After a Hmong teenager tries to steal his prized 1972 Gran Torino, a disgruntled, prejudiced Korean War veteran seeks to redeem both the boy and himself.After a Hmong teenager tries to steal his prized 1972 Gran Torino, a disgruntled, prejudiced Korean War veteran seeks to redeem both the boy and himself.After a Hmong teenager tries to steal his prized 1972 Gran Torino, a disgruntled, prejudiced Korean War veteran seeks to redeem both the boy and himself.
- Awards
- 21 wins & 23 nominations total
Scott Eastwood
- Trey
- (as Scott Reeves)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
8.1852.7K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Summary
Reviewers say 'Gran Torino' is a poignant drama examining redemption, cultural conflict, and human connections. Clint Eastwood's portrayal of Walt Kowalski, a prejudiced veteran, is lauded for its emotional depth. The film tackles racism, xenophobia, and redemption, showcasing human complexity and change. Critics praise Eastwood's direction and the supporting cast's authenticity, though some note minor flaws like clichéd characters. Overall, it's considered one of Eastwood's best works, with a powerful message of tolerance.
Featured reviews
A very well done and powerful film
I saw Gran Torino mainly as an admirer of Clint Eastwood, both as an actor and as director. And I was very impressed, there were parts that amused me and others that had me moved. Gran Torino was a very well made and beautifully directed movie, complete with a fitting soundtrack, a strong script with smooth enough tone shifts and a powerful message that is well conveyed and one that I think many, myself included, would identify with. The story is mostly engaging with an interesting protagonist, but there are a few moments where it is hackneyed and predictable, which is my only criticism of this movie. In regard to the acting, Clint Eastwood gives a very commanding performance and the kids are also very good mostly. Overall, very well done. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Very powerful lesson
A very touching film that brings out a different but still great side of Clint Eastwood.
Laughed at the start. Cried at the end
A modern day masterpiece. There is really no movie that is so funny, however, so moving at the same time. A true cultural masterpiece that puts political correctness to shame. We are all equal and Gran Torino does a fine job of letting us know. One of Clint Eastwood's greatest. Acting and directing.
Eastwood excels at storytelling
Gran Torino - They don't make them like they used to....
Mr. Eastwood has a knack for storytelling. Instead of being preachy or having an all to obvious agenda, he lets his viewers make up their own minds. His characters don't have a message, they have a life and make no excuses for who they are. In so many subtle and intelligent ways we are allowed to make our own choices. Like with Kowalski in the movie, you are not confronted with a role model hammering home all those "life's important messages", but rather with a movie saying "Look! This is the way it worked out for me. And I think I know a few tricks that might help you, but in the end it's your own life. However, you have to trust me when I say that there are a some things you don't want to see or experience!". Some people will leave this movie entirely untouched, others will certainly be crying their guts out. Not because some people "get it" and others "don't", but because it is a brilliant piece of entertainment reaching out to every viewer in its own specific way.
Eastwood's acting is top notch again, although the years have not been very kind to his voice. The rest of the cast are fine, but one can certainly spot their more amateurish backgrounds here and there which is the main reason why I could not give this one a 10/10.
Apart from that there is little to criticize. It's not an action movie, not a drama movie and certainly not a comedy (even though you get a few laughs out of this one). It's simply a good story about life.....and death.
Mr. Eastwood has a knack for storytelling. Instead of being preachy or having an all to obvious agenda, he lets his viewers make up their own minds. His characters don't have a message, they have a life and make no excuses for who they are. In so many subtle and intelligent ways we are allowed to make our own choices. Like with Kowalski in the movie, you are not confronted with a role model hammering home all those "life's important messages", but rather with a movie saying "Look! This is the way it worked out for me. And I think I know a few tricks that might help you, but in the end it's your own life. However, you have to trust me when I say that there are a some things you don't want to see or experience!". Some people will leave this movie entirely untouched, others will certainly be crying their guts out. Not because some people "get it" and others "don't", but because it is a brilliant piece of entertainment reaching out to every viewer in its own specific way.
