]

lol, yea it’s funny, swears he would never lift a hand to help you, while he is helping you. Breaks your balls every chance he gets, but would literally give up the shirt on his back for you. Sounds like someone I miss very much

[@CarnageO31]

Cassie your innocence is so endearing. I hope you never change!

[@TomTomson81]

You have to see "million dollar baby". Also a drama by and with Clint Eastwood. One of the best dramas ever. Clint Eastwood trains a young woman who wants boxing. The main message of this movie here is that no matter how far away you are from each other, you can learn from each other and get closer. You learn something about acceptance. To accept people as they are and not to feel immediately pissed off just because someone speaks another language, whether that language comes from another country or consists of so-called insults. The hairdresser shows that these were not insults. It's just a way of speaking that's natural for Walt. Both Tao and Walt learn from each other.

[@jonjohns65]

You know, I think she's already seen that one, before she started her channel, Here's a list of nearly everything Cassie has seen, even before she started her "First Time Watching" channel. Check out her Letterboxd page: letterboxd.com/pib1/films/by/name/

[@bonniekeough244]

I can't even watch that movie... Its so sad, I can't handle it.

[@operator0]

The first half of Million Dollar Baby is the best boxing film I have ever seen, hands down. The second half ruined it. I hated that movie. And yes, I know it's a based on a true story. I still hated it.

[@TomTomson81]

@@operator0 Nothing ruins that movie. Events ruin life.

[@redwing1214]

@@jonjohns65 Check out In The Line of Fire with Clint Eastwood. I just posted about this a few minutes ago. It has John Malkovich in it. One of his best performances. It’s about a secret service agent who tries to stop a Presidential Assassination..for the second time. The first time was his failure to protect JFK. Gran Torino was shot about a hour and half away from my house in Michigan.

[@brucecsnell]

Watching Walt interact with people, you asked why you liked him even though he behaved so badly. I believe it was because you could see through his persona to the good person he really was. It is easy to believe he was racist because of the language he used but the reality is that he was just a man out of his time. Walt learned early that the way to show respect was to insult and trade jabs -- usually very personal and related to family or ethnicity. You can see that in the scene in the barbershop where he is trying to teach "Toad" to be a man. All in all, a great movie.

[@wandameadows5736]

Walt didn't "Behave Badly". His actions were good. Your to focused on his words.

[@brucecsnell]

@@wandameadows5736 -- That was the point I was trying to make -- apparently not very clearly. Thanks for clearing it up.

[@peterdemkiw3280]

He was hurting from losing the love of his life, let's not forget that.

[@rednova2212]

@@peterdemkiw3280 Yeah, But he was a tough man. He didn't tear up his house over his wife, he but he did over the rape of the girl not even related to him. That was true anger that old folks from his generation would use to cope. And it wasn't directed at anyone else who didn't deserve it or didn't confront or ask for it, it was in the privacy of his own home, and self contained.

[@kraken7353]

My grandfather was my Walt. He picked me up from school everyday, he was always building or tinkering with something and he always had an ear for me. He was indomitable, didn’t take any shit , and threw the racial slur every now and then. His name was john and i love him all my heart.

[@ernestortiz4555]

Walt is the ultimate good man, just damaged by war. That joke he told in the bar was hilarious. It had zero fat; just lean, mean and to the point. As far as why people can't just get along, a man I used to work with told me: 'You have to figure out how to live in the world that exists instead of wishing for one that doesn't'.

[@TheBaconKing32]

This story always hits hard. Right before this movie came out my dad moved out of Detroit in a very similar situation. Luckily he made it out without anyone being hurt but it was close to ending much like this.

[@Biscuitchris7again]

My sister and I love Gran Torino because Walt reminds both of us of our dear departed Grandpa. Grew up in the great depression, fought in the Pacific in WW2, became a rancher/farmer after the war. My aunt called him "The Real John Wayne." A tough, no nonsense man who told you how it was if you were brave or dumb enough to ask him.

