@@Kenny-ep2nf It is sad, but in the end, he found redemption. Indeed, he found salvation. He sacrificed himself so that two promising young people could have a shot at not just a good life, but a great life. Tao has all the tools and opportunity, and confidence, to be the best man he can be. No greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for his brother.
Sue is a great character. She stands up for herself. She is open minded and reaches out to others. The world would be a better place with more people like her.
Sue is my favorite character in this movie. She is SO likeable, and she is truly the bridge that brings Walt and her family together. She takes ALL of Walt's shit in stride, and continues to break down his walls. Inviting him into their home and family. Truly inspirational. And extremely well played by Ahney Her.
@NiaMakiReacts "Greater love hath no man than he give his life for his friends" Everybody started from zero with that generation. Each person had to EARN respect. Not being thick skinned or being easily insulted or offended puts you in the negative in the respect category. The whole issue with his family is that they demonstrated zero respect for Walt.
I think it's explained to us why Walt is as he is. He tells Thao that he killed 13 men in Korea and it's stuck with him every day since. In his mind he has to hate people from Asia so he can justify what he had to do in service of his country. There is also the fact that he lost friends during that war too which would have fuelled his hatred even more so. But his transition through out the movie shows that even the most string willed bigots can be redeemed. In his mind there was only one way to redeem. One truly selfless act that would affect the people he showed so much hatred towards
@@satyagrahaano it's not. One night while I was dealing 3 card poker at a casino in Indiana, 2 Vietnamese women were talking to each other in Vietnamese. An old white guy said to me "At one time the government paid me to kill people like that." It was chilling
The boy that Sue was walking with right before Walt pulls up, the one he tells to get on down the road is actually Clint Eastwood's son. He changed his last name or at least went by a different last name for a little while because he didn't want to get roles just because of who he was
@@NiaMakiReacts I know right. When I figured that out I had to immediately go back and watch that part again and it was so much funnier, and the fact Clint directed it also lol
The move shows him clearly on the sidewalk dead..which is subtle, but he deliberately does not go on their property because he knows it can help them in a claim of self defence..
The medical report told him he didn't have very much time left. He decided to go out on his own terms and to make it meaningful. Note that Walt wasn't kidding when he said this thing needed careful planning. Just consider all the prep work. He spent that final day going out and getting a tight shave and a fitted suit ... making sure to be presentable at his own funeral. Then he mowed the lawn one final time to make the house presentable, took a bath, and went to confession. Then he had to make sure Tao couldn't be there and that his dog would be cared for. All in all... a well crafted plan and a busy day of preparation. To see him calmly doing all of that, knowing full well what he was doing... makes seeing this a second time all the more impactful.
@@Mr.Ekshin besides being on the sidewalk, also made sure to not even have his weapon on him like he normally did, & talked loudly and waited to make sure lots of witnesses were watching before making his last move - he wanted everything just right to make sure they all went away for a long time
What makes this movie extra special ist the fact, that the characters that a younger Clint Eastwood used to play - esp. Dirty Harry - would indeed have finished this with a big, violent showdown. It almost feels like Eastwood wrote the character of Walt as an older, settled version of his earlier characters, and showed that people can change and there are ways to treat things differently.
Walt respects Sue because she stands her ground and gives back his attitude; he sees the same in Thao; shown in a different way, and comes to respect him and then his family and their community for similar reasons. In the end he even comes to respect the priest. For him that respect has to be earned, and they earn it. He loves his family but he was never able to share that with them. As others have said when the end came it was Sue, and particularly Thao who represented everything that mattered to him, and his real confession was in the scene where he tells Thao about the kid he felt he murdered with the rifle. The scene where the priest repeats what Walt called him and you see the Barber chuckling is probably my favourite. Gran Torino; along with The Outlaw Josey Wales ~ both of which Clint Eastwood had him as lead actor as well as the Director both deserved at least Best Movie & Director nominations; personally I'd have loved to have seen Sue's actor get a nod too, but under Oscar rules only one; probably Thao's actor would have got that. Where he was just the director; of the movies I've seen I would add Invictus; which features his son in a supporting role (same actor who he said, "Get your au fait paddy ass down the road." too :-) ). For me Clint has become a future candidate for America's greatest movie director, kerk
@@NiaMakiReacts You should watch Million Dollar Baby, another Clint classic from this period of his career. Won 4 Oscars including Best Picture (Clint), Best Director (Clint) Best Actress (Hilary Swank) and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman). You will love it... and yes, you will cry. GREAT movie.
He should have actually retired after this movie. The only reason his last two movies got green lit is strictly on his name, they are garbage and he is too old to be in the roles.
@@ididthisonpulpous6526 lol .that's what happens when you have an entire life time of being a American icon 🤡at 80 hed probably still lay you out.. respect your elders D-bag..he goes out HIS way.. 😂ppl today are spoiled and weak 🤡 😂
I think this was Eastwood’s best portrayal in his storied career. I also believe a man like Walt would be vilified and “cancelled” today. I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction to this portrayal. You have a positive vibe about you, and I sense you, like the young girl in the movie, would see through the rough and crass of a man/woman like Walt. This film has some old-school cliches - don’t judge a book by its cover, for one. It also has timeless axioms - you’re never too old or too young to do the right thing, be of service when you can, and do it with no expectations other than doing right, you can’t pick your family…or can you? Principals can never be concealed completely, and unexpected acts of kindness are our balm that we can employ to soothe the burns that life bestows.
I’ve seen a lot of reactions to this film and your observations and analysis was easily the best. I always enjoy your perspectives and look forward to many more. 👍🏼
I love the moment when Tao says “If he doesn’t want to do it let’s just go” and the mom and Sue let loose on him in both languages (and even Walt goes into a temporary retreat). Growing up in a Polish family Walt knows when he’s beat and lets Tao come to work for him. Or after the party when Walt is getting ready to refuse the food the ladies brought him, and half way through he goes “wait , is that the chicken dumpling thing you made? Okay”.
