I don't see Walt as racist, even though he says racist things. He doesn't treat anyone differently. He speaks the same way to his family and friends and the priest. He protects the innocent, and he doesn't pull any punches. Sue is as much a hero as Walt, for overlooking the language and giving him a chance. He develops a true bond with her immediately because she doesn't judge him harshly. She is as tough as he is, and he respects her and cares for her. I love all these characters, except the gang members, of course, for being real people who make real mistakes, but still find ways to get along. People of different cultures, who are tough enough to get past the unimportant stuff, the harsh words the stereotypes can be forgotten, among friends. I can't stand today's snowflakes who will cry and cancel you rather than try to understand. I guess I'm quite a bit like Walt, but I like Walt.
He is racist, idk why this weird cope has to be made every time someone watches this movie. He was pissed when he first saw the Hmongs first move in, calling them a slur for Chinese people and asking why "they" had to move in, hell, he calls them slurs for 90% of the movie. He is racist as shit but he is a good man at his core and learns to overcome his prejudice to protect and mentor Thao and his family.
Most young people miss the point of Walt's character - he isn't racist, he is a misanthrope. And he is a misanthrope not out of ignorance or hatred, but because he has given up on everyone - including himself.
You nailed it. I feel that was a key point Clint was going for. Walt was "equal opportunity" with his slander. He was Polish and I could easily see his character dish out some "fine racist words" to another Polish guy.
Agreed, too much is made of what people say, and not enough of their actions. To me Walt hates everyone equally now that his wife is gone, including himself.
For this film, one must look beyond the bigoted and racist slurs and see the real Walt. He's angry and bitter, full of guilt and remorse, and he pretty much hates everyone, no matter who they are or what they look like - even his own family. He uses the slurs against everyone, but his vocabulary doesn't show the real Walt. The real Walt respects and cares for those who are good to him. Once he sees that you're a good person, that you can be trusted, he will support you and treat you as family. He will even give his life for you, as he did for Thao and his family.
Walt liquidated young North Korean, and presumably, their young Chinese allies, in the Korean War. He's been carrying around a lot of guilt for, as he says, "things you weren't ordered to do". As a returning combat vet, he settles into a decent working class life, he has a good woman for a wife, but things are eating at him. This shows in his failures as a dad, and his personal withdrawal from a lot of life. He bottles things up, and keeps his feelings from being discovered by people. The Gran Torino is a symbol of his broken heart. He protects both the car and his heart and keeps them hidden and unused. Then, he meets the Hmong family and realizes all the things he's missed, love and loyalty of family, most of all. He works to redeem himself, from the horrors of killing young soldiers, not from his vocabulary, by sacrificing himself for his new family. He's able to live again through total sacrifice. The ethnic name calling is the least important aspect of the film and Walt's character.
The point of Walts racist remarks isnt that he means them, but he uses them as a defense mechanism. Most people will ignore him while only a few are willing to take the inital abuse to understand the person behind it. Thats why I like Sue, she actually understands Walt and will actually dish out as much as she takes.
But that doesn't mean hes not being racist and that it's not a problem I'm not saying that we should burn him at the stake for it but we can acknowledge it is racism whether as a defense mechanism or not and sue is an exception not the rule
@@ElderlyKoala I'm not saying racism isn't bad nor does at any point the movie even imply that. I think people just hear bad words and immediately disengage, which is the problem. Walt is a flawed character, but not irredeemable even though he said awful pejoratives to people.
@@joeldykman7591 people arent saying hes irredeemable anyways the movie shows that unfortunately in a tragic and drastic way those people who immediately disengage have every right to do that if it makes them uncomfortable they shouldn't have to engage with that behavior
@@ElderlyKoala People have been brain washed into believing that words are racist. Without action or intent words are just words. Walt didn't hate people because of their race. So his words were not racist because they did not have hate behind them.
I mean he def was racist in the beginning, he held prejudices towards a group of people before he even met them. Just cause he hated everybody else too doesn’t make him not a racist at the start of the film before he befriends the Hmong family.
@@peters4115 I respectfully disagree with the racist part. Words are words, and actions are actions. Walt was never hostile to anyone who did not threaten another person. He went out of his way to use the wrong words in almost every interaction except formal occasions, the job interview, on purpose. To say Walt was a racist in the beginning but was some how changed his mind in what 1-2 months, because his kid neighbor tried to steal his car is unrealistic in my opinion. Walt actually treats people how they treat him. The names he calls people are a weird ice breaker to see if HE is suitable to talk to them. Walt knows that he isn't for everyone.
@@peters4115people like you is why the word "racist" means nothing these days. Walt was never racist. Unless you are willing to accept that every black guy who says the n word is racist, then just stop being a hypocrite.
@@peters4115 So basically if you have a guy that goes around saying the N word during the day. But donates his time and money to helping minorities at night and weekends. That person is a racist to you? Really? So basically anyone who says words you don't want them to say is a racist? Seems strange to me.
I swear, I just LOVE watching young people watch this movie. I grew up with people slinging insults like those all the time. There usually wasn't any outright hatred behind them, which is what removed the "sting". Are they bigoted, yes. Racist? No, not really. Racism really requires intent to injure.
@@madrolla And how are you going to know it's there? Here in Canada we don't have freedom of speech anymore, and so that was a serious question back when the hate speech bill was being passed. You can be arrested just on the grounds of someone alleging you said something racist or verbally 'harassed' them. What ever happened to that old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"?
These older veterans came back from a different kind of war and said the things they said and did the things they did. You can't really hold it against them. Just like I as a post 9/11 combat veteran feel the same way around others as well. We all have that sort of view once you go through stuff. It is what it is.
People may not like the way Walt talks but he is the kind of person you can totally count on in your time of need. You will never hear flourished words of friendship from him because he feels it does not need to "show", sadly people like that are a dying breed in more ways than one.
The scene where Sue comes in all beaten just breaks your heart. And Walt sacrificing himself (I know he probably had a death sentence with his medical issues, but he did cut his life short) to protect/get justice for Sue and her family was so honorable. Talk about powerful. The kids and Walt were just good for each other.
Being Hmong and watching this movie when it first came out was funny AF! Just the Hmong scenes because we don’t normally do those things. Idk about how the Midwest is with that but here in Cali we don’t do that . The fact that you have a whole bunch of Asian rolling in a civic like that is accurate haha But it’s such a classic now and Walt’s insults are hilarious!
