GRAN TORINO (2008) MOVIE REACTION - THIS WAS TOUCHING! - FIRST TIME WATCHING - REVIEW 

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He’s not evil, he’s old school. I knew a hundred grizzled Korean & Vietnam Vets that spoke & acted like Walt.

In the beginning, it’s not even that she had a piercing. It’s that she was showing her midsection during a funeral. He grew up when Elvis was obscene. It’s like he’d moved to a different country, except he didn’t leave. Everything changed around him.

When the pastor begins speaking at Walt's funeral and says what Walt thought of him you can see the barber Martin in the audience laughing and trying to be quiet about it. It's a small detail that always cracks me up

What I find hilarious and realistic is how they started winning him over with food. When an old man is willing to let you borrow his tools, it’s a huge deal.

I love how when he spits, and the old lady spits back nastier, his cringe was almost respectful, like "Oh, okay, I see you". This movie is heartbreaking, a proper old school movie in modern cinema

Clint Eastwood is a national treasure! Piece of info: it was him singing at the end. When he leaves us one day, it's gonna be a very very sad day :(

I love the instant connection Walt felt with Sue in the truck, when he saw she takes his bullsh*t and gives it right back. It instantly earned his respect, and sets the tone for the whole movie.

If you like Clint Eastwood as an actor and as a director, then it's only fair you guys watch 2 classics he both made and starred in: Unforgiven (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004). The man rightfully earned the title of "cinema legend."

Walt was not much older than Tao, when he killed a kid about the same age as Tao. He took the life of a young Asian man. He came home, went to work in a factory raised a family, but held that memory of war with him and thought about it everyday for decades. He tried to redeem himself by GIVING his life for a young Asian man. Tao said I don’t have a car a girlfriend or a job. Not long after, because of Walt, he had a 3. Walt helped Tao get on the path to manhood.

"You're letting Clik Clak, Ding Dong and Charlie Chan walk off with MissWhatsername" OMFG that line cracks me up every time I hear it. Its so absurd it flips around to being comedy. I can totally see some old Korean Vet saying that at some point.

Clint Eastwood is a national film treasure. A legend from cowboy movies. ❤

One overlooked point, Walt is dying. It isn't said, but Walt is an old man who has been a heavy smoker since he was young and in the military. He has lung cancer and he sacrifices his life at the end of the movie because he always lived being useful and he wanted his death to be meaningful as well.

''No greater love hath a man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends...''

I thought the Gran Torino symbolizes Walt's soul or inner sanctum. From the grand-daughter feeling entitled to it without having to earn it, or even have any reverence for it. To the construction guy painting it as some trivial thing that he could just give to any random acquaintance. As the shaman said, people didn't respect Walt. But then, Tao worked really hard to redeem himself after disrespecting it. Then, as their relationship grew, Tao was washing the Gran Torino, like he was washing Walt's soul (in the double meaning of redeeming it and making it shine). And Tao eventually earned the privilege of carrying Walt's memory.

My uncle (father's brother), was a Korean War vet. He acted a lot like Walt, and had an alcohol addiction. I don't blame him now that I'm older. He was on "Hill 303", one of the few survivors. This movie shows the disconnect, and disrespect, between generations. The younger ones just don't understand, and never try. Walt befriending "Toad" and his family shows a huge amount of learning and understanding between the two. In my opinion, one of the best films ever made! ❤ Love the reaction Guys! Great job! ❤❤

I don't think 'hatred' is the term. He certainly is abrasive and unlikable but I believe his combativeness is a defense mechanism to protect his sanity.

My dad died in 2014 at 87 years old. He retired from General Motors, working the car plants in Detroit and Flint. His family were from Highland Park, right around where this was filmed, the houses even look right. My old man joined the Navy at 17, served in WWII and Korea, and was a hard old bastard. Clint's character in this movie is like looking at him again. Except unlike Walt having one wife, my dad had four.

All the "racist" stuff Walt says in this movie, once upon a time, was normal conversation. When I was growing up, all of my friends, including ones from different ethnicities, called each other racial slurs all the time cause it was funny. We've actually gone backwards in terms of humor and race relations. This movie served, in a small way, to do the same thing that All in the Family and Sanford and Son did decades ago. This is one of the best movies to come out in a long time.