The way you turned and looked at us (the camera) when dufus son was saying "Maybe it's time you start thinking about...." was priceless. Those of us with life experience know exactly what you were saying without words. 😄
There are so many reactors on UA-cam that are so bad. I just found this channel, and you, Nia, are fantastic. Your understanding of the subtle messages in this movie is next level. Thank you.
A conversation between more recent Eastwood movies. Unforgiven : I'll make you FEEL Gran Torino : I'll make you CRY Million Dollar Baby : Hold my beer....
The scenes between Sue and Walt are truly amazing to watch. You watch as this strong willed,bigoted man turns from being hated by us the audince to a much beloved character. And it's all down to Sue and her quick whit and charm. The ending is very fitting. He teaches both Sue and especially Thao a much needed lesson. Vengeance is never the answer.
I have seen this movie a dozen times and never recognized the symbolism of that screen cage being like a confessional. Thanks for pointing that out. Great reaction.
Thank you for sharing. I really appreciate it. This movie brings out about generation gaps and one thing I think that we should consider is that in each generation has its own problems and issues to deal with as a person grows in their thinking and age in this system of things, with this particular person in his generation, most individuals basically thought the same way and spoke in the same manner as he did, I know my grandmother did, and you didn’t have to guess on what she was thinking. So you have to please keep that in mind, and back in the day money was harder to make, most women stayed at home and raised the kids while the men went out to work so it made life harder to raise a family in certain areas, so please keep that in mind, and there’s an old saying that you never judge a book by its cover, but I appreciate you and thank you so much for taking the time to watch this movie. Have a great safe day.🫶🏻❤️🤠
Just discovered your channel. As a film lover, I really appreciated your insight in reading some of the symbology that I had earlier missed, specifically when Walt leaves Thao in the basement and your recognizing the actual and real confessional booth; and the ultimate sacrifice Walt made which left him in the shape of a cross. Just subscribed and joining you on future rides! And yeah... probably not the best movie to have a coffee and start your morning with. lol
😂 yeah I wasn’t ready for this movie but it was a great one nonetheless! Thanks so much for ur comment! Sometimes people hate that I talk too much or overthink things so this really means a lot to me!
The Beetelnut that "Grandma" chewed was/is a common "vice" amongst eastern and southeast Asian residents. In Taiwan, along all major roadways across the country, there are small, glass-walled stands that are adorned with multi-colored and strobe lights to attract the attention of truckers. These stands employ pretty young ladies in tight-fitting tops, short-short skirts, and high heels to sell Beeletnut to any and all passers-by. They are, to the locals, affectionately known as "Beetelnut Babes". As it was explained to me, Beetelnut is a naturally grown plant and the macerated "nut" (wadded up and chewed) has a mildly narcotic/stimulant effect, which is why truckers driving at night want to chew it (it keeps them awake). But, the chewers of Beetelnut are quite disgusting. Their reddish-brown spew/spittle stains the pavement all around the walkways and roadways nearby each and every Beetlenut stand. I guess every society has its vices!
14:44 the guy with the hat on backwards is Scott Eastwood, Clint's son. i've seen one western movie with him, called "Diablo". he looks exactly like Clint from the 1960's when he started his career in westerns. this is an amazing film, and so sad. great reaction! 👍
@@NiaMakiReacts they were called "spaghetti westerns" because they were made in Italy by Sergio Leone, and dubbed into english. "The Good the Bad, and the Ugly" is one to start with. in this series Clint was known as "the man with no name", because they don't mention what his name is in the first 3 films.
Loved Sue and the priest...both earned Walt's respect in the end. It was more subtle with the priest... but giving him kudos, offering him a beer, then leaving his church the house spoke volumes (especially when he didn't give the rest of his family a darn thing).
43:02 Clint Eastwood as a director made sure Walt died in the shape of a cross to parallel Jesus dying on the cross to save people from their sins. I really recommend Million Dollar Baby with Clint Eastwood. He directed it as well just like this.
"They're just kids..." while he sees/hears some person(s) in his garage late at night. Well, these same kids just pulled out guns vs another car on the road while Tao was walking home. Give Walt ( especially at his old age ) a LOT more credit and respect while he is vulnerable to being outnumbered, shot, killed.
I like that Clint included the scene of him interacting with his barber, illustrating that Walt even treats his friends he respects the way he's treating Thao at 24:41. "All you "slopes" are supposed to be good at math right?" When Walt levies the same kind of insult at Sue, she just fires it right back at him, leading him to remark "You know what kid, I like you, unlike that dimwit brother of yours." I think, in a way, Walt even respects the grandmother for hating him haha. Walt is very much the kind of guy I thought was a bully when I was younger, but I later realized were just trying to toughen me up with some good natured ribbing that they expected me to reciprocate. Once I learned how to do that, I turned all my old "bullies" into lifelong best friends. Thank God one of them was empathetic to pull me aside and break it down to me kindly one day. Towards the end of the movie, it's once Thao is willing to stand up to Walt and "call him on his bullshit" that Walt starts really treating him with respect. Walt teaches him what having "teeth" or "balls" is all about. It's the same thing the rounder gangster from his neighborhood was appealing to, "I used to get beat up all the time bro." Only one is pointing to bravado and crime, and the other is pointing to hard work and respect.
You should watch Clint in - The Good the Bad and the Ugly (1967). It is one of Clint's first movies and part of a trilogy, known as the man with no name (no order to the trilogy). So you can watch it first, their each stand alone movies.
I feel that when Walt talks about blood on his hands. I have that. I don’t wish for anyone else to feel that, or have the nightmares that come from it. Walt is a true one. He doesn’t want others to feel that shit.