[@richardfromtexas]

I've said it before, this movie makes me think about John 15:13; "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

[@sensboy1]

This was their first acting job. Clint made a casting call for this movie in a predominantly Hmong area, and Tao and sue were selected. They did pretty good for their first gig

[@Mr.wednesdayallfather]

I love how he leaves his Grand Torino to his friend at the end even though it's kind of a big middle finger to his kids and grandkids

[@MrStath1986]

His kids and grandkids deserve it. They were entitled jerkasses who expected to take his home and his car.

[@LucianDevine]

He was the only one there not expecting anything, and of the estate I'd wager he had the most meaningful connection to both Walt and what he got, as compared to everyone else and whatever they got, up to and including nothing.

[@lumpyfishgravy]

Walt really did live every day like it was his last. He was consistent, and he did right by himself and those he chose to love. Whatever he said or thought about religion, he displayed godly attributes.

[@devenholman6301]

One of the most honest and beautiful movies made in the last 20 years. Brings a tear to my eye every time I Watch it.

[@pedrorocha9722]

Definitely one of my ten all time favorite movies. It's all there: good, bad, compassion., the need to see byond the appearances... And it makes me cry evry time I see it..

[@greggburke7796]

The reason Walt is upset that his son bought a foreign car is because he spent his entire life working at an auto plant in Detroit. And the philosophy of the workers was that if you buy a foreign car, you are putting an American auto-worker out of work.

[@Murdo2112]

I bet those same workers would crow about how the rest of the world envies America's freedom.

[@greggburke7796]

@Raylan Givens No. While Toyota and Honda built manufacturing plants in the US, the vast majority of American cars like Ford are still built in the USA too. The reason Japanese manufacturers moved plants here is because the shipping costs made their cars more expensive and subject to tariffs. So by building them here, they can have a lower price and access to a broader market. The US has a population nearly 3 times the size of Japan, so we are an important market for them.

[@40hup]

@@greggburke7796 Well that's the trick - enforce tariffs for import and enforce free markets for export. So much for a fair world economy and everyone profiting from globalisation. If it works for you, praise it, if it does not condemn it and enforce protectionism - in short: rig the game for rich and powerful. The West in a nutshell for the rest of the world.

[@40hup]

Well, Asian Auto-Workers have families too - If everyone would only buy domestic, we wouldn't have a sound economy at all.

[@steveshea7725]

My favorite line-- Walt : " I'm not a hero!" Sue : "Too bad, they think your are. " She has the best comebacks!

[@ghenry4513]

It's a lovable movie. I remember the first time I saw it I was just like you and wasn't expecting it to be anything that good or special, but by the very end of it I was blown away and tearing up while Tao is driving the car away. I loved the play between characters, especially the priest and of course Tao and his sister with Walt. It's a truly great movie and legit classic now. IMDB top 250 despite the well-explained and understood insulting language for the storyline.

[@ChipWhitingtonIII]

Cassie discovering how people outside of Utah talk.

[@lillyaltland4359]

The confession to the priest is for Walt's wife. That scene is soon followed by the true confession, which is delivered to Thao. This is how you make a movie that means something and packs a real emotional punch.

[@danpartridge8584]

As always, you're the ideal audience. I'm a writer and people like you are the best ones to take a peek at a manuscript-in-progress. Reactions are always very visceral and raw. You're such a kind soul. Be well ✌️

[@andrewreynolds8100]

I'm only 18 mins in and clearly the quote of the reaction is "Ok, now say something nice..." followed by disappointment. Absolutely love your content, keep up the great work!

[@stephenmalloy88]

I’m very glad to see you react to Gran Torino. When I saw this in the theater I was as shocked as you were by the ending, perhaps even more so because I have seen so much more of Clint’s body of work up to that time. Seeing Clint sacrifice himself instead of blowing away the bad guys was such an unexpected twist I had to question what I had just seen. But the movie couldn’t have had a better ending. Please consider another Clint western: Pale Rider.

[@4string59]

Another truly marvelous movie of Clints' is "Unforgiven".

[@tzeege]

@@4string59 She watched it. But it truly is marvelous.