I love the underlying theme of actions speak louder than words. Walt's family says all the right words but their actions reveal their true nature. Walt of course is brash and cancelled by today's standards, yet his actions are admirable, helpful to the point of life saving. I love how the script overflows with racial slurs and bigoted jokes really driving home the fact that none of that means anything compared to all the positivity that came from the friendship that developed between Walt and the family next door. There was a time before cancel culture where it was pretty common knowledge that actions carried the weight not words.

You guys have to watch Sully! It's directed by Clint Eastwood and stars Tom Hanks,it's based on the real event when an Airline Pilot had to emergency land on the Hudson River.

I love how at his funeral the neighborhood showed up and were his real family

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

Clint Eastwood has been directing movies since 1971.

In many respects, that was Clint Eastwood's retirement - retirement from action, and entering self reflection. Unjustifiably ignored by the Oscars

Have I told you two I love y’all recently? Every time I watch it really is like watching a movie with friends.

Walt wasn't a racist per se, he was more of a bigot imo. Similar to the "Dirty Harry" character at times. Being a 24 year military vet, i can relate to Walt in some ways. My brothers in my unit didn't hold back with our derogatory slurs, we used them frequently in our verbal sparring...however, it wasn't out of being ugly, just the way we jabbed each other. Guarantee we'd offend 95% of the kids today lol. We weren't offended at every single thing. Hope y'all do some more of his films

I love the scene where he speaks to Thao through the screen door. It mimics the confessional, and he gives him his true confession.

This is a eulogy to a great generation, one that grew up in a world that none of us alive today can even imagine, a generation much maligned today for being "bigoted" and "intolerant" witout understanding this context. The hard exterior, the slurs can't hide the unmistakable humanity behind it, and the desire to connect with others in the only way they know how.

Clint Eastwood has produced and directed many great emotional movies. If you haven’t already, watch Million Dollar Baby. Incredible cast and direction.

The way he was talking and acting , this is how they used to deal with ptsd back in the day , he came from a time when men didn't cry or show emotions, when men where more action than talk , he was a genuinely good man but then again that's how being a man was like back in the day

I was doing fine, but then the shot of Thao driving the Torino with Daisy at the end killed me 😭

I like the reveal of Walt not actually feeling proud for the killings he committed in the war. Doesn't matter if he had racial prejudice, there is no pride in taking away someone's life.

Walt wasn't a racist, as you pointed out he didn't like anyone. You have to EARN his respect, and the girl started doing that in the truck ride when he said several "mean" or "off-color" things and she didn't get upset by them and even fired her own shots at him. "Toad" started to earn his respect by his strong work ethic and by wanting to NOT get into the gang. As long as you could take his verbal jabs and fire some back he will respect you. He will still say those things but it's not in hatred or anger, just firing jabs, like he and the barber do.

Clint Eastwood understands how to tell good stories. We need more Clint Eastwoods making films

At first I was annoyed by the priest, until I saw how brave he really was. He was not just some recently graduated priest, he was only aware of what he was taught and when Walt taught him something new, he learned.

Gran Torino is a masterpiece. The key point in the movie is when he pulls the lighter and gets shot. It's not just any lighter, it's from his unit. He carries the survivor's guilt from his time in the war, and has been living a meaningless life until he has a chance to sacrifice himself in the service of these unlikely new found loved ones. This is punctuated by not giving the car to his family. The pulling of the lighter is the greatest moment of his life, his moment of redemption.

I love the fact that he ended up doing something so selfless in such a way (ie no gun himself) so the gang killed in cold blood in front of witnesses so they will get the maximum sentence and at the same time give the kids the best chance to live their life. He knew he was dying and he chose to go out on his terms helping his ‘true’ family. Also it shows the cultural difference in how we treat our old people. For his American family he was an inconvenience and a nuisance but for his Chinese family he was someone with life experience, someone you could learn from and had wisdom. Excellent film with an excellent cast. ❤

i always start crying at his speech to Tao, before he drops off his dog.. which guts me. Clint is a master story teller.

