Iffy for 16+
Eastwood drama deals with racism and other raw stuff.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that even though this drama is about a prejudiced character coming to know and accept people of another race, it's loaded with racial invective and harsh racist language aimed at a broad spectrum of groups. Star Clint Eastwood's character isn't much of a role model, either -- unrepentantly grumpy, smoking, and drinking throughout the film -- and while he ultimately learns to respect some of his Asian neighbors, many other Asian characters (and some African American and Latino ones) are depicted as gang members and criminals. The movie is also remarkably violent in spots, with bloody beatings and brutal shootings depicted realistically and unflinchingly. All of that said, the underlying message is one of acceptance and understanding.
- Families can talk about the movie's message. Is it clear that it's ultimately about tolerance?
- What does Walt learn during the movie? How can that be applied as abroader lesson?
- Parents, ask your teens how hearing all of the racistlanguage in the movie makes them feel -- does it help expose andundermine stereotypes, or is it offensive?
- How does Walt change overthe course of the movie? Do you think the ending is realistic? Did Waltmake the right choice? Also, are his acts of self-defense to protecthis home, his car, and his neighbors justifiable?
The good stuff
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Messages: The film is a complex, often uncomfortable look at racism -- and, ultimately, tolerance/acceptance. Walt eventually comes to know (and respect) the Hmong immigrants who've moved into his neighborhood, but it takes a lot of racist and culturally insensitive language and behavior to reach that point.
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Role models: Walt, while ultimately motivated by loyalty and friendship, is hardly a shining role model. He's rude, racist, crabby, and incredibly insensitive. He refers to his parish priest as "an over-educated 27-year-oldvirgin" who "peddles superstition." Many of the film's Asian, Latino, andAfrican-American characters are portrayed as gang members and criminals, though others are presented as hardworking and responsible.
What to watch for
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Violence: Occasional brutal, realistic violence, including beatings, shootings, and more. A character is shot repeatedly. Several supporting characters are beaten. A supporting character is seen after being beaten and raped (the incident itself isn't shown). Discussion of violence in wartime. A character has a terminal illness.
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Sex: A brief scene includes glimpses of magazine images of nude/partially clothed women. Some discussion of dating and romance from the blunt perspective of an older man.
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Language: Strong language throughout, including "f--k," "g---dammit," "s--t," "bitch," "prick, "balls," and more. Also nonstop racist language aimed at Asian Americans ("gook," "swamprats," "zipperheads," "slopes," "chinks," "fishheads," and more),African Americans ("spooks," the "N" word, and more), Irish Americans("Micks" and more), Polish Americans ("Polacks"), homosexuals ("gay"),Jews, and Italian Americans ("Dagos" and more).
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Consumerism: Mentions of some commercial brands, including the titlular Ford car, Land Cruiser, WD-40 lubricant, and more; Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans are visible on screen.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters smoke and chew tobacco and drink beer and hard liquor. Teen smoking.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
Clint over acted by bufotenin
I had a hard time getting past Clint's growling. He reminded me of Warf on Star Trek. Also, his slang. derogatory terms for the Asians were a bit over board and I find it difficult to understand why he was not so 'racist' in is comments about the African Americans he confronted. Thie ending was very predictable.
4
A touching, comedic, boarish, and inspiring movie! by dartluv5
Clint Eastwood's is at his finest in Grand Torino. His last acting role is captivating, and sometimes outlandish. Warning - this movie is not for the racially sensitive...there are moments where Walt Kowalski (Clint's character) is obscenely boarish towards the Mung family (Asian family who lives next door to him). It's clearly obvious that Walt is a racist, disgruntled, ex Vietnam War veteran who does not take kindly to strangers. Nobody in the neighborhood likes him much, not even his own family! I was taken aback a few times at the overly exaggerated stereotypes of different races, primarily Asians, but as the story progresses I can understand why it was portrayed that way. Throughout the story Walt learns a valuble lesson in racial tolerance, acceptance and forgiveness that gives Walt the peace he desires.
5
Eastwood never left! by redyeah
When one watches a true Clint Eastwood film, there is no room to be dissapointed. He comes at the audience from every direction. True heart, real acting, a great story and more. Never doubt The Man with No Name!
5
Wonderful by kenchris40
Clint Eastwood shines through the movie. i was in stiches all night due to his facial expressions and growling. The movie has depth and character to it, it is more than meets the eye. Go and see it...i promise you won't be disappointed.
5
Gran Torino by conradwsba1
Gran Torino is a good movie. It will make you laugh.It will make you cry. It will make you think about your own life. I enjoyed this movie.
5
gran torino by docbob5284
Excelent movie, acting, story and directing are all worthy of and Oscar
4
Gran Torino by SSpielberg52
While "Gran Torino" doesn't rise to the level of Eastwood's masterpiece, "Letters from Iwo Jima", it is a beautiful film, seemlessly integrated on three levels--plot, dialogue and symbol. The plot is straightforward and follows the classic line of many westerns: widowed, cranky, warrior is drawn once more into protecting what is good in society from what is evil. Eastwood uses that platform to create a set of wonderfully comical and deeply touching dialogues between Walter Kowalsky (Eastwood), a Korean Vet and retired auto worker and his teenage Hmong neighbors, his barber and parish priest. The timing and non-verbal interactions among Ahney Her, Bee Vang and Eastwood are acting at its best. The deeper theme of sin, love, work and redemption is explored through symbols--among them the treasured car and two different confessional screens. Prayer and work are appropriate penance for some sins; others are too deep and can only be redeemed through an act of love and right action. See it!
5
Gran Torino by kweejie
This is Clint Eastwood's BEST movie ever! It's a combination of humor, drama, and reality! The message of acceptance and forgiveness is well played out by all. The actors and actresses played their roles with passion and believablility. I'm sure we will see a lot more of these fine young people in future roles. I want to see it over and over..........
5
Amazing Movie ! Leave the kids at home ! by mwhite22
My husband and I loved this movie it is absolutely amazing ! However, if you don't like foul language or racial slurrs DON'T GO. This movie is full of the "F" word and so many different racist comments that if you can't handle it, it could cloud over the actual movie. It was so different than what we thought it would be but it surpassed our expectations! I would see it over and over again. Clint Eastwood is better than ever and the story is so unexpected and hilarious and sad and awesome. I would tell anyone to go. Just leave the kids at home and maybe your mom too. It was worth the money and we are buying the movie!
5
a must see by jampom5604
This movie was great. I was not expecting to laugh when I saw this film. I was also not expecting a movie that made me think hours after. Gran Torino will recieve awards from this film and it will be well deserved.