[@meattroller8853]

After Pale Rider since she's done G, B & U and Unforgiven have to do his other out of character western Paint Your Wagon. LOL

[@williamsummerson1204]

The Rookie with him and Charlie Sheen is a funny buddy cop movie from back in the day. Pretty underrated to.

[@tzeege]

"The Rookie" and "Paint Your Wagon"? You're kidding, right? She needs to watch "Million Dollar Baby" and "The Bridges of Madison County".

[@madphantom92]

That laugh when the priest says what Walt told him😂😂

[@gregor0714]

A lot of the older people talk like that, especially with the locker room jokes. He noticed that they were actually respectful young people unlike his sons and their families. This is one of my all time favourite Clint Eastwood movies. Another great movie that slaps racism in the face is American History X.

[@happydog6537]

It’s not just older people. That’s how real guy friends talk to each other not to that level all the time of course we also have deep conversations but you screw around with your friends that’s what makes you friends. It’s called brotherhood. It’s the reason that soldiers come home and then want to go back. Brotherhood

[@gregor0714]

@@happydog6537 I absolutely agree. Every other Saturday night, I have friends at my home for Movie Club. We talk shit about each other jokingly like these guys do. Then we watch a movie or two.

[@tbirdUCW6ReAJ]

Perhaps Do the Right Thing or Crash

[@shredd5705]

Well, it's called banter. And yeah it's not really the thing of the past. Maybe the racist slurs part is. But it's just male bonding, men aren't tender to each other, even if they care, it's actually a way to show you care, without being tender. And it's not all the time, but here and there. Men who can never be empathetic and always just bark insults are considered annoying and insecure. On the other hand, people who get offended by banter are considered annoying too. It's a fine line

[@happydog6537]

@@gregor0714 steel sharpens steel. We call each other names and we make fun but let somebody else call one of us a name and see what happens. Brotherhood it’s what creates revolutions that’s why it’s being stomped out. No more clubs bowling leagues nothing no place for men to congregate it’s somehow considered a threat. That just proves how important it is. We need our brothers. Besides my dog my friends are the most important thing to me. And oh yeah I’m married

[@tombanaski3251]

I saw this movie in the theatre with my now late father; the little rhyme the grandson said ("spectacles, testicles, wallet & watch") was a saying my dad would say before we went to the movies or whenever I was getting my stuff together for us to go out to dinner. As this move went on I tuned to my dad, also a Korean War vet, and whispered to him "my god, they did a movie about you!". Needless to say, this movie has a special place in my heart. Thanks for reacting to this one--I love your reactions and am glad you got to see another classic by Mr. Eastwood.

[@promontorium]

Clint has played a jerk in a lot of his latest movies, but someone with redeeming qualities. People have suggested he might be speaking to the world through his films recognizing his past mistakes in his personal life. The family situation in this movie and The Mule in particular are similar to Clint's real life driving his own loved ones away and hurting them. I think, if he isn't aware of his own mistakes while intentionally creating these roles for himself then he'd have to be the most dense sociopath on Earth. Most likely the former.

[@davidlopez6703]

What mistakes?

[@jjkhawaiian]

@@davidlopez6703 Divorce, kids abandoned, maybe other affairs besides Sondra Locke, whom he left his wife for.

[@promontorium]

@@davidlopez6703 The most notorious is Sondra Locke who he had a relationship with for many years and then when it ended, according to her he got her blackballed. Basically said he wouldn't work with anyone that would hire her for a role, ending her acting career out of spite. But even if that wasn't the case, the way things broke with her, and the way things went with his own children is a bit depressing. I think he's aware of that and trying to be a better person.

[@davidlopez6703]

@@jjkhawaiian Ok. I didn't know that, thank you.

[@davidlopez6703]

@@promontorium Thank you.

[@enigmabacklash]

“People don’t say that” meanwhile my friends, coworkers and I (all different races) fling what would be considered racist slurs at one another on the daily and we’re the greatest of friends. We would give the shirt off our backs to help one another and talk crap while doing so. We’ve all seen bad days and good days but we’re here together as brothers.