So many characters have great arcs in this movie, but I think my favorite is the priest. He tries so hard to do things by the book, but with Walt, it just doesnt work. He has to grow in understanding and dealing with a person that doesn't just agree with everything he says. By the end, he sees things in a more humanly relatable way and is a better person because of it. All because he met a grizzled old man.

Loved that you picked up on the true confession was down in the basement.

Ahney Her (Sue) absolutely killed it in this movie. It's a damn shame she hasn't done much since.

Next up is " Unforgiven " Also starring Clint and Directing. Academy award winning movie

The kids next door were replacements for his kids that he never knew but wanted to, its like how grandparents for me grandpa treats grandkids and even other young men different than their own sons

I love how, towards the end, they reverse the dynamic when Sue calls Walt the white devil and he just sort of smiles and says, "Yeah. Yeah, I'm the white devil."

The usual insightful commentary's one thing, but the genuine emotionality and openness on top of it? Dammit, I love these two.

Couldn’t click on this reaction fast enough. One of my favorite movies, my favorite reactors, and you guys did not disappoint . Your editing, analysis, commentary, admiration for great filmmaking were all spot on. Clint is a film god. An absolute legend. 👍👍

I don't know the specifics but it's pretty wild that Clint Eastwood knew the last of the most famous cowboys still around. I've hardly seen any of his movies but even from a very young age I knew he was a living legend. Every time I heard him spoken of it was in reverence and respect. This one I have seen though, and it's pretty good.

*UNFORGIVEN* (1992) guys. Nough said. Clint in front of & behind the camera as well, & hes brilliant. The whole supporting cast slays, but Gene Hackman is superb

I lost my Dad in 2008, and this movie brought humor and it brought sadness because of the pain I felt for my Dad, and this was supposed to be Clint Eastwoods last movie as a actor. This movie always brings me back to 2008 and the loss of my Dad. Thank You for reaction cancer sucks.

Walt lived his whole life the way he wanted, maybe not the one he wished for but his way. He was also the kind of man that wanted to die on his terms, not slowly dying in a hospital bed from cancer listening to the false sympathy from his family. Walt was given a chance to die with meaning, to doe doing good so he saw it as a way to make up for what he did during the war & helping the 'Family' he cared for at the same time.

My Dad was a Vietnam vet and his time there was so bad that he rarely talked about it. He'd tell a couple funny stories about non-combat stuff but other than that all I know is that 3 times snipers picked off the officers in his unit until he was in charge and he was just the highest ranking grunt. I also remember the weeks of him waking the whole house up screaming in his sleep after making the mistake of watching The Deer Hunter and that his family saud there was an incident with firecrackers not long after he came home that had him diving to the ground and trying to dig a foxhole. Walt knew he was dying and he knew the gang would never leave Tao and Sue alone so he figured out how to get rid of all of the gang permanently. He atoned for the wrongs he felt he'd done during the war and protected 2 kids he'd grown to love like grandchildren so he made his death count for something.

Damn, you can see this one really got to Denise... it's a beautiful story about how despite our differences in life we're all human and far more alike than we are different.

I can honestly say that this is easily the most thoughtful and insightful reaction to this movie that I have ever had the pleasure of watching and for that reason, I am more than happy to subscribe to your channel! Keep up the great work!

One of my Dads friends was a ww2,Korea and Vietnam veteran and I can remember him in the mid 1970’s and he was just like Walt he was a great man from my memory ,he carried scars from his time in the army a career military man.

Everyone needs a man like Walt in their life ❤

Walt Kowalsky was the bonified hero of this amazing movie.

At the beginning of the movie, it wasn't the piercing that Walt was looking at. He was looking at the fact that she wasn't wearing a full-length shirt at a funeral.

Lets go 🔥 this is definitely one of my fav Clint Eastwood films. I'd recommend Unforgiven if you want another good one from him, its a pretty unique western. Unrelated but y'all gotta watch Blood Diamond 🤭👍 excellent performaces from pretty much everyone in that film.