23:00 This scene was apparently incredibly hard to shoot because the two actors kept cracking up. You can see it on their faces, they both look on the edge of cracking up constantly, hiding it under a veneer of seriousness. It's fun to know that two completely different people like Bee and Clint could laugh together at something so silly as the childish insults and words like "puss-cake."
@@NiaMakiReacts Django Unchained is another movie where you almost hate to laugh, but some of the things certain characters like Samuel L. Jackson's character say are so outlandish and offensive that you can't help but laugh. Fantastic movie, but Tarantino didn't hold anything back.
My parents were born in the late 20s, i was born in 61 in Cupertino Ca when there were farms and Orchards all over. When we went to church women wore white gloves and a head covering and men dressed up. Dad was a Spanish immigrant and Mom was a Dutch German American from NY. The 60s were a culture shock and Dr. Benjamin Spocks child permissive rearing books from the 50s did not resonate with them. Respect for elders was very paramount and treating others with the same courtesy as you wanted was too. Gangs were localized to LA NYC and inner citys and not a threat then until the 90s. Walt was my Dads age in theory. He never used racial epithets as he had friends at Lockheed of races especially a young Japanese Niese we loved. Growing up in Monterey in the 30s his folks knew many lovely Japanese families who were rounded up in 1942. I remember some veteran neighbors who served in Korea and the Pacific who talked like Walt. My Mother did not like it.
This is one of my favorite Clint movies. It has a great story with some real personal changes by all. Sue was the reason it got going and kept it all together.
My number one film. Walt’s family kills me every time. The kids are whatever. Kids are kids. The parents though. Letting your kids come to your mother’s funeral in football jerseys and a belly shirt….the disrespect. The end always reminds me of that line from Sin City. "An old man dies, a young girl lives. Fair trade." In this case, it was an entire family. I like to believe that any man who's worth something would want to go out the same way.
Great reaction! I've seen many people react to this & you're the first one that even MENTIONS religious undertones. Walt laid out crucifixion style, blood running into his palms. Sacrificed himself for the greater good. Everyone that has a heart cries at this movie. I've seen it many times, and I always tear up. Thank you!
Great reaction Nia like always, love this movie, Love watching people reaction to this movie. They hate Walt from the start at the end they're crying. You’ll notice that Walt insulted everyone. The barber, the construction guy, the 3 black guys, the guy with Sue, (which was actually his son, Scott Eastwood.) Walt gives a half-hearted confession to the priest, to honor his wife’s request that he do so, but he give his REAL confession to Thao. It’s even framed with them talking through a screen, just like a confessional. There are some fun-facts about this movie. Walt's dog, Daisy, is Clint Eastwood's beloved family retriever in real life. Clint Eastwood's character's name, Walt Kowalski, is the real name of legendary wrestler Walter 'Killer' Kowalski. Keep up the good work.
Yes this movie had so many great elements to it like what u said about the REAL confession going to Thao and it looking like a screen between them. Also the parts of him from before the war including the car, is what he passed on to Thao too love it so much
Yes, indeed, this is a great movie by Clint Eastwood and allowing an ethnic Asian group, the Hmong characters, to play their own roles and the entire movie portraying from an white Americans view of the new Asian immigrants. I am Hmong, and I thank you for this review. Great job!!
30:28 Walt "busting" Thao's "chops" like this is a clear sign that he see's him as a friend. They're giving him a hard time because it's fun. As soon as he starts having fun with it too, that's what he's there to learn. That's how guys talk to each other haha.
23:27 Believe it or not, that WAS a bonding session. It's something the kid needed to hear, and from someone he respects. He might not respect Walt yet, but Walt is such a straight shooter that he says what he thinks regardless lol. Not always a great thing, clearly.
All war veterans carry the darkness of the war with them all their lives, long after society has forgotten. The grief over the death witnessed persists forever. Walt had undiagnosed PTSD. You are whip-smart and have a beautiful heart, your Mom should be proud, thumbs up, new sub, God bless you.
Clint Eastwood singing the ending song...i imagine the producers coming to him like "sir, we've just finished the end credits song, sung by Sia, Enya and Andrea Bocelli." And then Clint was like "NO" and the producers were like "sir?" And then Clint was like "its my movie, i wanna sing the song, I WANNA SING THE SONG. " And he did.
When you say your parents are "Asian" and "African," I have a burning curiosity to know which "Asian" culture you're referring to, as that description is a bit vague, and sometimes a bit of a misnomer the way it's used colloquially in the US, and also what part of Africa your parent is from. I lived 13 years in Africa but I moved around, and I found people very different depending on where they were from. People don't invariably behave according to their culture obviously, but it's a great point of reference to know where someone is coming from culturally. The US might have it's various cultures and flavors, but we're more homogenous culturally than we think we are. When you travel abroad you realize how much of a difference crossing a country border is to crossing a state border lol. My biggest culture shock was in India, and yet I found it the most welcoming place to foreigners like myself.
@@NiaMakiReacts Ah, I'm jealous. I know that certainly has it's own trials and tribulations as far as feeling welcome and whatnot, but the perspective you have on people is invaluable haha. Everyone is so different, and yet we're all so much the same. It wasn't until I traveled that I understood that to learn more about others is to learn more about yourself.
He wasn't concerned about the doctor because she was a woman or Asian. It was because he expected to see his old doctor and didn't know he had retired.
Grandma was chewing a southeast Asian staple among the working class, especially the rice farmers. Its Betelnut, a mild stimulant much like the Columbian farmers have chewed Coca leaf for hundreds of years.
The old lady's dark spit might have been betel nut juice. Betel nut is an addictive substance sort of like tobacco used in South and Southeast Asia. It's carcinogenic like tobacco as well.
Such a great movie. It really does catch you by surprise. The old metaphor of "don't judge a book by its cover" comes to mind. Clint Eastwood played an outstanding role.
