@@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 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.
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.
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
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
@@satyagrahaa It is for WW2 war vets that fought them and lost friends to. As I'm sure WW2 Japanese war vets would probably still have distain for Americans. Not all, not all, but some.
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
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.
@@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.
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”.
This is first time I'm watching you and I really loved it. I really liked commentary and reaction. And I love that you had a post talk after the movie was over. Yeah I just subscribed and I'm going to binge a bunch of your videos 😂. On a side note I like that a bunch of UA-camrs started watching this movie. It's a underrated gem.
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
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.
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.
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. 😄
Love how passionate you are with what happened. I work as a nurse with old people and they always see the best in you and want to do the best and fight for you. As long as you'd be straight with them and be honest, respect the people around you. This movie shows it all
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.
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. 👍🏼
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.
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.
@@NiaMakiReacts Oh yeah, if you're not aware, Clint Eastwood has a LONG hollywood history of western and action movies. I highly recommend the "Dollars Trilogy" of Sergio Leone "Spaghetti Westerns" particularly "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (fantastic soundtrack by Ennio Morricone)
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....
46:00 to all races and ethnicities.....including numerous european origin ethnicities. The character was not a racist. Thats one of the points being made. He suffered PTSD and pulled away from people as part of his personal penance for a debt he could never pay. He called everyone names....including other caucasians.....and did so to the very end as we see in the reading of his will. Thus if defining racism by the words a person uses and not using those words means you're no longer a racist.......this character didn't fit that definition and the writing of the screenplay is screaming that to the audience. He was never a racist but he judged everyone very harshly. He placed everyone in the "do not trust" category until such a time as they proved themselves of good character and deserving of respect. It was Thao and his sisters actions (and their family) ....showing themselves as good people of high character that softened him to them..... Thus one of the themes in this film is displaying the concept via this film that racism is not words on a naughty list....and its not a lack of racism to not use those words. Thao's family and the hmong gang are both the same race and ethnicity. Walt loves one...and gives his life to help them.....and he fights the other. Were he a racist, he would not like either group. But he never changed his use of language. There are other themes in this film but thats one of the more obvious ones.
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 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.
"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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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 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.
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).
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!
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Loved your reaction and subbed. The change in you upon Sue's return ras so real. Knowing he was dying anyway eases some of the pain. I always wondered if in the scene where they show the diagnosis if it said how long he had to live
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 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
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.
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
Wow....finally a reaction that is about reacting and not over acting. Great movie. Great reaction.
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
@@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
@@satyagrahaa It is for WW2 war vets that fought them and lost friends to. As I'm sure WW2 Japanese war vets would probably still have distain for Americans. Not all, not all, but some.
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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”.
This is first time I'm watching you and I really loved it. I really liked commentary and reaction. And I love that you had a post talk after the movie was over. Yeah I just subscribed and I'm going to binge a bunch of your videos 😂. On a side note I like that a bunch of UA-camrs started watching this movie. It's a underrated gem.
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
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 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.
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.
Best reaction to this movie EVER. Your empathy served you well here. Great job.
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.
So TRUE brother
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. 😄
Love how passionate you are with what happened. I work as a nurse with old people and they always see the best in you and want to do the best and fight for you. As long as you'd be straight with them and be honest, respect the people around you. This movie shows it all
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.
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.
@@OriginalPuroanyone is cancelable
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.
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’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. 👍🏼
This is why I watch reactions You are very thoughtful and well spoken. Thank you!
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!!
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?
Well as an old man, very impressed at your understanding of this film. Well done and thanks.
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.
@@NiaMakiReacts Oh yeah, if you're not aware, Clint Eastwood has a LONG hollywood history of western and action movies. I highly recommend the "Dollars Trilogy" of Sergio Leone "Spaghetti Westerns" particularly "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (fantastic soundtrack by Ennio Morricone)
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
Beautiful reaction... I enjoy your soft hearted reactions... Clint Eastwood knows how to pull your heart strings...
You seen the Mule?
46:00 to all races and ethnicities.....including numerous european origin ethnicities.
The character was not a racist. Thats one of the points being made.
