GRAN TORINO (2008) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MOVIE REACTION 

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.

The irony is that the people he “hated” became more of his family, than his own children.

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

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.

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

Walt knew the gang was never gonna leave the neighborhood, so he made the hard choice for the everyone

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 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.

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

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.

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.

You should watch Clint in - The Good the Bad and the Ugly (1967). It is one of Clint's first movies and part of a trilogy, known as the man with no name (no order to the trilogy). So you can watch it first, their each stand alone movies.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone of Asian descent watch this and I am glad you enjoyed it

u like clint , u like emotions ... go million dollars baby..

Fantastic movie, great reaction as usual. Another Eastwood masterpiece that I can recommend is "million dollar baby".

Grandma was chewing a southeast Asian staple among the working class, especially the rice farmers. Its Betelnut, a mild stimulant much like the Columbian farmers have chewed Coca leaf for hundreds of years.

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.

Clint Eastwood is a legend. In every way. He made many great movies, this is one of the best

Yes. Us men do talk that way to each other. It’s our version of endearment

Walt was probably a good husband and great provider for his kids growing up, however I get the impression he did very little with his sons. He went to work, went to the Legion hall and drank with his buddies, but neglected his sons when they needed a male role model. His wife probably gave the sons everything they wanted, and he had little to do with their upbringing. Walt was a positive role model to Tao and taught him self respect and how to talk to adults, however I doubt he took his sons out and did the same things with them when growing up. Little things such as learning how to make a firm handshake and look people in the eye when greeting them are priceless.

He DID confess all his darkest sins to the priest. The point of that scene was that he had always lived an honorable life. His darkest secret was a kiss at a party. He had all his war trauma, but was a simple, honest man beyond that.

I'm glad you like the movie. it's one of my favorites. i love all Clint Eastwood films. you have to see Unforgiven next.

One hell of a movie. One hellof a review.

He was coughing up blood, and knew he was going to die soon anyway. He just chose to do it a little early, and on his terms, and for the most noble purpose in his life.

Wow I've watched this numerous times and never noticed the 'confessional screen" when he has his last talk with Tao. 😢

Clint is the king of playing a real man.

Such a great movie!!!! 🍿😭

30:10 I was socially awkward at that age because earlier on my parents were too busy drinking and partying to let me have play dates at the house. I ended up state mandate in special schools, and never built up a network of buddies in my home town.

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. 🙂

Trey, the boy walking with Sue I believe is Clint's son Scott (he had to audition for the part). Scott did have his staring role in a western/romance as a bull rider that falls for a college art major.

I have watched this dozens of times. I never noticed that he is giving Thao the jump he asked for as his family is leaving.

Great job reacting. Thanks!

Daughter your reaction was beautiful. Thank you.

Greater love hath no man that he lay down his life for a friend.

It's great, he goes from the most racist grumpiest butthole to friendly and caring. He ended up considering Su and Thao as his kids and their family as his own. He taught them hard work, confidence and dedication and they taught him love and forgiveness.

Loved this reaction. +1 subscriber :)

😂i was binge watching XG Woke Up reactions and this was in the mix. It looked like a kpop or Jpop channel so when it started playing Gran Torino i said why not make it an Asian weekend😂 I'm waiting on Sintto to upload anyways. Where you at Japan? Origato for this reaction. Oh well back to binge watching American loosing their minds. Plus weki meki is disbanding so there will be meltdowns and drama on that it will be a mess im sure thankfully i got wooah on backup.

Million Dollar Baby next if you want more Clint Eastwood

Great reaction he gave the greatest gift life yes just like Jesus❤

Clint the legend.

Oh Nia. Such a gorgeous women. I've seen this movie a million times but I'll watch it again because of you. GORGEOUS EYES!

The white guy is Clint Eastwoods son

Understand this: as a combat vet; this 100% or vzero percent. We do or do not. That's it

Fun fact: Woman is singular and pronounced "WOH-MAN" Women is plural and pronounced "WEEMEN". I don't know why people say "WOOMAN" or "WOOMEN".