Hey, my first time here. I have watched several reactions to this movie. This one was my favorite reactions. Your emotions were very much the way I felt but as a guy do not really show. The movie was an amazing story. Walt had so much love for people, even though he was super grumpy. He would give anything for people who loved him back. It was very touching.
Great reaction last one I saw of this was by a couple on here who have quite a following. But they took the grandkids side in the opening scene and it was quickly turned off.
Walt was probably a good husband and great provider for his kids growing up, however I get the impression he did very little with his sons. He went to work, went to the Legion hall and drank with his buddies, but neglected his sons when they needed a male role model. His wife probably gave the sons everything they wanted, and he had little to do with their upbringing. Walt was a positive role model to Tao and taught him self respect and how to talk to adults, however I doubt he took his sons out and did the same things with them when growing up. Little things such as learning how to make a firm handshake and look people in the eye when greeting them are priceless.
He DID confess all his darkest sins to the priest. The point of that scene was that he had always lived an honorable life. His darkest secret was a kiss at a party. He had all his war trauma, but was a simple, honest man beyond that.
This is the second movie ever to bring tears to my eyes. I'm an older guy now but when I was a teenager a movie called A Perfect World also made my eyes water. Turns out that was an Eastwood movie also and I didn't know until recently.
UA-cam, thank you for placing one of Nia‘s reactions in my feed. Her reaction to this movie seemed very genuine, which I cannot say for every reaction channel I Sub to. Subbed.
Just a little helpful bit going on: Eastwood learned directing at the feet of Sergio Leone, maybe one of the greatest storytellers of tales of morally ambiguous people. There aren’t many movies Eastwood directed that are a “light easy watch.” But if you liked this, I have to recommend “Unforgiven,” “A Perfect World,” “Mystic River,” and “Million Dollar Baby.”
First time listening to your reaction channel. Loved it. Subscribed. Thank you for letting us share in your viewing of this film and also for sharing about your family upbringing. I can relate to that, as my mom would hear curse words in a show and flip the channel to something else instantly. The morals she put in you made you who you are, even if you think she might have been too strick. The more lose the morals taught and shown to children, they carry that teaching as you carry yours to some degree. Same in with me.
I am a white guy but what I love about America is people from all over the world live here. The food and culture alone are so cool. I speak English but know a little Spanish, French and German. I would love to understand what the people from Vietnam are saying. The young lady doing the reaction is very well spoken and very pretty.
if you told me I was murdered at 80 in the process of successfully saving a young man while I was dying of cancer, that would be great news.
No kidding. Walt went out his way, in that situation I'd want it the same way. Total respect for anyone that does that.
I felt sorry for Walt because of his condition
@@Kenny-ep2nf It is sad, but in the end, he found redemption. Indeed, he found salvation. He sacrificed himself so that two promising young people could have a shot at not just a good life, but a great life. Tao has all the tools and opportunity, and confidence, to be the best man he can be. No greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for his brother.
Kind of like how he would have thrown himself on a grenade to save his buddies in Korea....
All armchair millenial tough guys agree - but they’d never do it in reality.
Sue is a great character. She stands up for herself. She is open minded and reaches out to others.
The world would be a better place with more people like her.
She is the anti-snowflake
@@foljs5858 Hard facts!!!!
yeah she is soo down to earth
She for sure is inspiring, even to a white middle age swedish dude like me
I felt the actress could have been better, but yes, the character was fantastic.
Sue is my favorite character in this movie. She is SO likeable, and she is truly the bridge that brings Walt and her family together. She takes ALL of Walt's shit in stride, and continues to break down his walls. Inviting him into their home and family. Truly inspirational. And extremely well played by Ahney Her.
Yeah she really had it together and had such a strong spirit, loved her too!
@NiaMakiReacts
"Greater love hath no man than he give his life for his friends"
Everybody started from zero with that generation. Each person had to EARN respect. Not being thick skinned or being easily insulted or offended puts you in the negative in the respect category. The whole issue with his family is that they demonstrated zero respect for Walt.
We must not forget about Ms. Yum Yum, LOL.
The only thing is her character got dropped to a plot device in Act 3. I love this movie but she got done dirty by the script
and she gives him beer
The irony is that the people he “hated” became more of his family, than his own children.
It's just how men used to talk. Not "hate".
its not Irony, that's tragedy. but he did pass, defending the family he found, not the one he had.
I think it's explained to us why Walt is as he is.
He tells Thao that he killed 13 men in Korea and it's stuck with him every day since. In his mind he has to hate people from Asia so he can justify what he had to do in service of his country.
There is also the fact that he lost friends during that war too which would have fuelled his hatred even more so. But his transition through out the movie shows that even the most string willed bigots can be redeemed.
In his mind there was only one way to redeem.
One truly selfless act that would affect the people he showed so much hatred towards
@@shawnmclean7932 he was clearly extremely prejudiced against Asians in the beginning. That is not normal
@@satyagrahaano it's not. One night while I was dealing 3 card poker at a casino in Indiana, 2 Vietnamese women were talking to each other in Vietnamese. An old white guy said to me "At one time the government paid me to kill people like that."
It was chilling
If the only thing Eastwood ever did was the "get off my lawn" scene, he'd still be a legend
What about insulting his own son in a movie? 😅
The original Soldier 76.
Wow....finally a reaction that is about reacting and not over acting. Great movie. Great reaction.
The boy that Sue was walking with right before Walt pulls up, the one he tells to get on down the road is actually Clint Eastwood's son. He changed his last name or at least went by a different last name for a little while because he didn't want to get roles just because of who he was
😂 Walt talking smack about him makes it so much funnier now
@@NiaMakiReacts I know right. When I figured that out I had to immediately go back and watch that part again and it was so much funnier, and the fact Clint directed it also lol
@@NiaMakiReacts
Scott (Reeves) Eastwood
The move shows him clearly on the sidewalk dead..which is subtle, but he deliberately does not go on their property because he knows it can help them in a claim of self defence..