He suffered PTSD and pulled away from people as part of his personal penance for a debt he could never pay.
He called everyone names....including other caucasians.....and did so to the very end as we see in the reading of his will.
Thus if defining racism by the words a person uses and not using those words means you're no longer a racist.......this character didn't fit that definition and the writing of the screenplay is screaming that to the audience.
He was never a racist but he judged everyone very harshly. He placed everyone in the "do not trust" category until such a time as they proved themselves of good character and deserving of respect.
It was Thao and his sisters actions (and their family) ....showing themselves as good people of high character that softened him to them.....
Thus one of the themes in this film is displaying the concept via this film that racism is not words on a naughty list....and its not a lack of racism to not use those words.
Thao's family and the hmong gang are both the same race and ethnicity. Walt loves one...and gives his life to help them.....and he fights the other.
Were he a racist, he would not like either group. But he never changed his use of language.
There are other themes in this film but thats one of the more obvious ones.
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 🤡 😂
Great movie, wonderful reaction and commentary and cracking up that you kept calling Tao, "toad" 🤣Thank you, Nia--subscribed
I think this movie has a amazing message
"Super Spade" was his son Scott Eastwood!! :O
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?
"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.
23:26 for a fatherless boy, that advice from a true Male mentor is top tier bonding
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.
Using racial slurs is not bigotry, you are ignorant, racism is shown by deeds, not words.
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.
I had to say thanks for this upload. I almost couldn't wait to see how you would handle the movie after the drive by scene.
Thanks for the super chat!!!!! I wasn’t prepared for this movie, I really had no expectations going into it but I didn’t think it would be sad!!!
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.
You were one of the minority of reactors who saw it coming and could see he was saying his goodbyes.
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!
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.
You had to throw in that last joke, " you gonna tell her, don't eat him." 😂😂
Fantastic movie, great reaction as usual.
Another Eastwood masterpiece that I can recommend is "million dollar baby".
"Greater love hath no man, than he who would lay down his life for his friends."
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.
Top notch review and reaction, with an insightful interpretation. Kudos!
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. 😢
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.
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).
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.
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!
Thats clint singing that song at the end too ❤
What a sweet film. Enjoyed watching with you.
Best reaction video I've seen so far. Great work.
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.
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.🫶🏻❤️🤠
I love watching reactors react to this movie. I love the fact you got Walt. Great reaction!!!
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
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
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.
This is a beautiful movie. Great reaction (and analysis)
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.
Boy, you are GOOD! Instant subscribe
My favourite movie . Great reaction
Saving Toad was Walts atonement for his sins in Korea.
Clint Eastwood is a legend. In every way. He made many great movies, this is one of the best
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.
He thought everything through he was dying and he needed to make sure they wouldn't be able to plead self defense.
This movie is just such a classic.
Yes. Us men do talk that way to each other. It’s our version of endearment
Your reaction inspired my subscription. I love your analysis.
Great Reaction!!!
Had to watch it again with you.Such a great movie and your reaction was the best.
Very good reaction and your commentary at the end was spot on. 40:58 cracked me up.
This is one of my favorite movies. You did a great reaction, Nia Maki. Subbed.
Wonderful heartfelt review Thank 😢 you
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!
I always feel bad for laughing at "Ding Dong, Click Clack and Charlie Chan"
That's a special movie, isn't it? Such a great story. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing this one with us. 🙂
Thank you, lovely lady, for your reaction and commentary to this fantastic movie. 🤗
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.
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.
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.
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.
They were celebrating a birth and Walt was having a reception for Dorothy's funeral. 👍🏼
damn
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
u like clint , u like emotions ... go million dollars baby..
Great movie, thanks for your reaction, enjoyed that!
Thanks for watching!!
Oh, Mr. Eastwood. You got another one. ❤❤ Great reaction!
Loved your reaction and subbed. The change in you upon Sue's return ras so real. Knowing he was dying anyway eases some of the pain. I always wondered if in the scene where they show the diagnosis if it said how long he had to live
Great movie, great reaction !
I love this movie so much
Genuine review , respect.