Have you done Unforgiven yet? Clint was a big spaghetti western star and this was his last western.

Clash of cultures, is all...

His grandma he lost

Old Clint is as good as young Clint - if not better.

There are

It may be a bit dark but I always love thinking of Walt as an equal opportunity racist

Lol a rule of thumb with old men. The two things they hate most in the world are the way things are done, and change.

You are a sweet wholesome lady. A tad rare thilese days. Nice review.

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.

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.

If the only thing Eastwood ever did was the "get off my lawn" scene, he'd still be a legend

Wow....finally a reaction that is about reacting and not over acting. Great movie. Great reaction.

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..

Walt respects Sue because she stands her ground and gives back his attitude; he sees the same in Thao; shown in a different way, and comes to respect him and then his family and their community for similar reasons. In the end he even comes to respect the priest. For him that respect has to be earned, and they earn it. He loves his family but he was never able to share that with them. As others have said when the end came it was Sue, and particularly Thao who represented everything that mattered to him, and his real confession was in the scene where he tells Thao about the kid he felt he murdered with the rifle. The scene where the priest repeats what Walt called him and you see the Barber chuckling is probably my favourite. Gran Torino; along with The Outlaw Josey Wales ~ both of which Clint Eastwood had him as lead actor as well as the Director both deserved at least Best Movie & Director nominations; personally I'd have loved to have seen Sue's actor get a nod too, but under Oscar rules only one; probably Thao's actor would have got that. Where he was just the director; of the movies I've seen I would add Invictus; which features his son in a supporting role (same actor who he said, "Get your au fait paddy ass down the road." too :-) ). For me Clint has become a future candidate for America's greatest movie director, kerk

Best reaction to this movie EVER. Your empathy served you well here. Great job.

If you've cried watching "Gran Torino", then do not watch "Million Dollar Baby"

The old woman was chewing betel nuts, a southeast Asian practice. It has a mild narcotic effect.

Mr.Clint is a National Treasure...his movies are gold🤘🔥

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

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....

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”.

You were one of the minority of reactors who saw it coming and could see he was saying his goodbyes.

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.

Walt singing at the end was a nice touch. Sounded like a man that was finally at peace.

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!

"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.

He wasn't concerned about the doctor because she was a woman or Asian. It was because he expected to see his old doctor and didn't know he had retired.

"Super Spade" was his son Scott Eastwood!! :O

There are so many reactors on RU-vid 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.

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. 😄

Great movie, wonderful reaction and commentary and cracking up that you kept calling Tao, "toad" 🤣Thank you, Nia--subscribed

The old lady's dark spit might have been betel nut juice. Betel nut is an addictive substance sort of like tobacco used in South and Southeast Asia. It's carcinogenic like tobacco as well.

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! 👍

Sue's the only one that could ever call him "Wally" 😢

Beautiful reaction... I enjoy your soft hearted reactions... Clint Eastwood knows how to pull your heart strings...

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.

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.🫶🏻❤️🤠

Well as an old man, very impressed at your understanding of this film. Well done and thanks.

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.

Do you like heartbreak ridge there's another Clint Eastwood unforgiven does the same thing

23:27 Believe it or not, that WAS a bonding session. It's something the kid needed to hear, and from someone he respects. He might not respect Walt yet, but Walt is such a straight shooter that he says what he thinks regardless lol. Not always a great thing, clearly.

I do wish they'd bonded Thao with Daisy more on screen, but that's okay lol. She's a good girl and he's a good man.

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.

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."

“…is what he ISNT ordered to do” always gives me chills.

I think this movie has a amazing message

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.

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!

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Great reaction last one I saw of this was by a couple on here who have quite a following. But they took the grandkids side in the opening scene and it was quickly turned off.

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 think my wife would like the stuffed Peep and egg in the background..

Yes, indeed, this is a great movie by Clint Eastwood and allowing an ethnic Asian group, the Hmong characters, to play their own roles and the entire movie portraying from an white Americans view of the new Asian immigrants. I am Hmong, and I thank you for this review. Great job!!

He wasn't racist 😂 he hated everyone equally