[@k3n12ock]

This movie was big for the Hmong community. I remember they held auditions all over in big Hmong communities. My family grew up watching Cling Eastwood movies so it was awesome to find out he was behind the project. The gang leader is actually a Hmong rap artist from the group R.A.R.E. and some of the other members of the group are in the gang too. Also, we don't cut chicken heads like that 😂

[@samuelzuleger5134]

I grew up In a neighborhood with a large Hmong population and had a ton of friends who were Hmong growing up. The movie was actually remarkably well received. Maybe it was because the other half was a bunch of Kraut and Polack descendants of WWII and Korean War vets so it was all very relatable. Jokes aside, it is amazing how few people outside specific regions don't know the Hmong (much less other specific non-white ethnic minorities) exist outside specific areas that they immigrated to. I was out east (Western Pennsylvania) for graduate school back in 2010, and we were discussing this movie. Someone said the "Hmong" were a made-up ethnic group so that Clint wouldn't get in trouble with the Chinese. I and two other East Asians (both Hmong) got very animated about that.

[@jaycee330]

@@samuelzuleger5134 Let me guess, that "someone" was a privileged white liberal (probably a woman as well), eh?

[@usafbonilla21]

i love this movie. every reactor that reacts to this film feels like I'm watching it for the first time with them.

[@scottwilson2434]

one of my top 10 best movies, a travesty it was overlooked for an oscar nomination. Its a masterpiece

[@jpmnky]

I bought this movie for my dad in 2009 or 2010. He loved it. One of my best Christmas morning memories with my dad actually. Watching this movie with him. Glad you did a review on this one. EDIT: The way Walt takes the boy out to “talk like a man” with the barber, the foreman at the job site, I can vouch that is 100% accurate. Just how men get along. Well, the ones I’ve always been around anyways.

[@edwardhunt4296]

Yep.

[@vwlssnvwls3262]

Walt is endearing because he is real, and always tells it like it is. He may be a bit... harsh, but he is a good man with good intentions, he has just been jaded by life.

[@toddpatrick8254]

You should definitely recommend this to your sister. I bet this movie would move her too. Walt can definitely be a little rough around the edges but he grew as a person in that short period of time. I think everyone needs a Walt in their life. To both teach and be taught. Great review as always.

[@bw5888]

It's such a fantastic movie because it's a story that is very believable. All the people are believable. It's also a story of redemption of the human spirit. For Walt, becoming Tao & Sue's friend, and getting to know the Hmong people helped him open his heart to others not like him, and realize that they really are more like him than he realized. There's so much depth to the story, and it really makes you think about human nature on many, many levels. I'm glad you liked the movie.

[@davidhazera9851]

Hey Cassie!! Walt's daughter in law is the same actress who played little marie in Rocky Balboa!!!

[@tyrone7635]

I love that you point out that this is slow but you can't stop watching it because this man is an icon acting treasure

[@wandameadows5736]

This movie reminds me of that old saying when I was growing up, the "Sticks & Stones" one. I was raised to respect peoples right to speak & express themselves over my choice to be offended. Sure I agree there's limits like threatening physical harm but insults are not threatening physical harm. In my opinion the way people are taught today is completely wrong. People are taught to be weak minded, shallow & robots to a PC culture. If you hear someone complain about what others say it will always start with "I was listening and someone said this or that". The key is they chose to listen when they didn't have to listen & then they chose to make it an issue. I was taught to ignore people and not get offended & only care & fight back when its a physical situation. I was also taught that a person can control you easy if you let what others say bother you. I was also taught that "Actions Speak Louder Than Words". Today the Politician's have some believing "What You Say" is the big deal & its not surprising because they would rather you focus on what they say & not what they do. People can say what ever they want to me & I refuse to let it brother me. The only time I half care is if its someone close but even then we all get mad and say things we don't mean so you still have to keep your composer. I would never demand someone be silenced & demand they lose there rights to Expression for the simple fact I wouldn't want it done to me. Its what we used to call "Being a Mature Person".

[@chrisnorman1902]

It's best off just ignoring these people rather than making an issue out of it or feeling offended by how they behave. It's best to just let people like that express themselves, and not let what they say bother you

[@deckzone3000]

No one chooses to be offended.

