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Gran Torino

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Gran Torino
“Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have fucked with? That's me.” (Walt Kowalski, Gran Torino, 2008) After watching the movie Gran Torino, I certainly can agree with Walt's perspective on himself. Gran Torino was produced in the year of 2008, written by Nick Schenk and directed by Clint Eastwood. In this particular movie we see the cause and effects of several social issues, how through socialization these social issues can be resolved and perspectives can be altered. Previously watching this movie I believed most individuals values were set in stone from experiences learned through the journey of life. However, I now believe that anyone can change their beliefs, forming new attitudes, setting new values thus allowing the individual to make new choices.

To sum up the plot of the movie in a nutshell, Walt Kowalski is a racist Korean War veteran who demonstrates his bigotry attitudes towards his new neighbors who are Hmong. He recently lost his wife, estranged from not only his children but also his grandchildren who are more interested in his possessions. His prized possession and joy was his 1972 Gran Torino which reminded him of a happier time in his life working at the Ford assembly plant. He is clearly still haunted by the horrors he witnessed and the violent acts the war had him commit. An unsuccessful attempt from the Hmong teenager next door from a forced gang initation to steal his Gran Torino vehicle, forced Walt into forming a relationship with the family furthering him to reanalyze his beliefs. He was eventually able to lay to rest his painful memories of the past by facing his own prejudice racist attitude face to face. He was able to overcome his oppressing behavior allowing the two diverse groups to form a mutual friendship. His death in the end shows support of the minority group, protecting them from the gang for years to come.

The movie Gran Torino portrays three diverse groups of people, taking place in the



References: (http://www.cramster.com/definitions/subculture/825) (Understanding Human Differences 3rd Edition, Koppelman,Kent, 2011) (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2574839/absent_fathers_and_the_effects_on_children.html?cat=25)

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