I live in Western Wisconsin, There is a sizeable Hmong population in my state and Minnesota. The Hmong are no different than any other ethnic minority population. Most are hard working, some have trouble fitting in, the girls are incredibly hard-working, and some boys turn to crime and gang activity. There is some bigotry and discrimination towards the Hmong, but not as much as there has been towards other ethnic groups.
@@montaukrygar the culture is very different here in the west coast. Gang violence is still active but it’s quite mellow now compared to it 20 years ago. But yeah for us here it’s definitely a different culture.
Do what things? I'm Filipino, and grew up in Ohio. My experience growing in the Midwest was very different than my Filipino friends who grew up in Cali.
When Walt locked Thao up, the steel screen on the door was reminiscent of the church confessional. Walt gave Father Janovich his confession about relatively minor things, but confessed to Thao about his real regrets in life.
This movie will destroy you. Get out the box of tissues. Walt sacrificed everything to make sure that Thau and his family would have a normal life, as well as helping Thau grow up in a world that doesn't know the difference between right and wrong anymore.
Walt doesn't change and he was never racist. He's just as crusty with everyone and has no interest in ingratiating himself with anyone. But he clearly appreciates substantive character and is supportive of the few people he gets to know, whether he wants to or not, who have it. Naturally in the end he is willing to give his life to protect those few he views as worthy of support while brilliantly terminating a pack of self serving predators.
People have no idea what the word racist is now a days. It really needs to be taught in schools but I don't believe they would teach it correct. Gran Torino is a great movie from a great director/actor!
Its funny to see people get so upset over some of waltz comments. Typically the younger generation "What the hell you spooks up to" always cracks me up. Also watched this movie at a buddys house, hes black and noone got offended..
@apk9075ah yes a word is such an injustice. Its not anyones fault except your own that you cant tell the difference of actual racism and just normal talking. You can either call most black guys a racist since they do the same thing, or you can continue being a hypocrite.
@apk9075 Nah they love injustice, in face their entire way of life is social media, made possible by phones that are built by slaves in factories overseas. How many of them you know care about that? What they don't stand for are people with different perspectives and people who say words they deem "Problematic". Injustice or actual racism never enters into the question. Soft and ignorant people displaying faux outrage for virtue signal purposes doesn't impress me.
One thing that nobody mentions but caught my attention was when he confronted the three guys who stopped Sue and her date. What grabbed me was he shut off his truck. He shut off his truck! He was saying, "This is no bluff, we settle this now."
I grew up with a lot of OG guys like Walt. They would talk like sailors, have strong opinions on everything and had a "racist joke" for every occasion... They were awesome. Because no matter what they had your back, despite their bigoted views they were always the first one to help anyone in need and if you could look past their salty language you realize they were actually very loving and thoughtful. I miss those old guys, they always made things interesting.
I've seen this movie about 15 times and I just now realized that it was his real son that he talked shit to when he saved the girl from the three thugs
Walt was "equal opportunity" with his slander. He wasn't racist - just bitter. He respected people like Sue who could laugh off his words, stand their ground, and dish it right back while keeping the conversation light. When Thao stood his ground to be the one to pull the freezer up the stairs, Walt grimaced - but inside he respected Thao for it.
Walt is NOT a racist. You need to understand that for his entire tour of duty in Korea (around 2 years), for every second of every day of every year people that physically looked just like his neighbors were trying to kill him. His friends were killed by people who looked just like his neighbors. It’s VERY hard to just suddenly turn off all that fear and hatred when you rotate back to the real world. To understand Walt you have to walk in his shoes for a while.
he is helpin the kid to be involved in the neighborhood building community helping the people in the community ... he's also learning handyman traits to be able to fix his own house one day or make money fixing others
Young people don't understand that old people know a different world, which was worse in some ways but better in many. Racism is not always something serious. You have to prove yourself, no matter what race or gender you are.
Clint Eastwood is a master of getting a hold of your heart strings and just playing them for all their worth. This movie will still get me to tear up and I'm a 52 year old! If you love Gran Torino, you really need to watch another Eastwood masterpiece named Unforgiven. It starts off slow, but give it time, and you will love it as much or more than Gran Torino!
Walt's not a racist. He's a product of his environment. He has moral standards and respects those who also display them. He just exists in an environment of shitty ass people. His neighborhood is plagued with that 'unemployed behavior' and his family is complete garbage. I'm a cynical bastard, but damn man, your grandmother just passed and you're acting like that. That dad should have beat the ever-living crap out of them. I despise the whole idea of people thinking they have a right to their parents/relatives property when they die. But when Walt meets people who earn his respect, he treats them fairly. Yeah, he says some wild ass shit, but there's no real venom behind it. He's also the guy you know will never stab you in the back or only be polite to your face because he calls it straight. World needs more of that and less of this 'say the right thing but then do the exact opposite' bullshit. My wife of 12 years is also Hmong. This is a good snapshot of their struggles before and after their arrival to the US. Interesting people to say the least. My wife and I still have the occasional culture clash over household chores and how it's disrespecting her if I attempt to do them. Don't totally understand it but at least she lets me cook the most these days (started cooking when I was in the service because I found it relaxing). Which is why Thao gets zero respect from the family. I can't do anything related to house chores past yard work when her family comes to visit because it causes drama between the females. It's this weird idea that I'm undermining her or displaying that she's a crappy spouse because she can't properly provide a home. Odd to me, but marriage is a compromise, so we do what we have to.
Young people now seem to be taught that actions don't matter as long as you say the right things and don't 'insult' anyone. In the past, people would tend to speak much harsher and be brutally honest, but would take a bullet for you if it came to it. True respect would have to be earned through actions not just by speaking nicely. Someone that spoke too nicely would seem suspicious as they were probably hiding something. Tau and Su earned Walt's respect (unlike his family) and Walt took a bullet (many) for them.
It's pretty insane (or should I say I-slur) how some people are conditioned to have anxiety because of words. Actually mindblowing and very likely designed that way. There's something wrong with the world.
I met Clint, while he was filming Mystic River. On the outside, he's not acting in this movie. That is just how he is when he's not laughing. He's actually a really nice guy.
Dont know if you caught it, but the scene where Walt speaks to Tao through the screen door is Walt giving his true confession. It mirrors the superficial one he gave to the priest.