[@Vorgaloth]

I was a 90s kid from southern California. Since elementary school, many of us friends would trade insults with each other, including racist ones. It was in good humor, much like you see in this film. There was a variety of ethnicities where I went. I'm Italian and Spanish so I'd be called a spaghetti slurper, a wop or a eurobeaner, haha. Every culture has their stereotypes and things to have fun with. We understood the value of "sticks and stones". Individual cases of real racism did happen but were fortunately pretty rare. I am so grateful that the teachers I had back then didn't train us to view the world through the incredibly narrow lens of race, gender and over-simplified power dynamics (oppressed vs oppressor) like so many do today. It's intellectually lazy, corrupt and divisive. Woke identity politics suck. It's not pro-human. Gran Torino obviously has some valuable lessons and I'm glad you appreciate that. American History X is another.

[@BulldogMack700rs]

Exactly the way it where I'm from insults are a weird form of affection and taken in good jest. If your not being insulted now and then we probably don't like you.

[@moriellymoproblems7842]

Lol, it wouldn't be a YT comments section without some nimrod incorrectly using the word woke or trying to project their personal anecdotes on the entire world.

[@Vorgaloth]

@@moriellymoproblems7842 Oh, OK. Thanks for the ad-hominem. Can you please educate me and provide the correct definition of "woke"? Here's precisely what I mean: “Woke” means having awakened to having a particular type of “critical consciousness,” as these are understood within Critical Social Justice. To first approximation, being woke means viewing society through various critical lenses, as defined by various critical theories bent in service of an ideology most people currently call “Social Justice.” That is, being woke means having taken on the worldview of Critical Social Justice, which sees the world only in terms of unjust power dynamics and the need to dismantle problematic systems. That is, it means having adopted Theory and the worldview it conceptualizes. Under “wokeness,” this awakened consciousness is set particularly with regard to issues of identity, like race, sex, gender, sexuality, and others. Basically it means finding oppression everywhere, even where it doesn't exist. It's intellectually lazy and divisive. Not pro-human. Fortunately people are catching on and calling this out. Have a good day.

[@fester2306]

American History X would be a very tough one for her, maybe the toughest.

[@davidforestieri4784]

The scene when Sue comes back, although we know he cared for Sue, I always perceived it beyond that as a horrific reminder of the atrocities he saw in Korea and his buried guilt coming to the surface

[@manonthemoog]

The dropping of the shot glass was fire.

[@chrisbruneau8552]

My Dad was a Korean War vet. I took him to see this film, shortly before he passed. God!!!, it was like watching my own life. he was EXACTLY the same as Clint's character, surreal!!!!

[@robertsacrison4057]

Thank you for your honest, sincere reaction. Your reaction, to me, sets the standard for everyone. My best friend, when I was still in college, didn't want to go see "Raiders of the Lost Ark". I begged him to go with me and he finally relented. He ended up loving it and I got to see his reaction too. That's why I watch your reactions. Another wonderful movie by Clint Eastwood that deserves a reaction is "The Outlaw Josie Wales". Thank you for all you do.

[@Lightningrod75]

I think my favorite scene is when he locks Tau in the basement and then finally gives his confession through the door. I love this movie.

[@BenjWarrant]

I never made that connection before, thanks.

[@timclark1324]

This is one of my favorite movies. Clint Eastwood played the roll beautifully. I want to recommend you watch "August Rush." It's a beautiful romantic story with a twist. Perfect for the hopeless romantic such as yourself and your sister.

[@RicoRaynn]

One of my favorite movies. My wife is Hmong. Her family immigrated here in the early 90's, trying to get away from the Chinese extermination squads. One of the only connections I really have with her family (because if you aren't familiar with a large majority of Asian immigrants, they tend to be really 'don't marry outside your race' racist) is the fact that I spent 21 years as a US Infantryman. Because of that, and the fact all her uncles served as local guides to US forces in Cambodia, I'm at least tolerated and semi-accepted. And I can definitely tell you this is how guys jaw jack back and forth. If your buddies don't give you a hard time and talk shit in an abstract way, well then they really don't like you.

