Gran Torino (Exclusive Series) (HBO Max)

Initial release date: December 9, 2008

Studios: Warner Bros/Malpaso Productions/Village Roadshow

Plot: Retired auto worker and Korean War vet Walt Kowalski fills emptiness in his life with beer and home repair, despising the many Asian, Latino and black families in his neighborhood. Walt becomes a reluctant hero when he stands up to the gangbangers who tried to force an Asian teen to steal Walt’s treasured car. An unlikely friendship develops between Walt and the teen, as he learns he has more in common with his neighbors than he thought.

Cast

Clint Eastwood (Cry Macho) - Walt Kowalski

Christopher Carley - Father Janovich

Bee Vang - Thao

Ahney Her - Sue

Brian Haley (The Adjustment Bureau) - Mitch Kowalski

Geraldine Hughes (The Book of Henry) - Karen Kowalski

Dreama Walker (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) - Ashley Kowalski

Brian Howe - Steve Kowalski

John Carrol Lynch (Netflix’s Trial of the Chicago 7) - Barber Martin

William Hill - Tim Kennedy

Brooke Chia Thao - Vu

Writer: Nick Schenk (Cry Macho; The Mule; The Judge)

Director: Clint Eastwood (Cry Macho)

Rated R for language throughout, and some violence (116 min)

The 2008 Clint Eastwood film ‘Gran Torino’ is probably one of Eastwood’s best. There are quite a few moments that the acclaimed actor/filmmaker can make you laugh with his dry humor.

‘Gran Torino’ is one of those rare films that can perfectly blend humor and emotion. Eastwood also did an incredible job creating such a memorable character (Walt Kowalski).

There are also a couple scenes that dive into the Hmong culture and the people, which is also really interesting. This character-driven feature would’ve been the perfect film to wrap up his astonishing career. But, I’m sure Eastwood will never retire lol.

All of the drama in the film leads to an emotion, memorable conclusion that you don’t see coming. It’s one of those endings that can be both heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time.

You can check out ‘Gran Torino’ on the HBO Max streaming service or rent it through a variety of services.

If you have seen the movie, what did you think of it? Let me know in the comments below or on my Examiner Reviews Facebook page where I will also have shared this Exclusive review!

Here are some interesting tidbits about ‘Gran Torino’:

• Walt’s dog, Daisy, is Clint Eastwood’s beloved family retriever in real life.

• In terms of box office, this movie is the most successful ever, both in the US and the UK (until ‘American Sniper’), but not with inflation. Taking inflation into account, his most successful movies are ‘Every Which Way But Loose’ and ‘Any Which Way You Can.’

• Eastwood encouraged the Hmong actors to ad-lib in Hmong.

• This movie was once falsely rumored to be the final installment in the ‘Dirty Harry’ franchise.

• In the early 1990s, Schenk (the writer) became acquainted with the history and culture of the Hmong while working in a factory in Minnesota.

• In the film’s opening weekend of wide release in the US, it grossed $29.5 million; as of December 12, 2008, it has taken in $269.5 million worldwide.