If you're old, you've lived through things that actually matter. Saving our country and what not. So, with what you fought for just being forgotten, I, myself, agree with his character. Today? This world has gone to shit. Do the best you can to find a your own happy place. Struggle is friggin real.
Amen to that. It astounds me what Western society has devolved into. I live in Canada and it's gotten so bad, particularly over the last five or so years.
"Saving our country". I bet alot of veterans only behind closed would admit that what they have experienced was not saving our country, but following orders that stemmed from politicians. They literally went to other countries to take, not save.
My grandfather, in full totality, was just like Walt for so long. But then I joined the Marine Corps. When I began to understand him, spend time with him, and more importantly, relate to him, I perceived him as a different man. The beautiful thing about people like my grandfather and Walt is that they are so full of life, wisdom, humor, and profound character. The thing is, you have to go through ALOT to see it. The sad part is, at least in the modern day, going through those experiences are NOT the norm. People like my Pops and Walt come from a time where hopping on a ship to distant lands to fight a terrible war, while engaging in equally wild side quests, with your very life, identity, and soul being the bargaining chips, were the things to aspire to do as a seventeen year old boy. I thought my Pops was a racist, impatient, and ornery old man. But no... He just hates how certain things have become normal. How, "Un-Indiana Jones" dreams have become. He still has a porta-shitter for a mouth sometimes though. But after having gone through a fraction of what he's gone through, I totally get it. And I'm only 28. I can't imagine what I'd be like at their age.
Most critics of this movie 100% missed the point and misunderstood Walt. He wasnt racist. He wasnt evil. While he didnt like anyone in particular, the only person he hated was himself.
Don't worry shes a feminist liberal they don't understand basic concepts. Also he wasn't just mad at himself he was mad at the world he really did hate everything .
Lol my brother (latino) and his best friend (Chinese) saw this at a theater in a wealthy white part of town, so they were the only minorities in the whole place. They spent the whole film laughing at all the "racist" jokes and language... They were the only ones laughing. My brother's friend would even repeat the Asian insults and luagh when he heard one he never heard before.
Persistence in the Padre's case was downright disrespectful to Walt with whom he has NO relationship. Regardless of the promise he made to Walt's wife. I chalk his behavior up to inexperience.. but that's no excuse. People have a right to being left alone!
As Iron sharpens Iron, so to does one man sharpen another. The dialogue between Walt and Tao may seem harsh or foreign. But it is true, that is the way many men talk to eachother, it seems cruel but in a weird way we build eachother up. We make fun in person but behind their backs or if someone asks me about one of my friends, I tell them about how much a of a great dude they are, that I'd die for them.
1. Sue and Yum Yum are a couple of little cuties.😍😍 2. With a family like that it's no wonder Walt befriends the Hmong family. 3. The guy Trey with Sue is played by Scott Eastwood. Clint's son. 4. Many Asian cultures prohibit touching someone on the head. Another "Don't Do" in Thailand is point your toes at someone. 5. My surrogate father had that collection of tools. 😎 He didn't have all the tools in the world. Just the ones he needed. 6. Guys don't normally talk to each other like that unless they're very close (or drunk)🙄 7. Walt does have a death wish. He's sick and going to die anyway. He's a hero again🦾 He got rid of the thugs and donated the house to the church😇😇
You've lived a really privileged life if you can't understand the reality of the situations that are going on in that poor neighborhood and are so cringe doubt by the language of The Old Man and the other guys that you can understand that lots of times that's just reality. There's more on the line and more important things to worry about than his language
i just randomly walked in on my mom rewatching this i kept watching with her out of curiosity but... that ending had me in tears against my will!.. the worst deaths a movie can offer is a dog dying or the latter, idk how to express tears in a sentence but while wrighting this my eyes are leaking..
A lot of military people sleep on top of the covers. You’re required to keep the bed bed made a specific way with certain angles. To avoid failing inspections, they’d get it perfect then sleep on top. The really goid ones could actually sleep in the same position all night. Idea is the morning routine goes faster and you only have to tighten up the bed instead of fully making it. I always sleep cold so I kept and extra blanket in my locker. That way I didn’t have to unfold my perfectly folded blanket. Each morning, put the perfect one the bed and the one to cover with in the locker. For some, habits are hard to break. If you’re interested, Eastwood has a film, Heartbreak Ridge, where he plays a gunnery sergeant that’s essentially the young version of Walt. It’s a really great movie, I highly recommend it. Only the last 30 minutes or so show them in any kind of combat so it’s not really a war movie.
this movies story is a lesson about ambivalence of people. It is hard to swalöow in our black and white painting times.. But a person who is a terrible driver who likes to speed might be a true superb dad. Someone who uses racist slurs all the time might be working as a social street worker, someone who sprays leftist radikal slurs at walls is maybe the guy who later gives a kidney to someone in need for a new one. We should learn again that, not that one single aspect of a person that we do not like, defines them. But rather try to see the whole person.
The fear of and emotional reactions to slurs and epithets have become quite rampant in this country. This is most troublesome. It's become a secular superstition, as just hearing the word or reading the word evokes irrational fear and anxiety in thin-skinned, insecure people. Words are harmless. They cause no physical damage, they don't turn people to the Dark Side, and they don't bring down fire and brimstone from above. When we let words have power over us, other people can and will use those words to gain power over us. True racists will use those words to hurt others, to gain attention to themselves, to create a false sense of superiority. Words are hurtful only if you allow them to be. Once you show others that words can't hurt you, they know that they cannot control you.
The beauty of this movie is the number of surprise twists at the end…. But twists that in retrospect makes perfect sense…. Just when you think he and Tao are gonna “go to war” together he tricks Tao and locks him in the basement. Then you have his confession of his medal of valor … That it was a cover up Then you have the final act where he draws the gang out into a confrontation, one that is witnessed by the entire neighborhood. And just when you think surprises are over you get one last one in his will…… no not the car….. but that he calls Tao his friend. That last gesture of acceptance…. Words that Walter would have had to had put down some time ago… when he amended his will to both give the house to the church, and the car to Tao.
The twist was everyone thought he was going to go all "Clint Eastwood" on the gang. He used his typecast to totally fool the audience, which was awesome.