[@robertcampbell8070]

I don't even know if you can even classify it as racist. Like most korean families would absolutely rather have their daughter marry a white guy than a japanese guy. It's not so much racist (IMO) as it is just super insular.

[@RicoRaynn]

@@robertcampbell8070 I could see that. But it's definitely racism with our experience. Her cousin is the only other member of their family who broke away from simply living off the California welfare state and dealing drugs. She went off to NYU for school and came back with a black American boyfriend who's studying finance at the Stern School of Business. Brought him home to one of their uncles weddings. The reaction was not good, but mostly from the females. I was in full dress uniform at the time and simply passed the guy a whiskey and told him to give it a bit. They'd warm up eventually. They ended up hanging with us the rest of the evening and to her family's credit, the males were super polite and kicked back. It always amazed me how the females in her family would rather have people marry complete deadbeats as long as they were Asian versus someone who was doing something with their life. Human beings are odd creatures.

[@ronmaximilian6953]

@@robertcampbell8070 The Japanese and Koreans don't see themselves as anywhere near the same, which is ironic, because outside of Ainu. The Japanese are descended from a wave of immigrants from Korea thousands of years ago. Japan tried to conquer Korea in the 17th century and did in the late 19th century. While Imperial Japan may have talked a game about leading the other Asian peoples, they were a brutal colonial power. And I'm not even going to get into this the three wars with China and the use of chemical and biological weapons.

[@robertcampbell8070]

@@ronmaximilian6953 Right, that was kind of my point. At least East Asian cultures typically prefer almost anyone to other East Asian cultures. Southeast Asia seems to be different, based on the OP's comments.

[@k3n12ock]

Nyob Zoo brother

[@animebloodsamples]

Its your classic Mr Miyagi relationship and bond that makes movies like this enjoyable.

[@barnabydodd8956]

This movie has so many layers. Changing neighborhoods, changing demographics, how old people deal with a changing country, immigrants and how they fit in, veteran issues, guilt, life and death, fathers and sons, mentorship, how people are complex beings, and how kindness can win over hate. That's just off the top of my head, but there's so many themes and layers in this movie that just makes you think.

[@johnnk3256]

Grandparents like Clint are a dying breed of men. Tough men. Gosh, I hope the world has more of them, not less. It'd be a safer place.

[@lawrenceallen8096]

Walt went out like a soldier.

[@worldofgreenhell]

The monologue Clint Eastwood gives when he asks them to get off his lawn gives me chills every time.

[@jackpowell9276]

This is a great movie that you dont expect going in, just as you completely miss judged what it would be about. It ends up being a heart warming journey of growth and change and hope. Loved the reaction, especially as the plot was unexpected.

[@davidjuby7392]

I am 56 years old and recently retired from 30 years as a Firefighter in Toronto and when I got on there were a lot of old Korean war vets and there was one guy who was exactly like Walt but they all had a weird inner morality and once you proved your worth you were accepted. You became aware of this because the insults were now blended into greetings exactly like in the barber shop. This movie brought back a lot of memories to my early days on the job working with these really tough grumpy old men who at the same time you knew that no matter what shit you ran into on the job they would do their job and never quit. I came to realize that a lot of the abuse was to see if I was tough enough and once I had proven that I was it changed. I used to think that it was an old school fire thing but now I know it is an old school war vet thing. You should try Heartbreak Ridge at some point. Another Clint classic and another interesting character.

[@johansmallberries9874]

Eastwood has the universal reputation of being one of the nicest, easiest, most efficient directors to work for. Actors love him and his film crew incredibly loyal because of how he treats them.

