Gran Torino

About Gran Torino

Gran Torino is a 2008 American drama film directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, who also starred in the movie. The film's story revolves around Walt Kowalski, a recently widowed Korean War veteran alienated from his family and angry at the world. His neighborhood in Detroit is now taken over by gang activities and he becomes an unwilling hero when he stands up against the gangs.

Making / Production

Clint Eastwood directed, produced, and starred in Gran Torino. The film was produced by Eastwood's production company, Malpaso Productions, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Screenwriter Nick Schenk drew on his personal experiences and those of his brother, an auto worker and Vietnam War veteran.

Actors

• Clint Eastwood as Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran whose prize possession is his 1972 Gran Torino. Clint delivers a performance demonstrating both the hostility and underlying compassion that defines Walt.
• Bee Vang as Thao Vang Lor, a young Hmong teenager who attempts to steal Walt's Gran Torino. Bee skillfully portrays Thao's transformation under Walt's reluctant mentorship.
• Ahney Her as Sue Lor, Thao's older sister. Her brings a feisty personality and courageous spirit to Sue's character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film marked Clint Eastwood's first starring role in a film he directed since Million Dollar Baby (2004).
• The script was originally set in Minneapolis, but it was moved to Michigan to illustrate the automotive industry's impact on working-class families.
• The 1972 Gran Torino used in the film was owned by the screenwriter's neighbor and was purchased for $1,500.

Awards

Despite not receiving a single Academy Award nomination, Gran Torino received a lot of critical acclaim and was commercially successful, grossing nearly $270 million worldwide. In 2009, the film was awarded "Best Foreign Film" by the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists.

Quotes

• "Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have messed with? That's me."
• "I have more in common with these gooks than I do with my own spoiled-rotten family."
• "Get off my lawn."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's haunting theme tune, "Gran Torino", was co-written by Jamie Cullum, Clint Eastwood, and Kyle Eastwood.
• The score was composed by Eastwood's son, Kyle Eastwood, and Michael Stevens.
• Various songs reflecting the Hmong culture are also used throughout the film.