In the typical revenge story Walt would've pulled out a gun and killed everyone before dying himself Which would've been fine but not really memorable This movie with how Walt going out simply grabbing a lighter, to have witnesses of the gang killing someone, is so much more powerful

HEARING CLINT SING while Tao's driving with Daisy 🐶 at the end of the film... ugh..it killed me! 😭😭😭 Knew you'd both love this as much as I first did! LOVED THE PART where Clint chastises his son's character! 😂 Also, props to Clint for bringing in and supporting so many fresh and new unknown actors! ❤😊

This is one of my favorite movies ever. Clint Eastwood did a phenomenal job

He also did it because he didn't want to die of lung cancer

Walt was neither evil nor complicated. You failed to truly understand him or where he was coming from. You look at him from a modern lens and judge him by that standard rather than the one he lived his life through. I would argue that by the standard he came from, he's not even racist at all. Notice how he had no problem throwing slurs toward the barber for being Italian nor the kid on the street and the contractor for being Irish. In his generation and in the eastern US (and most of the world), you only lived next to people who were like yourself. The world was segregated during his time. The Polish lived in their neighborhood, Italian in theirs, Jewish in theirs, blacks in theirs, etc. In his time, you had to EARN respect. It wasn't just given. Also, taking offense at a slur or being thin-skinned was equivalent to being unworthy of respect for being so weak and pathetic. Sue EARNED his respect by brushing it off and was a bridge from Walt to his new neighbors and a world he never thought or imagined he would be living in (where all the White people moved out). Tao (Toad) EARNED his respect. Walt definitely willingly sacrificed himself in order to EARN or win peace for Sue and Tao. Walt and his generation would've definitely been very familiar with John 15:13... Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. That love was what Walt was made of... EVEN BEFORE meeting his neighbors. They were just worthy, unlike his family, who failed to demonstrate proper respect for Walt and their mother/grandmother by wearing an exposed midriff in church, wearing a football jersey to a funeral, and mocking church and religion and the attendants with that profane faux Latin prayer "spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch". It wasn't Walt being grouchy, it was his family failing to even be respectful.

The cupboard smashing scene is huge that his house and more importantly his wife's house smashing those cupboards is the turn

Walt is the good guy. I like ALL of his reaction and mood in this movie. He has the right attitude in every scene even in the beginning.

I grew up in a town where I was the only non white kid in school in the mid/late 70’s, I caught the tail end of open racism- I had a couple friends, one who’s dad wouldn’t allow me in the their house the other his grampa wouldn’t allow me on his property… fast forward a couple years and I was not only allowed in their homes but I was spending the night, going on camping trips, invited to family party’s- We still hang out 40+ years later, we shared weddings, birthdays, anniversaries… 2 years ago I attended my friends dads funeral, the same man who at first wouldn’t allow me in his house I got to thankfully know & understand, a good man- I wish people were more like Sue, bringing us together instead of adding to the division

I'm surprised no one brought up the fact that Clint Eastwood is the one singing in the end when Tao drives away with Daisy

They often get overlooked, but two of Clint's direcorial offerings that are absolute MUST-SEES are his WWII duo Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima, which he filmed back-to-back, telling the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima from the points of view of either side in very interesting and different ways. The two films are interesting in that they come across as two VERY DIFFERENT films in their thematic approaches, but when tackling the actual battle itself they're two peas in a pod, which means that they genuinely feels like two halves of a whole. It was a very interesting exercise for Clint, and I think it's criminal these films have been largely forgotten in the 18 years since their release.

Clint is the definition of a movie star- he’s done the classics, directed, acted, produced, and stunted in some cases. You can look at his work and it’s instantly obvious if Clint’s involved it’s probably a good movie.