The medical report told him he didn't have very much time left. He decided to go out on his own terms and to make it meaningful.
Note that Walt wasn't kidding when he said this thing needed careful planning. Just consider all the prep work. He spent that final day going out and getting a tight shave and a fitted suit ... making sure to be presentable at his own funeral. Then he mowed the lawn one final time to make the house presentable, took a bath, and went to confession. Then he had to make sure Tao couldn't be there and that his dog would be cared for.
All in all... a well crafted plan and a busy day of preparation. To see him calmly doing all of that, knowing full well what he was doing... makes seeing this a second time all the more impactful.
@@Mr.Ekshin And even change the will 😅
@@Mr.Ekshin besides being on the sidewalk, also made sure to not even have his weapon on him like he normally did, & talked loudly and waited to make sure lots of witnesses were watching before making his last move - he wanted everything just right to make sure they all went away for a long time
What makes this movie extra special ist the fact, that the characters that a younger Clint Eastwood used to play - esp. Dirty Harry - would indeed have finished this with a big, violent showdown. It almost feels like Eastwood wrote the character of Walt as an older, settled version of his earlier characters, and showed that people can change and there are ways to treat things differently.
Walt respects Sue because she stands her ground and gives back his attitude; he sees the same in Thao; shown in a different way, and comes to respect him and then his family and their community for similar reasons. In the end he even comes to respect the priest. For him that respect has to be earned, and they earn it. He loves his family but he was never able to share that with them. As others have said when the end came it was Sue, and particularly Thao who represented everything that mattered to him, and his real confession was in the scene where he tells Thao about the kid he felt he murdered with the rifle. The scene where the priest repeats what Walt called him and you see the Barber chuckling is probably my favourite. Gran Torino; along with The Outlaw Josey Wales ~ both of which Clint Eastwood had him as lead actor as well as the Director both deserved at least Best Movie & Director nominations; personally I'd have loved to have seen Sue's actor get a nod too, but under Oscar rules only one; probably Thao's actor would have got that. Where he was just the director; of the movies I've seen I would add Invictus; which features his son in a supporting role (same actor who he said, "Get your au fait paddy ass down the road." too :-) ). For me Clint has become a future candidate for America's greatest movie director, kerk
Best reaction to this movie EVER. Your empathy served you well here. Great job.
the way his sons were acting at their own mother's funeral always pissed me off, it was like they didn't give a shit the way they were talking
Yeah I get the distance between them and him, but they all just seem so callus about it all… n very transactional
@@NiaMakiReacts You should watch Million Dollar Baby, another Clint classic from this period of his career. Won 4 Oscars including Best Picture (Clint), Best Director (Clint) Best Actress (Hilary Swank) and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman). You will love it... and yes, you will cry. GREAT movie.
@@mneugent7658I second this recommendation!
Mr.Clint is a National Treasure...his movies are gold🤘🔥
Hard damn facts!!!!
He should have actually retired after this movie. The only reason his last two movies got green lit is strictly on his name, they are garbage and he is too old to be in the roles.
@@ididthisonpulpous6526 lol .that's what happens when you have an entire life time of being a American icon 🤡at 80 hed probably still lay you out.. respect your elders D-bag..he goes out HIS way.. 😂ppl today are spoiled and weak 🤡 😂
Walt singing at the end was a nice touch. Sounded like a man that was finally at peace.
True!!!! Yeah it was very sweet in the end there
I'm a guy and I sobbed like a baby at the end, especially with Walt singing... It's a beautiful song which i like to listen to on Spotify
The back and forth stares and under breath comments between Walt and the grandma was so on point. Loved this movie thanks for the reactions.
I think this was Eastwood’s best portrayal in his storied career. I also believe a man like Walt would be vilified and “cancelled” today. I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction to this portrayal. You have a positive vibe about you, and I sense you, like the young girl in the movie, would see through the rough and crass of a man/woman like Walt. This film has some old-school cliches - don’t judge a book by its cover, for one. It also has timeless axioms - you’re never too old or too young to do the right thing, be of service when you can, and do it with no expectations other than doing right, you can’t pick your family…or can you? Principals can never be concealed completely, and unexpected acts of kindness are our balm that we can employ to soothe the burns that life bestows.
He has SO MANY to choose from. Along with this in his later career I'd add Million Dollar Baby.
You can't cancel men.
You can cancel boys, but not men.
I’ve seen a lot of reactions to this film and your observations and analysis was easily the best. I always enjoy your perspectives and look forward to many more. 👍🏼
I love the moment when Tao says “If he doesn’t want to do it let’s just go” and the mom and Sue let loose on him in both languages (and even Walt goes into a temporary retreat). Growing up in a Polish family Walt knows when he’s beat and lets Tao come to work for him. Or after the party when Walt is getting ready to refuse the food the ladies brought him, and half way through he goes “wait , is that the chicken dumpling thing you made? Okay”.
Walt knew the gang was never gonna leave the neighborhood, so he made the hard choice for the everyone
was it a hard choice when he knew he was gonna die in short order, probably wither away with pain ?
@@autohmae nope easy choice for him, man chose his destiny.
I think this movie has a amazing message
The way you turned and looked at us (the camera) when dufus son was saying "Maybe it's time you start thinking about...." was priceless. Those of us with life experience know exactly what you were saying without words. 😄
There are so many reactors on UA-cam that are so bad. I just found this channel, and you, Nia, are fantastic. Your understanding of the subtle messages in this movie is next level. Thank you.
which ones have you seen so far?
The old woman was chewing betel nuts, a southeast Asian practice. It has a mild narcotic effect.
Oooooh I see haha
I had always thought she was chewing tobacco. Thanks for the enlightenment.
You got it
That red juice that she spit
This is why I watch reactions You are very thoughtful and well spoken. Thank you!
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!!
i suspect Walt's wife knew about his demons that's why she wanted the paster to get a confession so he might be free of it
“…is what he ISNT ordered to do” always gives me chills.