'racism' was not the biggest issue for the Hmung family, not even close- thats the truth across America with people of color.... its sad what theyve done to our youth in creating things that are not there, to ignore the real things that are-
This is an amazing film from an amazing Actor and Director Clint Eastwood, only this man can make a film as good as this, with the amount of sarcasm and racism, and get away with it. Absolutely love it.
That’s why this younger generation are garbage. I had a grandfather/father and step father that were all military men and gave me and my sister this same type of tough love. Not enough of guys like Walt around to teach kids how not to be pussies and I’m thankful for their guidance
I love that she muted Walter saying spooks, but let’s the black man say it. Then muted the black man saying honkey. Just let it happen man, it’s a movie
we should have more movies like this one. It's the only way to have a discussion about heavy topics w/o flowery words. Also it would be nice to have more people like Sue around in the real world.
The movie inception brings up the concept of catharsis is a much more powerful emotion than hate. I think that was the #1 reason why I liked the movie so much.
If it hasn't been mentioned before, the white kid at 12:15 is Scott Eastwood, Clint's son. He is trying to make his mark in motion pictures, now. My parents were of the World War 2 generation. Walt really reflects that generation. He reminds me of my dad, aunts and uncles. They weren't all mean and insulting. But, they spoke their minds without worrying what anyone thought about it. I have a 96-year-old friend who is a lot like Walt. The product of 2 wars. He says what he thinks no matter what. I've know this man for over 50 years and he has always been that way, even when he was younger.
Great Reaction..... The "Hmong" are from Vietnam (it is mentioned in the movie, when Sue is in the Truck with Walt).... Clint went out of his way to find/hire Hmong's to play the roles in this movie.... Some of the actors are just normal people.... Like most Veterans, Walt puts on a Gruff/Abrasive/Offensive persona to see who will get past that to see his value..... If ya notice, Walt treats everyone the same..... Walt knew he was dying (Medical Report when he called his son), and figured best way to get rid of the gang, and save the neighborhod, was to sacrifice himself......
Gook didnt start out as derogatory. In Hangul (Korean) G's and K's are the same. Gook or Kook means person or people. Ever heard of Hankook Tires? Han is what Koreans call their country, so Hankook means people from Korea or Korean. So Hankook Tires means Korean Tires. Koreans call America Mi (pronounced 'me'). So I am a Mi Gook or an American.
I don't see Walt as racist, even though he says racist things. He doesn't treat anyone differently. He speaks the same way to his family and friends and the priest. He protects the innocent, and he doesn't pull any punches. Sue is as much a hero as Walt, for overlooking the language and giving him a chance. He develops a true bond with her immediately because she doesn't judge him harshly. She is as tough as he is, and he respects her and cares for her. I love all these characters, except the gang members, of course, for being real people who make real mistakes, but still find ways to get along. People of different cultures, who are tough enough to get past the unimportant stuff, the harsh words the stereotypes can be forgotten, among friends. I can't stand today's snowflakes who will cry and cancel you rather than try to understand. I guess I'm quite a bit like Walt, but I like Walt.
💯
Yeah he just hate everybody equally I love him, totally based.
Interesting how todays youth tries to cancel everyone without fully understanding them, ironically being just as intolerant in the name of tolerance.
He is racist, idk why this weird cope has to be made every time someone watches this movie. He was pissed when he first saw the Hmongs first move in, calling them a slur for Chinese people and asking why "they" had to move in, hell, he calls them slurs for 90% of the movie. He is racist as shit but he is a good man at his core and learns to overcome his prejudice to protect and mentor Thao and his family.
I find today's woke crowd labels and hates as much, if not more, than the bigots that they believe to be superior to!
He wasn’t bullying him. He was trying to man him up!
Most young people miss the point of Walt's character - he isn't racist, he is a misanthrope. And he is a misanthrope not out of ignorance or hatred, but because he has given up on everyone - including himself.
Totally agree. His beloved wife was gone, and he was all alone with his pain and regrets - especially from the war and what he did.
I agree as well, he is just sour because he lost his wife
One of the reactions where I wanted to just give mape a hug 😢😅
You nailed it. I feel that was a key point Clint was going for. Walt was "equal opportunity" with his slander. He was Polish and I could easily see his character dish out some "fine racist words" to another Polish guy.
Agreed, too much is made of what people say, and not enough of their actions. To me Walt hates everyone equally now that his wife is gone, including himself.
For this film, one must look beyond the bigoted and racist slurs and see the real Walt. He's angry and bitter, full of guilt and remorse, and he pretty much hates everyone, no matter who they are or what they look like - even his own family. He uses the slurs against everyone, but his vocabulary doesn't show the real Walt.
The real Walt respects and cares for those who are good to him. Once he sees that you're a good person, that you can be trusted, he will support you and treat you as family. He will even give his life for you, as he did for Thao and his family.
Walt liquidated young North Korean, and presumably, their young Chinese allies, in the Korean War. He's been carrying around a lot of guilt for, as he says, "things you weren't ordered to do". As a returning combat vet, he settles into a decent working class life, he has a good woman for a wife, but things are eating at him. This shows in his failures as a dad, and his personal withdrawal from a lot of life. He bottles things up, and keeps his feelings from being discovered by people. The Gran Torino is a symbol of his broken heart. He protects both the car and his heart and keeps them hidden and unused. Then, he meets the Hmong family and realizes all the things he's missed, love and loyalty of family, most of all. He works to redeem himself, from the horrors of killing young soldiers, not from his vocabulary, by sacrificing himself for his new family. He's able to live again through total sacrifice. The ethnic name calling is the least important aspect of the film and Walt's character.
Bravo
That was very well said!
Walt has PTSD, dummy.
I don’t understand how people don’t find Walt’s insults hilarious.
“Woke” people just don’t get it
I know right?
This generation is so sensitive its actually ridiculous.
@@alienatedbeing7513 Thank you. but then again who you think help vote that ass clown falling down Joe in office
My grandfather used to talk like that. May he rest in peace.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
The point of Walts racist remarks isnt that he means them, but he uses them as a defense mechanism. Most people will ignore him while only a few are willing to take the inital abuse to understand the person behind it. Thats why I like Sue, she actually understands Walt and will actually dish out as much as she takes.
But that doesn't mean hes not being racist and that it's not a problem I'm not saying that we should burn him at the stake for it but we can acknowledge it is racism whether as a defense mechanism or not and sue is an exception not the rule
@@ElderlyKoala I'm not saying racism isn't bad nor does at any point the movie even imply that. I think people just hear bad words and immediately disengage, which is the problem. Walt is a flawed character, but not irredeemable even though he said awful pejoratives to people.