I saw this movie on sheer accident (Zero clue what it was about, or that it was even going to be our 'Movie Night' show). LOVE Clint Eastwood however, so gave it a respectful viewing. *WOW!* 'Culture Clash' to the Nth Degree, and seeing Mr. Eastwood's character arc? *OUTSTANDING!* I was going to leave my reply (Above) at that, but continuing to watch your Reaction and the comments made, thought I'd add a bit more. Humanity has a 'Generational Gap' problem. Elders grow up and live through/experience things younger people (ie the 'Next Generation(s)') don't, and the newer folks often don't understand, and cannot appreciate or respect it. People have to adapt, but that takes time and the willingness to do so. Take 'Racism' for instance. I'm sixty years old. I remember seeing MLK, I've walked with Chavez in the Migrant Workers rallies for better living conditions/wages, and I've moved around and lived with practically every 'Culture' in America (Blacks, Whites, Hispanic, Asian). Each Culture has it's own style, traditions, and yes, 'Perspective' that doesn't always mesh well with others. Each Culture also has its share of 'Crime/Gang' members. Never doubt that, and never believe for a second it isn't a very real, very dangerous fact for any outsider/someone 'Different.' That's a sure fired way to make yourself a victim, or a 'Statistic.' This movie absolutely crushes all of this in a very brass, very unflinching manner that I truly appreciate. It doesn't hold any punches, because these things are important, and if ignored/denied, will never improve. Long reply got too long. Apologies. Suffice it to say, as an 'Elder,' a USMC Veteran with two Tours under my Cover, I've seen these differences/challenges first hand, and I myself have had to take measure and adjust. I hold this movie to be one of (If not THE) 'Best' movies Mr. Eastwood has acted/Directed, and that means something after his long life in movies/TV. It's here, in our own neighborhoods, and really what America is/should be all about- Freedom and Liberty, Prosperity for every American willing to abide by our Constitution/Bill of Rights, and have mutual respect towards others who are doing the same thing. Thank you both. You're truly a fascinating pair of people, and your observations about how movies are made, the techniques used, really made me appreciate things more. :-)

I avoided this film for a few years because like you, i just thought after seeing thumbnail or a cover, some movies were meh, and not worth my time. I finally watched it, ONCE, about 10 years ago. And from just that one watch, i have never forgotten it. Clints acting and the whole tone of the movie is perfect. Its just a captivating story full of drama and action and i did not expect the end, but it seemed very fitting and perfect for this movie. I dont think that anything else would of felt as emotional, and the movie would not have been complete. These story driven movies are what makes cinema great. Some people like Bay and his explosions, some people like Tarantino and his twists, and some people like Nolan and his Epicness... I like ALL of them, but a simple story like this, straight genre, small action, AMAZING performances and perfect writing, is just truly masterful. Its not overdone, its not over the top CGI or action, its quiet and simple, and perfect. I already mentioned this movie before: "A quiet Place" is one of my favourite movies, because of how its a simple story,(maybe anything but simple) but the acting and sound design, damn.......perfection from John.

Walt really reminds me of my Dad. He served in Korea and Vietnam. And equally as much of a hard ass. RIP Marvin E. Hunt.

Clint Eastwood is easily one of the best directors, if not THE best, of all time. Everything about his films is always perfection. From writing & plot, to pinpoint character development, lighting, dialogue and a good old emotional roller coaster ride every time. I saw a documentary on what a bohemoth of a job creating the theme song for "the good, bad, and the ugly" was incredible. Hundreds of people, full pit orchestra... He's def a perfectionist. Thanks for sharing your gifts, Mr Eastwood

A few other replies have said ‘million dollar baby’ and I wholeheartedly agree. You’ll love it. And we’ll love your reactions.

Walt's character development was amazing. And the actress who played the girl was great. Walt was an equal opportunity discriminator, he hated everyone equally.

Wonderful and emotional movie. Clint Eastwood is a legend. Great acting by all round, especially Priest, Tao and his sister.

This is my favorite Clint Eastwood movie. Everything from Clint's directing, and perfomances and the writing is great. The fact that Walt at his age can still have a full 180 character arc progression throughout the movie goes to show that we are never too old to start truly living our lives.

When I was kid, there was a news story about a guy who hated his new 1975 Gran Torino so much he decided to put it in a time-capsule for 50 years. He wanted people to see how far we've come. I made it to 2025, and remember the news story, but I'll never see the result because Google has too much crap. 😅

Please react to Collateral starring Jamie Foxx and Tom cruise 😢

So insightful. ' Isnt it funny this is the real confession'. Yes, I never saw it before, but him and Tao seperated by the screen door while he tells of atrocities in Korea.. genius.