A conversation between more recent Eastwood movies.
Unforgiven : I'll make you FEEL
Gran Torino : I'll make you CRY
Million Dollar Baby : Hold my beer....
Oh crap I forgot about million dollar baby. I almost cried just remembering it
You were one of the minority of reactors who saw it coming and could see he was saying his goodbyes.
The scenes between Sue and Walt are truly amazing to watch.
You watch as this strong willed,bigoted man turns from being hated by us the audince to a much beloved character. And it's all down to Sue and her quick whit and charm.
The ending is very fitting. He teaches both Sue and especially Thao a much needed lesson. Vengeance is never the answer.
I have seen this movie a dozen times and never recognized the symbolism of that screen cage being like a confessional. Thanks for pointing that out. Great reaction.
Same, I never caught that.
Saving Toad was Walts atonement for his sins in Korea.
Well as an old man, very impressed at your understanding of this film. Well done and thanks.
"Super Spade" was his son Scott Eastwood!! :O
"Greater love hath no man, than he who would lay down his life for his friends."
Thank you for sharing. I really appreciate it. This movie brings out about generation gaps and one thing I think that we should consider is that in each generation has its own problems and issues to deal with as a person grows in their thinking and age in this system of things, with this particular person in his generation, most individuals basically thought the same way and spoke in the same manner as he did, I know my grandmother did, and you didn’t have to guess on what she was thinking. So you have to please keep that in mind, and back in the day money was harder to make, most women stayed at home and raised the kids while the men went out to work so it made life harder to raise a family in certain areas, so please keep that in mind, and there’s an old saying that you never judge a book by its cover, but I appreciate you and thank you so much for taking the time to watch this movie. Have a great safe day.🫶🏻❤️🤠
Great movie, wonderful reaction and commentary and cracking up that you kept calling Tao, "toad" 🤣Thank you, Nia--subscribed
Just discovered your channel. As a film lover, I really appreciated your insight in reading some of the symbology that I had earlier missed, specifically when Walt leaves Thao in the basement and your recognizing the actual and real confessional booth; and the ultimate sacrifice Walt made which left him in the shape of a cross. Just subscribed and joining you on future rides!
And yeah... probably not the best movie to have a coffee and start your morning with. lol
😂 yeah I wasn’t ready for this movie but it was a great one nonetheless! Thanks so much for ur comment! Sometimes people hate that I talk too much or overthink things so this really means a lot to me!
The Beetelnut that "Grandma" chewed was/is a common "vice" amongst eastern and southeast Asian residents. In Taiwan, along all major roadways across the country, there are small, glass-walled stands that are adorned with multi-colored and strobe lights to attract the attention of truckers. These stands employ pretty young ladies in tight-fitting tops, short-short skirts, and high heels to sell Beeletnut to any and all passers-by. They are, to the locals, affectionately known as "Beetelnut Babes". As it was explained to me, Beetelnut is a naturally grown plant and the macerated "nut" (wadded up and chewed) has a mildly narcotic/stimulant effect, which is why truckers driving at night want to chew it (it keeps them awake). But, the chewers of Beetelnut are quite disgusting. Their reddish-brown spew/spittle stains the pavement all around the walkways and roadways nearby each and every Beetlenut stand. I guess every society has its vices!
If you've cried watching "Gran Torino", then do not watch "Million Dollar Baby"
Beautiful reaction... I enjoy your soft hearted reactions... Clint Eastwood knows how to pull your heart strings...
You seen the Mule?
14:44 the guy with the hat on backwards is Scott Eastwood, Clint's son. i've seen one western movie with him, called "Diablo". he looks exactly like Clint from the 1960's when he started his career in westerns. this is an amazing film, and so sad. great reaction! 👍
Aww!!! Now I must see that movies and also see Clint when he was younger
@@NiaMakiReacts they were called "spaghetti westerns" because they were made in Italy by Sergio Leone, and dubbed into english. "The Good the Bad, and the Ugly" is one to start with. in this series Clint was known as "the man with no name", because they don't mention what his name is in the first 3 films.
@@NiaMakiReacts I'd suggest a musical western Clint did called Paint Your Wagon or a WWII movie called Kelly's Heroes.
Loved Sue and the priest...both earned Walt's respect in the end. It was more subtle with the priest... but giving him kudos, offering him a beer, then leaving his church the house spoke volumes (especially when he didn't give the rest of his family a darn thing).
43:02 Clint Eastwood as a director made sure Walt died in the shape of a cross to parallel Jesus dying on the cross to save people from their sins. I really recommend Million Dollar Baby with Clint Eastwood. He directed it as well just like this.
"They're just kids..." while he sees/hears some person(s) in his garage late at night. Well, these same kids just pulled out guns vs another car on the road while Tao was walking home. Give Walt ( especially at his old age ) a LOT more credit and respect while he is vulnerable to being outnumbered, shot, killed.
I like that Clint included the scene of him interacting with his barber, illustrating that Walt even treats his friends he respects the way he's treating Thao at 24:41. "All you "slopes" are supposed to be good at math right?" When Walt levies the same kind of insult at Sue, she just fires it right back at him, leading him to remark "You know what kid, I like you, unlike that dimwit brother of yours." I think, in a way, Walt even respects the grandmother for hating him haha. Walt is very much the kind of guy I thought was a bully when I was younger, but I later realized were just trying to toughen me up with some good natured ribbing that they expected me to reciprocate. Once I learned how to do that, I turned all my old "bullies" into lifelong best friends. Thank God one of them was empathetic to pull me aside and break it down to me kindly one day. Towards the end of the movie, it's once Thao is willing to stand up to Walt and "call him on his bullshit" that Walt starts really treating him with respect. Walt teaches him what having "teeth" or "balls" is all about. It's the same thing the rounder gangster from his neighborhood was appealing to, "I used to get beat up all the time bro." Only one is pointing to bravado and crime, and the other is pointing to hard work and respect.