@@joeldykman7591 people arent saying hes irredeemable anyways the movie shows that unfortunately in a tragic and drastic way those people who immediately disengage have every right to do that if it makes them uncomfortable they shouldn't have to engage with that behavior
@@joeldykman7591 Walt even spoke to his friends that way.
@@ElderlyKoala People have been brain washed into believing that words are racist. Without action or intent words are just words. Walt didn't hate people because of their race. So his words were not racist because they did not have hate behind them.
That scene with the three black guys the white guy is Clint Eastwood‘s son in real life
He is, it took me a while to figure that out
@@mmxxiii9503 Yup that was Scott. After seeing some pictures of a Young Clint Eastwood he looks like his old man alright.
To say Walt is racist is missing who Walt really is. He doesn't hate [insert], he hates injustice and himself as a younger man.
Nailed it. Never forgave himself for the things he *"wasn't ordered to do"*
I mean he def was racist in the beginning, he held prejudices towards a group of people before he even met them. Just cause he hated everybody else too doesn’t make him not a racist at the start of the film before he befriends the Hmong family.
@@peters4115 I respectfully disagree with the racist part. Words are words, and actions are actions. Walt was never hostile to anyone who did not threaten another person. He went out of his way to use the wrong words in almost every interaction except formal occasions, the job interview, on purpose. To say Walt was a racist in the beginning but was some how changed his mind in what 1-2 months, because his kid neighbor tried to steal his car is unrealistic in my opinion. Walt actually treats people how they treat him. The names he calls people are a weird ice breaker to see if HE is suitable to talk to them. Walt knows that he isn't for everyone.
@@peters4115people like you is why the word "racist" means nothing these days. Walt was never racist. Unless you are willing to accept that every black guy who says the n word is racist, then just stop being a hypocrite.
@@peters4115 So basically if you have a guy that goes around saying the N word during the day. But donates his time and money to helping minorities at night and weekends. That person is a racist to you? Really? So basically anyone who says words you don't want them to say is a racist? Seems strange to me.
I swear, I just LOVE watching young people watch this movie. I grew up with people slinging insults like those all the time. There usually wasn't any outright hatred behind them, which is what removed the "sting". Are they bigoted, yes. Racist? No, not really. Racism really requires intent to injure.
No. Racism requires hate for the other
@@madrolla No, he was right the first time, ya dimwit.
I agree 100%.
@@madrolla And how are you going to know it's there? Here in Canada we don't have freedom of speech anymore, and so that was a serious question back when the hate speech bill was being passed. You can be arrested just on the grounds of someone alleging you said something racist or verbally 'harassed' them.
What ever happened to that old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me"?
When it's done tongue-in-cheek, it's not racist.
These older veterans came back from a different kind of war and said the things they said and did the things they did. You can't really hold it against them. Just like I as a post 9/11 combat veteran feel the same way around others as well. We all have that sort of view once you go through stuff. It is what it is.
People may not like the way Walt talks but he is the kind of person you can totally count on in your time of need. You will never hear flourished words of friendship from him because he feels it does not need to "show", sadly people like that are a dying breed in more ways than one.
People who call Walt a racist are wrong. Walt is not a racist at all. One of the most misunderstood characters ever
It worked perfectly, at the beginning you couldn't wait for him to die, by the end you cried when he did!
Perfect film
The hell I was... that's disgusting.
I love when people gets so offended, anxious or annoyed by just watching a movie 😂
The scene where Sue comes in all beaten just breaks your heart. And Walt sacrificing himself (I know he probably had a death sentence with his medical issues, but he did cut his life short) to protect/get justice for Sue and her family was so honorable. Talk about powerful. The kids and Walt were just good for each other.
Cant believe you don't know how Clint Eastwood talks. You have a huge library of movies to go through.
Did she just ask if "that old man" really talks like that? Yes. Clint Eastwood really talks like that.
Being Hmong and watching this movie when it first came out was funny AF! Just the Hmong scenes because we don’t normally do those things. Idk about how the Midwest is with that but here in Cali we don’t do that . The fact that you have a whole bunch of Asian rolling in a civic like that is accurate haha But it’s such a classic now and Walt’s insults are hilarious!
I live in Western Wisconsin, There is a sizeable Hmong population in my state and Minnesota. The Hmong are no different than any other ethnic minority population. Most are hard working, some have trouble fitting in, the girls are incredibly hard-working, and some boys turn to crime and gang activity. There is some bigotry and discrimination towards the Hmong, but not as much as there has been towards other ethnic groups.
Hmong in Detroit were and still are in gangs. I have friends whose cousins worked in this movie. This is accurate for intents and purposes.
@@montaukrygar the culture is very different here in the west coast. Gang violence is still active but it’s quite mellow now compared to it 20 years ago. But yeah for us here it’s definitely a different culture.
@@Stogie2112 I was suppose to move there also haha but yeah it’s all on the environment.
Do what things? I'm Filipino, and grew up in Ohio. My experience growing in the Midwest was very different than my Filipino friends who grew up in Cali.
I love watching GenZers deal with casual racism lmao
When Walt locked Thao up, the steel screen on the door was reminiscent of the church confessional. Walt gave Father Janovich his confession about relatively minor things, but confessed to Thao about his real regrets in life.
This movie will destroy you.
Get out the box of tissues.
Walt sacrificed everything to make sure that Thau and his family would have a normal life, as well as helping Thau grow up in a world that doesn't know the difference between right and wrong anymore.
This movie was rather boring, honestly. But still good regardless
Clint Eastwood legitimately drinks Pabst irl.
@@schrootrobert him and Sean Connery should’ve done a movie together
@@nsasupporter7557 facts
Walt doesn't change and he was never racist. He's just as crusty with everyone and has no interest in ingratiating himself with anyone. But he clearly appreciates substantive character and is supportive of the few people he gets to know, whether he wants to or not, who have it. Naturally in the end he is willing to give his life to protect those few he views as worthy of support while brilliantly terminating a pack of self serving predators.
People have no idea what the word racist is now a days. It really needs to be taught in schools but I don't believe they would teach it correct. Gran Torino is a great movie from a great director/actor!
