Starter text response: Gran Torino

‘Gran Torino’ is a film full of symbols of hope and redemption. Discuss.

In his film ‘Gran Torino’, Clint Eastwood tells the story of an unlikely relationship between Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski and his Hmong neighbours Thao and Sue. The film explores the possibility of redemption, “second chances”, and the hope that comes from having a positive future. Both Walt and Thao experience redemption in the film. Walt is saved from the guilt of murder and broken relationships. Ultimately, Walt finds “peace” with himself, with others and with God. Walt’s young neighbour Thao is rescued from a future of crime and violence, and the shame of attempted theft. Ultimately, Thao gains a future as a
He gives Thao his medal as a sign that Thao has become a man and he is brave. Then Walt goes off to fight for him. The medal shows a sign of excellence and bravery, which Walt has helped bring out in Thao. Thao also help Walt bring that excellence and bravery back into Walt. When Walt face off spider and his gang and goes to grab his lighter, he kept it in his left breast pocket. Thao clipped the medal onto his left breast pocket. It was as if Walt, although he was just grabbing a lighter, was touching his medal to show he was being loyal.

Walt sharing food with his Hmong neighbours shows acceptance and openness. Walt wasn’t used to sharing with people. He never shared any interests or hobbies with his children, grandchildren and rarely saw them. After his wife’s death he was all alone and didn’t have the need to share anything any more. When Walt ran out of beer, and Sue offered him to attend her family BBQ Walt was unsure weather he should accept or not. He decides to go and open himself up a little. By going to the BBQ he learns about his Hmong neighbours. He learns a little about their culture, their food and simply just learning that they aren’t bad people. The sharing food symbolises that they are open to each other, able to share and enjoy things together in harmony. At the scene where they are sharing food, Walt has started to heal a little bit. Walt gains redemption by sharing food with his Hmong neighbours. He has learned how to communicate