Yeah, when Thao refused to help Walt move the freezer the way he wanted, Walt respected it.
You should watch Clint in - The Good the Bad and the Ugly (1967). It is one of Clint's first movies and part of a trilogy, known as the man with no name (no order to the trilogy). So you can watch it first, their each stand alone movies.
FINALLY someone gets this brilliant film!
I feel that when Walt talks about blood on his hands. I have that. I don’t wish for anyone else to feel that, or have the nightmares that come from it. Walt is a true one. He doesn’t want others to feel that shit.
Veteran?
Fantastic movie, great reaction as usual.
Another Eastwood masterpiece that I can recommend is "million dollar baby".
23:00 This scene was apparently incredibly hard to shoot because the two actors kept cracking up. You can see it on their faces, they both look on the edge of cracking up constantly, hiding it under a veneer of seriousness. It's fun to know that two completely different people like Bee and Clint could laugh together at something so silly as the childish insults and words like "puss-cake."
The banter in this movie was hilarious, the only other movie I’ve seen with insults just as crazy/funny would be fullmetal jacket!
@@NiaMakiReacts Django Unchained is another movie where you almost hate to laugh, but some of the things certain characters like Samuel L. Jackson's character say are so outlandish and offensive that you can't help but laugh. Fantastic movie, but Tarantino didn't hold anything back.
This is my favorite reaction to this movie. You genuinely got it. I glad I found your channel. You have hope. I believe you understand joy.
My parents were born in the late 20s, i was born in 61 in Cupertino Ca when there were farms and Orchards all over. When we went to church women wore white gloves and a head covering and men dressed up. Dad was a Spanish immigrant and Mom was a Dutch German American from NY. The 60s were a culture shock and Dr. Benjamin Spocks child permissive rearing books from the 50s did not resonate with them. Respect for elders was very paramount and treating others with the same courtesy as you wanted was too. Gangs were localized to LA NYC and inner citys and not a threat then until the 90s. Walt was my Dads age in theory. He never used racial epithets as he had friends at Lockheed of races especially a young Japanese Niese we loved. Growing up in Monterey in the 30s his folks knew many lovely Japanese families who were rounded up in 1942. I remember some veteran neighbors who served in Korea and the Pacific who talked like Walt. My Mother did not like it.
They were celebrating a birth and Walt was having a reception for Dorothy's funeral. 👍🏼
damn
This is one of my favorite Clint movies. It has a great story with some real personal changes by all. Sue was the reason it got going and kept it all together.
My number one film. Walt’s family kills me every time. The kids are whatever. Kids are kids. The parents though. Letting your kids come to your mother’s funeral in football jerseys and a belly shirt….the disrespect.
The end always reminds me of that line from Sin City. "An old man dies, a young girl lives. Fair trade."
In this case, it was an entire family. I like to believe that any man who's worth something would want to go out the same way.
THANK YOU!!!! To any funeral they wouldn’t let me walk out the house like that, but ur own grandma’s funeral?!????
crazy stuff aye, it's my number 1 film as well
What a sweet film. Enjoyed watching with you.
23:26 for a fatherless boy, that advice from a true Male mentor is top tier bonding
Great reaction! I've seen many people react to this & you're the first one that even MENTIONS religious undertones. Walt laid out crucifixion style, blood running into his palms. Sacrificed himself for the greater good.
Everyone that has a heart cries at this movie. I've seen it many times, and I always tear up.
Thank you!
Great reaction Nia like always, love this movie, Love watching people reaction to this movie. They hate Walt from the start at the end they're crying. You’ll notice that Walt insulted everyone. The barber, the construction guy, the 3 black guys, the guy with Sue, (which was actually his son, Scott Eastwood.) Walt gives a half-hearted confession to the priest, to honor his wife’s request that he do so, but he give his REAL confession to Thao. It’s even framed with them talking through a screen, just like a confessional. There are some fun-facts about this movie. Walt's dog, Daisy, is Clint Eastwood's beloved family retriever in real life. Clint Eastwood's character's name, Walt Kowalski, is the real name of legendary wrestler Walter 'Killer' Kowalski. Keep up the good work.
Yes this movie had so many great elements to it like what u said about the REAL confession going to Thao and it looking like a screen between them. Also the parts of him from before the war including the car, is what he passed on to Thao too love it so much
Wonderful heartfelt review Thank 😢 you
This is a beautiful movie. Great reaction (and analysis)
Yes, indeed, this is a great movie by Clint Eastwood and allowing an ethnic Asian group, the Hmong characters, to play their own roles and the entire movie portraying from an white Americans view of the new Asian immigrants. I am Hmong, and I thank you for this review. Great job!!
Yes. Us men do talk that way to each other. It’s our version of endearment
Clint Eastwood is a legend. In every way. He made many great movies, this is one of the best
30:28 Walt "busting" Thao's "chops" like this is a clear sign that he see's him as a friend. They're giving him a hard time because it's fun. As soon as he starts having fun with it too, that's what he's there to learn. That's how guys talk to each other haha.
u like clint , u like emotions ... go million dollars baby..
I'm glad you like the movie. it's one of my favorites. i love all Clint Eastwood films. you have to see Unforgiven next.
Very good reaction and your commentary at the end was spot on. 40:58 cracked me up.
41:50 - Kowalski's Obi Wan moment. He about to become more powerful than those creeps can imagine...
Thats clint singing that song at the end too ❤
Sue's the only one that could ever call him "Wally" 😢
23:27 Believe it or not, that WAS a bonding session. It's something the kid needed to hear, and from someone he respects. He might not respect Walt yet, but Walt is such a straight shooter that he says what he thinks regardless lol. Not always a great thing, clearly.
I hope all your reactions are this good. This was a blast. You're a treat to watch movies with. The "Girl Bye" killed me lmfao.