Its funny to see people get so upset over some of waltz comments. Typically the younger generation
"What the hell you spooks up to" always cracks me up.
Also watched this movie at a buddys house, hes black and noone got offended..
@Apk90 . Saying you don't stand for injustice doesn't mean anything. Everyone your age saying that. Your generation is making it worse.
@apk9075ah yes a word is such an injustice. Its not anyones fault except your own that you cant tell the difference of actual racism and just normal talking. You can either call most black guys a racist since they do the same thing, or you can continue being a hypocrite.
@apk9075 Nah they love injustice, in face their entire way of life is social media, made possible by phones that are built by slaves in factories overseas. How many of them you know care about that?
What they don't stand for are people with different perspectives and people who say words they deem "Problematic". Injustice or actual racism never enters into the question.
Soft and ignorant people displaying faux outrage for virtue signal purposes doesn't impress me.
I know right. This generation with it's sensibilities doesn't stand a chance.
@@maybeitsyou1317 Yep. Social justice "warrior" is the most pathetic title. I tweeted about it! I'm a warrior!
One thing that nobody mentions but caught my attention was when he confronted the three guys who stopped Sue and her date. What grabbed me was he shut off his truck. He shut off his truck! He was saying, "This is no bluff, we settle this now."
He gave his life for his friends. That is what war is. Never forget that!
Everyone needs a Walt in their life
I grew up with a lot of OG guys like Walt. They would talk like sailors, have strong opinions on everything and had a "racist joke" for every occasion...
They were awesome. Because no matter what they had your back, despite their bigoted views they were always the first one to help anyone in need and if you could look past their salty language you realize they were actually very loving and thoughtful.
I miss those old guys, they always made things interesting.
I've seen this movie about 15 times and I just now realized that it was his real son that he talked shit to when he saved the girl from the three thugs
One of his nine kids yes
@@PeacefulJointwhat does the number of children he has have to do with anything?
@@pamelawilliams3144 shut up karen
Walt was "equal opportunity" with his slander. He wasn't racist - just bitter. He respected people like Sue who could laugh off his words, stand their ground, and dish it right back while keeping the conversation light. When Thao stood his ground to be the one to pull the freezer up the stairs, Walt grimaced - but inside he respected Thao for it.
Walt is NOT a racist. You need to understand that for his entire tour of duty in Korea (around 2 years), for every second of every day of every year people that physically looked just like his neighbors were trying to kill him. His friends were killed by people who looked just like his neighbors. It’s VERY hard to just suddenly turn off all that fear and hatred when you rotate back to the real world. To understand Walt you have to walk in his shoes for a while.
he is helpin the kid to be involved in the neighborhood building community helping the people in the community ... he's also learning handyman traits to be able to fix his own house one day or make money fixing others
Young people don't understand that old people know a different world, which was worse in some ways but better in many. Racism is not always something serious. You have to prove yourself, no matter what race or gender you are.
Fun fact, the kid who couldn't defend the girl at about 12 minutes in there is Clint's blood son.
That’s how you do a movie. Clint is world class.
One of the better transitions of a person in a movie ever, he goes from a grumpy sandpaper personality to you crying for him at the end.
Clint Eastwood is a master of getting a hold of your heart strings and just playing them for all their worth. This movie will still get me to tear up and I'm a 52 year old! If you love Gran Torino, you really need to watch another Eastwood masterpiece named Unforgiven. It starts off slow, but give it time, and you will love it as much or more than Gran Torino!
Walt's not a racist. He's a product of his environment. He has moral standards and respects those who also display them. He just exists in an environment of shitty ass people. His neighborhood is plagued with that 'unemployed behavior' and his family is complete garbage. I'm a cynical bastard, but damn man, your grandmother just passed and you're acting like that. That dad should have beat the ever-living crap out of them. I despise the whole idea of people thinking they have a right to their parents/relatives property when they die.
But when Walt meets people who earn his respect, he treats them fairly. Yeah, he says some wild ass shit, but there's no real venom behind it. He's also the guy you know will never stab you in the back or only be polite to your face because he calls it straight. World needs more of that and less of this 'say the right thing but then do the exact opposite' bullshit.
My wife of 12 years is also Hmong. This is a good snapshot of their struggles before and after their arrival to the US. Interesting people to say the least. My wife and I still have the occasional culture clash over household chores and how it's disrespecting her if I attempt to do them. Don't totally understand it but at least she lets me cook the most these days (started cooking when I was in the service because I found it relaxing). Which is why Thao gets zero respect from the family.
I can't do anything related to house chores past yard work when her family comes to visit because it causes drama between the females. It's this weird idea that I'm undermining her or displaying that she's a crappy spouse because she can't properly provide a home. Odd to me, but marriage is a compromise, so we do what we have to.
Young people now seem to be taught that actions don't matter as long as you say the right things and don't 'insult' anyone. In the past, people would tend to speak much harsher and be brutally honest, but would take a bullet for you if it came to it. True respect would have to be earned through actions not just by speaking nicely. Someone that spoke too nicely would seem suspicious as they were probably hiding something. Tau and Su earned Walt's respect (unlike his family) and Walt took a bullet (many) for them.
walt wasnt racist he used insults as a defense mechanism because of the trauma he went through during the war.
It's pretty insane (or should I say I-slur) how some people are conditioned to have anxiety because of words. Actually mindblowing and very likely designed that way. There's something wrong with the world.
If you can't cry for Walt, you are not human.
Watching you react to this movie just made my night girl. This movie is just out of this world I love Walt so misunderstood
I met Clint, while he was filming Mystic River.
On the outside, he's not acting in this movie.
That is just how he is when he's not laughing.
He's actually a really nice guy.
I don't think anyone can watch this movie without crying 😢
wrong
You didn't say the blacks were racist
Dont know if you caught it, but the scene where Walt speaks to Tao through the screen door is Walt giving his true confession. It mirrors the superficial one he gave to the priest.
Walt wasn’t racist. He treated everyone the same. With hate lol
Clint Eastwood and Sean Connery should’ve done a movie together
Oh! That's little Marie from Balboa. That was driving me nuts.
Can't believe I missed that.
Screw you, creepo
Screw you, creepo!
😂🤣😉
Walt isn't racist. He says things that people today may deem racist or ignorant, but he doesn't discriminate.
9:56 “old guy” lol. That’s one of the greatest actors/directors of the last 50+ years.