[@stonerviking4079]

"Trouble with the Curve" is another great Clint movie with a kinda similar feel as this one about baseball and his daughter. I think you'd like it Cassie

[@Fish_704]

I love your reaction to a great film. Clint Eastwood wanted to show the life of a culture most people don't know. Me growing up as a first generation Hmong American, the US is really big place. We only had our family and ourselves. The sister was right, for us Hmong men, there was only 2 ways back in the days, gang life or death that's all we ever grew up knowing. It's either be scared your whole or life as a gang member. The girls gets a higher education and gets out. My parents was strong so they moved us out of the big city into the country side to have a chance at life and not the violence. I thank them every single day. The movie was great and it taught us a lot. Your reaction was everything and keep up the reaction. Two thumbs up!!!

[@chadeike3943]

The older client gets the less action but so much more meaningful. The mule was one of his last movies I think you would love that as well. Great reaction as always

[@murraypft]

Cassie, I'm 63 Yrs old and the neighborhood where I grew up was full of dads like Walt. WWII vets not Korea. These guys grew up during the Depression the had to fight in the war, tough life. I grew up in a multi-ethnic neighborhood, mostly Irish and Italian but with Greek, Jewish, Russians, Poles, German, Blacks, Japanese.. mixed in. From late Spring until early Fall on most weekends someone hosted a BBQ. From the time the first beer was cracked the ethnic jokes would start flying, it's just the way it was. NOBODY was offended and they all left as friends. I was brought up, and I don't think I was alone, to NEVER start a fight. But if someone started one with you, you were supposed to finish it. MANY dads back then taught their kids to box. I think 90% of the fights I got into, and there weren't many, were to protect my sister's. I remember one vividly. Respect for women was drummed into me. I think the first time I saw this movie I was thinking "Walt is my dad." He took no crap from anyone but was really a nice guy.

[@Axe_Slinger]

Shot in my hometown of Detroit. The final shot of him driving along the lake (Lake St. Claire- Great Lake) shore is near the famous Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.

[@OneAndOnlyMe]

Love this movie. The story is also about cultural differences, between how his American family look after their elders, and how the Korean family look after their elders. Correction: Should have said Hmong family, took it from Walt's perspective.

[@tzeege]

Hmong are not Korean.

[@Soundhypno]

Good point you are making here though his neighbors were Hmong from Laotian hill country. not Korean.

[@TheBTG88]

These were Hmong people from Vietnam who were refugees from the war, not Koreans.

[@Banyandio]

I think the confusion here is that Walt was a Korean War veteran, so he saw all Asians as Korean, so the commenter may have mistook the neighbors as well.

[@naughty.r0bot]

The Hmong people are indigenous tribes from Vietnam who did not support the Communist North Vietnamese, and informed on them to the US Military, which is why thousands of them were given visas & transportation to the US after the war. Sort of like native American Indians, but in Vietnam. For reasons I can't recall, most ended up in various parts of Michigan.

[@stretch4872]

A beautiful reaction to a beautiful film. This one hits home with me. I've heard stories about what my grandfather was like when he was younger. By the time I was old enough to really get to know him he had mellowed I think and just treated people as people regardless of ethnicity. Watching this I get why some people thought the way they did but I knew what he was like inside.

[@HeyMykee]

Walt was very old, he didn't have much life left in him, and his health was declining. He wouldn't have lived much longer anyway, and it would have been in increasing pain. This way, he was able to make his death meaningful. It's the same thing that happened in Logan really. He was crotchetty and gave the unvarnished truth. Part of the reason you like him is because he didn't let anybody get away with bullshit.

[@raymondleggs5508]

When You realise Logan is basically a Remake of Gran Torino, And Ironically young Clint eastwood looked like Hugh jackman back in the day.

[@HeyMykee]

@@raymondleggs5508 "Clint eastwood looked like Hugh jackman back in the day." Very true, but I would have said it the other way around, since Eastwood came first.

[@HeyMykee]

@@BriBryBriBry Lol she just seemed so sad that he died!!

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Hi, checkout " Australia " with Hugh Jackman.

[@corryjamieson3909]

She should probably watch all the x men films first before Logan

[@ZEBRAjinx]

When she said “Oh Gran Torino car not a race” that genuinely killed me 7:32

[@anthonyvictor3034]

As I watched your reaction, I thought about my dad, who died a few months ago. Cringeworthy language but heart in the right place. I can relate to this on so many levels.