All war veterans carry the darkness of the war with them all their lives, long after society has forgotten. The grief over the death witnessed persists forever. Walt had undiagnosed PTSD. You are whip-smart and have a beautiful heart, your Mom should be proud, thumbs up, new sub, God bless you.
Clint Eastwood singing the ending song...i imagine the producers coming to him like "sir, we've just finished the end credits song, sung by Sia, Enya and Andrea Bocelli." And then Clint was like "NO" and the producers were like "sir?" And then Clint was like "its my movie, i wanna sing the song, I WANNA SING THE SONG. " And he did.
😂 😂
I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone of Asian descent watch this and I am glad you enjoyed it
I’m not too familiar with some south East Asian customs but I loved this so much!
Check out the reaction by "Movie Munchies" - two Vietnamese ladies.
Nia, you may want to watch the reaction by the Movie Munchies girls, who are Vietnamese. This film hit them hard. 😢
When you say your parents are "Asian" and "African," I have a burning curiosity to know which "Asian" culture you're referring to, as that description is a bit vague, and sometimes a bit of a misnomer the way it's used colloquially in the US, and also what part of Africa your parent is from. I lived 13 years in Africa but I moved around, and I found people very different depending on where they were from. People don't invariably behave according to their culture obviously, but it's a great point of reference to know where someone is coming from culturally. The US might have it's various cultures and flavors, but we're more homogenous culturally than we think we are. When you travel abroad you realize how much of a difference crossing a country border is to crossing a state border lol. My biggest culture shock was in India, and yet I found it the most welcoming place to foreigners like myself.
Kenya and Japan, lived about 1/3 of my life in each (US being the 3rd country)
@@NiaMakiReacts Ah, I'm jealous. I know that certainly has it's own trials and tribulations as far as feeling welcome and whatnot, but the perspective you have on people is invaluable haha. Everyone is so different, and yet we're all so much the same. It wasn't until I traveled that I understood that to learn more about others is to learn more about yourself.
He wasn't concerned about the doctor because she was a woman or Asian. It was because he expected to see his old doctor and didn't know he had retired.
Grandma was chewing a southeast Asian staple among the working class, especially the rice farmers. Its Betelnut, a mild stimulant much like the Columbian farmers have chewed Coca leaf for hundreds of years.
The old lady's dark spit might have been betel nut juice. Betel nut is an addictive substance sort of like tobacco used in South and Southeast Asia. It's carcinogenic like tobacco as well.
Thanks lol I was like woah why is it so dark lmao
Such a great movie. It really does catch you by surprise. The old metaphor of "don't judge a book by its cover" comes to mind. Clint Eastwood played an outstanding role.
Hey, my first time here. I have watched several reactions to this movie. This one was my favorite reactions. Your emotions were very much the way I felt but as a guy do not really show. The movie was an amazing story. Walt had so much love for people, even though he was super grumpy. He would give anything for people who loved him back. It was very touching.
25:24
He's smiling because he has been useful, learning skills and working with his hands. For the first time in his life, he feels like a man.
Great reaction last one I saw of this was by a couple on here who have quite a following. But they took the grandkids side in the opening scene and it was quickly turned off.
Walt was probably a good husband and great provider for his kids growing up, however I get the impression he did very little with his sons. He went to work, went to the Legion hall and drank with his buddies, but neglected his sons when they needed a male role model. His wife probably gave the sons everything they wanted, and he had little to do with their upbringing. Walt was a positive role model to Tao and taught him self respect and how to talk to adults, however I doubt he took his sons out and did the same things with them when growing up. Little things such as learning how to make a firm handshake and look people in the eye when greeting them are priceless.
I love watching reactors react to this movie. I love the fact you got Walt. Great reaction!!!
I do wish they'd bonded Thao with Daisy more on screen, but that's okay lol. She's a good girl and he's a good man.
He DID confess all his darkest sins to the priest. The point of that scene was that he had always lived an honorable life. His darkest secret was a kiss at a party. He had all his war trauma, but was a simple, honest man beyond that.
This is the second movie ever to bring tears to my eyes. I'm an older guy now but when I was a teenager a movie called A Perfect World also made my eyes water. Turns out that was an Eastwood movie also and I didn't know until recently.
Boy, you are GOOD! Instant subscribe
UA-cam, thank you for placing one of Nia‘s reactions in my feed.
Her reaction to this movie seemed very genuine, which I cannot say for every reaction channel I Sub to.
Subbed.
Just a little helpful bit going on: Eastwood learned directing at the feet of Sergio Leone, maybe one of the greatest storytellers of tales of morally ambiguous people. There aren’t many movies Eastwood directed that are a “light easy watch.” But if you liked this, I have to recommend “Unforgiven,” “A Perfect World,” “Mystic River,” and “Million Dollar Baby.”
Clint Eastwood, never fails to play the ultimate dark hero. amazing talent. so many great movies.
First time listening to your reaction channel. Loved it. Subscribed. Thank you for letting us share in your viewing of this film and also for sharing about your family upbringing. I can relate to that, as my mom would hear curse words in a show and flip the channel to something else instantly. The morals she put in you made you who you are, even if you think she might have been too strick. The more lose the morals taught and shown to children, they carry that teaching as you carry yours to some degree. Same in with me.
Best reaction video I've seen so far. Great work.
I love this movie so much
One of my favorite easter eggs in this movie is the white boy "Trey" that Sue was hanging out with is actually Clint Eastwood's son.
Still my #1 favorite movie.
I am a white guy but what I love about America is people from all over the world live here. The food and culture alone are so cool. I speak English but know a little Spanish, French and German. I would love to understand what the people from Vietnam are saying. The young lady doing the reaction is very well spoken and very pretty.
Clint Eastwood has so many great epic movies but this is his best... Easily.... ❤❤
Can’t wait to get into more!