Lauren Rule- Gran Tornio (Other Topic #3)

Gran Torino was supposed to be Clint Eastwood's last movie. in this movie, he plays an old, racist, Korean war veteran who has a particular prejudice against him Hmong neighbors. One day when the young boy, Thao, next door attempts to steal Walt's (Clint Eastwood) prize possession, his Gran Torino, Walt decides to take Walt under his wing. The friendship between the two (and an even more unlikely friendship between Walt and Sue, Thao's sister) blossoms throughout the film. Walt's perception of his Asian neighbors is highly effected by his time as a soldier. Walt has difficulty letting go of his old views. During the movie, Walt receives news that he has a advanced form of cancer. The obvious theme of the movie is racism. Walt seems to have an aversion to all Asians, his neighbors, new doctor, etc. Other racial stereotypes including a white boy dating an Asian girl and a group of boys harassing the couple. Walt, I think represents the average American during his time, but of course the country is changing. He is a white, patriotic, owns a house with a groomed lawn, and a classic muscle car. The image that stands out in my mind, as a religious symbol, is by far Walt's death. A Hmong gang kidnapped, beat, and possibly raped Sue and Walt went to take revenge. Thao insisted on going with Walt, but Walt refused. Walt stood on the lawn of the gang and began to reach into his jacket pocket. The gang, who had previously been frightened by Walt with his finger 'gun', without hesitating open fired on Walt right on their lawn. Walt's body fell to the ground, his legs together and his arms spread out. The last image of Walt is him lying dead on the ground, his body shaped like a cross. As it turned out, Walt was merely reaching for his lighter. I think the way Walt died is really sad, but I don't think he would have wanted it any other way. Walt was a tough man, a soldier; he died protecting people he grew to love and with his views altered for the better.