If you're old, you've lived through things that actually matter. Saving our country and what not. So, with what you fought for just being forgotten, I, myself, agree with his character. Today? This world has gone to shit. Do the best you can to find a your own happy place. Struggle is friggin real.
Amen to that. It astounds me what Western society has devolved into. I live in Canada and it's gotten so bad, particularly over the last five or so years.
"Saving our country". I bet alot of veterans only behind closed would admit that what they have experienced was not saving our country, but following orders that stemmed from politicians. They literally went to other countries to take, not save.
@@Ferrant621 -and those young people are supporting what makes it hard. Every day.
@@Ferrant621 Don't worry, the WEF has wonderful plans that are going to save the world. 🤣
@@Ferrant621 Holy moley, are you a satire account ? If so, gj. I laughed.
My grandfather, in full totality, was just like Walt for so long. But then I joined the Marine Corps. When I began to understand him, spend time with him, and more importantly, relate to him, I perceived him as a different man. The beautiful thing about people like my grandfather and Walt is that they are so full of life, wisdom, humor, and profound character. The thing is, you have to go through ALOT to see it. The sad part is, at least in the modern day, going through those experiences are NOT the norm.
People like my Pops and Walt come from a time where hopping on a ship to distant lands to fight a terrible war, while engaging in equally wild side quests, with your very life, identity, and soul being the bargaining chips, were the things to aspire to do as a seventeen year old boy. I thought my Pops was a racist, impatient, and ornery old man. But no...
He just hates how certain things have become normal. How, "Un-Indiana Jones" dreams have become. He still has a porta-shitter for a mouth sometimes though. But after having gone through a fraction of what he's gone through, I totally get it. And I'm only 28. I can't imagine what I'd be like at their age.
Most critics of this movie 100% missed the point and misunderstood Walt. He wasnt racist. He wasnt evil. While he didnt like anyone in particular, the only person he hated was himself.
He was definitely a racists, lol
Don't worry shes a feminist liberal they don't understand basic concepts. Also he wasn't just mad at himself he was mad at the world he really did hate everything .
People nowadays throw "racist " around so often.
@@josephamoraz7990 now you're hurting my feelings
@@josephamoraz7990its annoying af
I will never not laugh at peoples reactions to the asian slurs in gran torino 😂
Lol my brother (latino) and his best friend (Chinese) saw this at a theater in a wealthy white part of town, so they were the only minorities in the whole place. They spent the whole film laughing at all the "racist" jokes and language... They were the only ones laughing.
My brother's friend would even repeat the Asian insults and luagh when he heard one he never heard before.
This movie gets me every time. This is the only way he knew how to show he cares and protect his friends, it is heartbreaking to me.
He's not racist he's just sick of trashy people
Persistence in the Padre's case was downright disrespectful to Walt with whom he has NO relationship. Regardless of the promise he made to Walt's wife. I chalk his behavior up to inexperience.. but that's no excuse. People have a right to being left alone!
As Iron sharpens Iron, so to does one man sharpen another.
The dialogue between Walt and Tao may seem harsh or foreign. But it is true, that is the way many men talk to eachother, it seems cruel but in a weird way we build eachother up. We make fun in person but behind their backs or if someone asks me about one of my friends, I tell them about how much a of a great dude they are, that I'd die for them.
1. Sue and Yum Yum are a couple of little cuties.😍😍
2. With a family like that it's no wonder Walt befriends the Hmong family.
3. The guy Trey with Sue is played by Scott Eastwood. Clint's son.
4. Many Asian cultures prohibit touching someone on the head. Another "Don't Do" in Thailand is point your toes at someone.
5. My surrogate father had that collection of tools. 😎 He didn't have all the tools in the world. Just the ones he needed.
6. Guys don't normally talk to each other like that unless they're very close (or drunk)🙄
7. Walt does have a death wish. He's sick and going to die anyway. He's a hero again🦾
He got rid of the thugs and donated the house to the church😇😇
How did the not pointing your toes at someone rule come about? Seems a bit ridiculous
@@20joemorley09 They believe that someone soul is in the head and the feet are the farthest from GOD, so they're unclean.
If words from a stranger hurt you, you are the problem, not them.
Well the stranger is part of the problem too. But, true...we should not let others' words, especially strangers' affect us much.
@@kwadwotuffour5529 is it? I couldn't care less what a stranger says. What they say doesn't effect me in anyway.
@@jeremyleforce7926so edgy
You've lived a really privileged life if you can't understand the reality of the situations that are going on in that poor neighborhood and are so cringe doubt by the language of The Old Man and the other guys that you can understand that lots of times that's just reality. There's more on the line and more important things to worry about than his language
No greater Love is there than he would would lay down his life for his friends... 🙂🙂🙂
Great Reaction. Other tear jerkers:
Forrest Gump
Million Dollar Baby
Cast Away
Steel Magnolias
Green Mile
Men of Honor
The Notebook
i just randomly walked in on my mom rewatching this i kept watching with her out of curiosity but... that ending had me in tears against my will!.. the worst deaths a movie can offer is a dog dying or the latter, idk how to express tears in a sentence but while wrighting this my eyes are leaking..
Clint Eastwood is one of my favorite actors
1. "Powder!" It's kinda like The Green Mile.
2. R.I.P. Treat Williams. Thanks for "Deep Rising."
Deep Rising is one of my favorites and is truly not appreciated. It knew what kind of movie it was and delivered on all its promises. Thumbs up!
@@carystrunk5771 disappointed we never got a sequel. That ending though! 🤐 For those who haven't seen it.
A lot of military people sleep on top of the covers. You’re required to keep the bed bed made a specific way with certain angles. To avoid failing inspections, they’d get it perfect then sleep on top. The really goid ones could actually sleep in the same position all night. Idea is the morning routine goes faster and you only have to tighten up the bed instead of fully making it. I always sleep cold so I kept and extra blanket in my locker. That way I didn’t have to unfold my perfectly folded blanket. Each morning, put the perfect one the bed and the one to cover with in the locker. For some, habits are hard to break.
If you’re interested, Eastwood has a film, Heartbreak Ridge, where he plays a gunnery sergeant that’s essentially the young version of Walt. It’s a really great movie, I highly recommend it. Only the last 30 minutes or so show them in any kind of combat so it’s not really a war movie.