The thing that makes this movie special is that almost everyone is complex and yin and yang have been symbols for centuries for a reason.

I don't think Walt changed at all, it's just the viewer whose perception of him changes as we learn more about him and his past. Yes he is grumpy, but he hates everyone equally whatever their colour. I've heard that combat veterans don't like getting close to people because they hate seeing them get killed. I don't believe Walt was racist, if he was he wouldn't be bothered about killing an enemy with an entrenching tool. Get past his shell and earn his respect you'll find the real person. Great reaction though, real;y enjoyed watching your journey. The Mule is another great Eastwood film, I hope you guys might watch it one day. but imo any Eastwood movie is well worth watching.

Gosh you guys are bringing in movies from my favourites list, never imagined you will watch this, thank you

I'm so glad you got the "real" confession right. You are the only reactors to talk about it, it's such great writing/directing

Love you watched this movie! Personal favorite and it always breaks my heart. Clint just has a way with both his acting and his ability as a Director. And always with wonderful deep meanings and a very tight personal feel. I always felt Soo reminded Walt of his late wife. People dont really change much so what type of woman would marry a guy like Walt. Well, a straight shooter that easily sees thru his bullshit like Soo does. And she kinda inadvertently took that roll of being this rock and tether to the world essentially. She is this human view on how the world works and, like Walts wife does, drags him to community functions to at least interact with people and throw him in to something uncomfortable so he has to try and built connections. And Walt having just lost the love of his life almost falls lockstep with her, begrudging letting her do something that for us seems impossible. It just feels like another one of those heartwarming and breaking details in this beautiful movie.

Please react to the movie starring Clint Eastwood ( also directed/ produced by him ) and Meryl Streep opposite him in The Bridges of Madison County. Its such a beautiful movie and shows u a different side of clint Eastwood as always plays tough guys. Its one of my favourites. U will love it.

Such a goooooood movie…. „Get of my lawn…..“

He built that car at the factory where he worked. Clint Eastwood is a bad ass. This is a fantastic movie. Very emotional. One of my favorites.

A movie that never fails to have my tear ducts getting a work out every time. Oh and that insight of the parallel between the confession in church and the 'confession' through the locked screen door was right on the money - I have never made that parallel before and you are spot on.

He's no vile horrible person" he's born of a different time he wasn't born of the hurt feelings generation he doesn't even realise he's saying anything wrong lol, great film from Eastwood, Million dollar baby is another good one.

this clintwood eastwood movie slipped through the cracks for me. thanks so much for reacting to it cuz now i'm for sure watching the whole thing. clint is an amazing actor and director and did an amazing job in Unforgiven, Absolute Power, and In the Line of Fire so wouldn't expect less with this movie. hope you all have an amazing day rock on 🤘

Reminds me of my grandpa, he served in the Korean War and just turned 90 this year. He's old fashion and still tries to be independent

The only reason I've ever even heard of the Hmong people is because of this movie. It's one of my favorites. I must have seen it 5+ times and I still can't get through it without tearing up and laughing my ass off from scene to scene.

"You don't wanna mess with an angry racist dude." What movie are you watching??? I'm watching one about an old guy who doesn't take crap off anybody, and shouldn't have to.

Guy friends love insulting each other but not on first meeting. Walt and Martin's friendship has been for years, Tao can't assume that kind of banter will be appreciated upon meeting someone the first time. And I don't think Walt was a racist. He was a product of another time when those terms were normal. He hated and didn't understand the changes around him and just wanted to be left alone. But his actions in dealing with Sue and Tao prove he wasn't racist, Sue was strong enough to stand up for herself which Walt appreciated and Tao was a hard worker which Walt was as well. While Walt didn't understand other cultures he recognized qualities in Sue and Tao that he liked and so liked them as well.

The very race of people that Walt hated his whole life because of being the enemy in a war that basically dictated his life became closer to him than his real family.

I love this movie so much. The character development is incredible. The fact this movie didn't get nominated for any Oscar blows my mind.

Don't forget the guilt when they attacked taos house.. he escalated it when he kicked that guys ass..

The Mule... A Eastwood Film as well.