Eastwood's acting is top notch again, although the years have not been very kind to his voice. The rest of the cast are fine, but one can certainly spot their more amateurish backgrounds here and there which is the main reason why I could not give this one a 10/10.
Apart from that there is little to criticize. It's not an action movie, not a drama movie and certainly not a comedy (even though you get a few laughs out of this one). It's simply a good story about life.....and death.
Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood is simply great both in front of and behind the camera.
Eastwood is as great as Walt Kowalski, a man who, behind his rough exterior, deeply feels the world around him. Through humor and deep emotions, this film shows us that people are complicated and life is unpredictable.
Such films are rare, and nowadays they are almost non-existent. The development of the main character and the depiction of his emotions and internal conflict are interesting, which is exactly the basis of the film.
There is also a bit of humor in the film, located exactly where it should be and thus creates that necessary balance against the cruel reality.
The script is brilliant, and Clint Eastwood turned it into a great film, managing to evoke tension and feelings, as well as the inner struggle of the characters.
The film is superbly directed and easily guides the viewer through the story. The cinematography is excellent, as is the photography. The soundtrack fits perfectly into the atmosphere of the film.
This is an old-fashioned drama with interesting characters that are not one-dimensional but complicated and layered. Unfortunately, the actor who plays the character of Thao is simply not a good actor, but the rest of the cast played their parts excellently.
I was particularly impressed by Ahney Her in the role of Sue, and Clint Eastwood is equally excellent in the role of Walt Kowalski. Also, Christopher Carley excellently portrayed the character of Father Janovich, a young and somewhat naive priest, whose character is also interesting and develops throughout the film.
A great, powerful and inspiring film.
Eastwood is as great as Walt Kowalski, a man who, behind his rough exterior, deeply feels the world around him. Through humor and deep emotions, this film shows us that people are complicated and life is unpredictable.
Such films are rare, and nowadays they are almost non-existent. The development of the main character and the depiction of his emotions and internal conflict are interesting, which is exactly the basis of the film.
There is also a bit of humor in the film, located exactly where it should be and thus creates that necessary balance against the cruel reality.
The script is brilliant, and Clint Eastwood turned it into a great film, managing to evoke tension and feelings, as well as the inner struggle of the characters.
The film is superbly directed and easily guides the viewer through the story. The cinematography is excellent, as is the photography. The soundtrack fits perfectly into the atmosphere of the film.
This is an old-fashioned drama with interesting characters that are not one-dimensional but complicated and layered. Unfortunately, the actor who plays the character of Thao is simply not a good actor, but the rest of the cast played their parts excellently.
I was particularly impressed by Ahney Her in the role of Sue, and Clint Eastwood is equally excellent in the role of Walt Kowalski. Also, Christopher Carley excellently portrayed the character of Father Janovich, a young and somewhat naive priest, whose character is also interesting and develops throughout the film.
A great, powerful and inspiring film.
Did you know
- TriviaWalt's dog, Daisy, is Clint Eastwood's beloved family retriever in real life.
- Goofs(at around 1h 35 mins) In the bathroom scene, Walt says to the dog to give him a break because it's the first time he's ever smoked in the house. Actually, he smoked the night before when Father Janovich was with him inside the house and they also drank beer.
- Quotes
Duke: What you lookin' at, old man?
Walt Kowalski: Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have fucked with? That's me.
- Crazy creditsThe credits scroll over a highway overlooking the lake shore, with the Warner Logo appearing in black and white.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Jamie Cullum: Gran Torino (2008)
- SoundtracksGran Torino
Written by Clint Eastwood, Jamie Cullum, Kyle Eastwood, and Michael Stevens
Performed by Jamie Cullum and Don Runner
Jamie Cullum appears courtesy of Terrified Records and Universal Music Operations Limited
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Ngọt Và Đắng
- Filming locations
- 238 Rhode Island Street Highland Park Michigan, USA(Walt Kowalski's house)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $33,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $148,095,302
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $271,720
- Dec 14, 2008
- Gross worldwide
- $269,958,228
- Runtime
- 1h 56m(116 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content