What this world needs is a population filled with Walter's, not the sensitive small minds we're filled with today.
this movies story is a lesson about ambivalence of people. It is hard to swalöow in our black and white painting times.. But a person who is a terrible driver who likes to speed might be a true superb dad. Someone who uses racist slurs all the time might be working as a social street worker, someone who sprays leftist radikal slurs at walls is maybe the guy who later gives a kidney to someone in need for a new one.
We should learn again that, not that one single aspect of a person that we do not like, defines them. But rather try to see the whole person.
You just kind of have to love Sue 😜 I tear up every time I see her walk in to the house busted up 😢
If I were a young man in that neighborhood, I would gladly propose to Sue. She's an angel.
The fear of and emotional reactions to slurs and epithets have become quite rampant in this country. This is most troublesome. It's become a secular superstition, as just hearing the word or reading the word evokes irrational fear and anxiety in thin-skinned, insecure people.
Words are harmless. They cause no physical damage, they don't turn people to the Dark Side, and they don't bring down fire and brimstone from above. When we let words have power over us, other people can and will use those words to gain power over us. True racists will use those words to hurt others, to gain attention to themselves, to create a false sense of superiority.
Words are hurtful only if you allow them to be. Once you show others that words can't hurt you, they know that they cannot control you.
THE WORDS THAT COME OUT YOUR MOUTH DO NOT MAKE YOU A BAD PERSON SOMETHING THAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY SHOULD UNDERSTAND
The beauty of this movie is the number of surprise twists at the end…. But twists that in retrospect makes perfect sense….
Just when you think he and Tao are gonna “go to war” together he tricks Tao and locks him in the basement.
Then you have his confession of his medal of valor …
That it was a cover up
Then you have the final act where he draws the gang out into a confrontation, one that is witnessed by the entire neighborhood.
And just when you think surprises are over you get one last one in his will…… no not the car….. but that he calls Tao his friend. That last gesture of acceptance…. Words that Walter would have had to had put down some time ago… when he amended his will to both give the house to the church, and the car to Tao.
The twist was everyone thought he was going to go all "Clint Eastwood" on the gang. He used his typecast to totally fool the audience, which was awesome.
Not sure why every slur or "curse" was bleeped except "paddy" (slur for Irish) at 12:16...
because its ok to be racist to white people these days.
You clearly have no idea how youtube works
@@pamelawilliams3144 so "how youtube works" is to selectively censor racial slurs?
UA-cam's a bit of a cunt then, aren't they?
'racism' was not the biggest issue for the Hmung family, not even close-
thats the truth across America with people of color....
its sad what theyve done to our youth in creating things that are not there, to ignore the real things that are-
This is an amazing film from an amazing Actor and Director Clint Eastwood, only this man can make a film as good as this, with the amount of sarcasm and racism, and get away with it. Absolutely love it.
You’re missing out on quality people if you write others off because they speak a way you find offensive
"That is... A job description." I laughed way more at that than I probably should have.
"got-dang preacher wont go way" Maple you are too funny and precious. I cant say enough how much I enjoy watching your reactions
"Raise your hand if you also have bad eating habits" right as I am finishing up my 4th hot dog that was my dinner lmao
That’s why this younger generation are garbage. I had a grandfather/father and step father that were all military men and gave me and my sister this same type of tough love. Not enough of guys like Walt around to teach kids how not to be pussies and I’m thankful for their guidance
This is a powerful movie
I love that she muted Walter saying spooks, but let’s the black man say it. Then muted the black man saying honkey. Just let it happen man, it’s a movie
we don't do it for us. youtube will axe us. if it was up to me i'd just let it all fly
Just say you dont know how youtube works
Racism is ignorance.
Understanding understanding that you have a place in the world and everybody else does is love. I love you.❤❤
we should have more movies like this one. It's the only way to have a discussion about heavy topics w/o flowery words. Also it would be nice to have more people like Sue around in the real world.
The movie inception brings up the concept of catharsis is a much more powerful emotion than hate.
I think that was the #1 reason why I liked the movie so much.
The white boy walking with Sue was Scott Eastwood, Clint's son.
The "overcoming racism and working together" theme is something that always works, hell its the entire story of Lord of The Rings.
He’s a >80 year old Korean War vet in a movie and this girl reacting nearly has a heart attack every time he says a racial slur. Grow up.
If it hasn't been mentioned before, the white kid at 12:15 is Scott Eastwood, Clint's son. He is trying to make his mark in motion pictures, now.
My parents were of the World War 2 generation. Walt really reflects that generation. He reminds me of my dad, aunts and uncles. They weren't all mean and insulting. But, they spoke their minds without worrying what anyone thought about it. I have a 96-year-old friend who is a lot like Walt. The product of 2 wars. He says what he thinks no matter what. I've know this man for over 50 years and he has always been that way, even when he was younger.
He's not very racist, just a bit at most. And he's not weird.
The only flaw with this movie really is that Tao isn't a good actor.
It always interesting to see people as young as the priest criticize his views. The irony isn’t lost one bit 😅
Great Reaction.....
The "Hmong" are from Vietnam (it is mentioned in the movie, when Sue is in the Truck with Walt)....
Clint went out of his way to find/hire Hmong's to play the roles in this movie.... Some of the actors are just normal people....
Like most Veterans, Walt puts on a Gruff/Abrasive/Offensive persona to see who will get past that to see his value..... If ya notice, Walt treats everyone the same.....
Walt knew he was dying (Medical Report when he called his son), and figured best way to get rid of the gang, and save the neighborhod, was to sacrifice himself......
The Hmong originated in Southern China; the majority of the Hmong people still live there. They also live in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.
@@Stogie2112 I stand Corrected, I knew of the communities in Vietnam/Cambodia from reading about the Vietnam war......
Gook didnt start out as derogatory. In Hangul (Korean) G's and K's are the same. Gook or Kook means person or people. Ever heard of Hankook Tires? Han is what Koreans call their country, so Hankook means people from Korea or Korean. So Hankook Tires means Korean Tires. Koreans call America Mi (pronounced 'me'). So I am a Mi Gook or an American.
Sometimes, life actually does put you in a place where you have to sacrifice yourself for someone else.
If you like Clint Eastwood, I highly recommend a not-as-well known gem - Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
Maple is the BEST! I adored your take and analysis on Little Miss Sunshine! ✌🏻💜