but why 70% Criminals in USA are Black, 15% Hispanic, 12% White and only 3% Asian ? | Company Credits Walt Kowalski : She hates me. When discussing his children with Thao, Walt laments the fact that his son works as a salesman for a Japanese automaker. But now that shooting has wrapped up, how the Hmong actors fit into their roles is becoming more visible. The engine is a standard 302. Great film has tons of language and upsetting scenes. He is silent as they insist he roll with them. Eventually, he asks what he has to do. Archived. Bee Vang, actor and second-year student at Brown University, and Dr. Louisa Schein, Hmong media expert, discussed the truth of what happened behind the scenes of the movie Gran Torino. road trip to nova scotia from toronto LIVE Boy, does my ass hurt from all of the guys at my construction job.". My husband and I have a little issue with "GiGi". The priest asks Walt what his problem with the priest is. We discussed things and stayed friends. grandma, grandmother, granny, grannie, gran, nan, nanna noun. "[7], Schein in Hmong Today said in regards to Vang that "With a mild-mannered countenance and a slight build, hes equipped to fill the role of neighborhood wimp. Thao Vang Lor : Sir! Romances. As an initiation, they ask him to steal Walts Gran Torino, a 1972 Ford muscle car Walt proudly keeps in mint condition. Charity, Tom. As if the Chinese-, Japanese- and Korean-American communities have never protested against racism, racial discrimination and racist portrayals in Hollywood films. Omaha Homeschool Sports, Meaning of Gran. Here are some really funny jokes for your grandma. [starts pointing at Walt and angrily exclaiming in Hmong]. He also sang the theme song for "Gran Torino" (2008). . The next you are all-wise and prehistoric." - Pam Brown "Grandmother: A wonderful mother with lots of practice." - Unknown Unfortunately, no one can do much about the stereotypes because they go beyond Gran Torino. Gran Torino. What's she saying? "[16] Txhiameng Vu, quoted in Schein and Thoj's publication, said that Sue "is portrayed as intelligent and strong, she has no personal motivation to guide her character" and that since she is "[d]esigned as a character that exists primarily to serve the films storyline, Sue is unable to develop as a real character with her own motivation and resolution. She has pulled back the canvas tarp that covers his pride and joy, his beloved 1972 GRAN TORINO. In a moment of comic irony, the grandmother of the family spits a greater volume of brown spit (from betel nut chewing) onto her lawn after Walt spits chewing tobacco in her direction. Grandma Dell and Grandma Elaine a.k.a. The film Gran Torino is available on Netflix and. Ly Chong Thong Jalao . Gran Torino is a brilliant movie from start to finish, I can't believe I waited so long to watch it, It's completely different to what I expected, Two thirds of the film had a very light tone at . They never caught they guy and the police have no leads. He performed his own vocals in the 1969 Western musical "Paint Your Wagon" and the 1982 drama "Honkytonk Man." Mourners shake Walt's hand and take seats in pews. Gran Torino is the story of Walt Kowalski, an old veteran of the Korean War. Walter "Walt" Kowalski (portrayed by Clint Eastwood) is a Polish-American former auto worker who becomes embroiled in a conflict involving a Hmong family and a gang. She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes." - Barbara Cage "Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. The Hmong gangsters arrive at the house the next day. what does the grandma say in gran torinoi miss you text art copy and paste. The Gran Torino evolves in its symbolism where Thao is concerned. In order to stop these racial stereotypes from being portrayed in movies, Vang and Schein propose that minority directors should get behind the camera and make movies to expose Hollywood, using the masters tool against the master. The priest says he promised Dorothy that hed watch over Walt. Why it's here: Skinny in stature but big on style, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom, 1,165-square-foot home is a landmark property in the heart of . Walt spits brown tobacco spit. That scene was one of the heart-wrenching scenes of Gran Torino. How to watch on TV and via live stream. ive claimed to have gotten aids from a dentist, been accused of rape by a spurned lover, and have a child that got autism from a vaccine but come on, man. After Walt says the priest knows nothing about life and death, and speaks of the atrocities he committed in Korea, the priest asks Walt what he knows about life. Even before Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino was released to critical acclaim and commercial success in 2009, the film was already a heated topic of discussion in the many Hmong CHURCH We're at the funeral of Dorothy Kowalski. "Gran Torino Quotes and Analysis". You can reach out to me at Harshali@Otakukart.com. Olson, Maxwell. Torinos (and Montegos) were among the Malaisiest of Malaise Era machines, so it seems fitting to follow up the '75 Gran Torino Junkyard Find with today's '76. He did not want the Hmong communityhis own communityto be seen in a negative light by the audience. Sue, who has been tailing Thao earlier, comes into the basement and releases him. ruth ramirez richard ramirez sister; barbie und das geheimnis von oceana 1 streamcloud; tarifvertrag gebudereinigung 2021 sonderurlaub Mourners shake Walt's hand and take seats in pews. Charging Vang with speaking out only because his acting career has not taken off is childish, like some fan of One Direction claiming that someone else isnt a fan only out of jealousy. We werent pussies who went to workshops and whined about things behind each others backs. Walt says the priest knows only what he learned in priest school. Grandma : [starts pointing at Walt and angrily exclaiming in Hmong] Walt Kowalski : What's she saying? Kids: "One For All?" Vang also mentioned that he was upset by the way the Hmongs were portrayed in the film. "[25] Manohla Dargis of New York Times has described the sons as having "big houses, big cars, big waistlines".[18]. 27. If some one needs to be updated with latest technologies then he must be visit this site and be up to date Sue Lor : Yeah, she hates you. Though many of the people who have seen the film may have gotten a sense of satisfaction and joy from seeing that Walt overcame his racism, the people who acted as the Hmong members in the movie did not. in disney cream cheese pretzel recipe. Walt looks at her for a second, then steps on . When I first saw Gran Torino, I thought that it was really good because I didnt know about the whole background, she said. His lifeless body falls on the ground, and he opens his hand, revealing his lighter and not a gun. All of this, provoking the gang, pretending to pull a gun, and even going there unarmed, was a part of his revenge against the Spider gang. Schein and Thoj, "Beyond Gran Torino's Guns: Hmong Cultural Warriors Performing Genders," p. 769. Gran Torino study guide contains a biography of director Clint Eastwood, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Sue Lor : Yeah, no, she didn't. Walt Kowalski : She hates me. "[9], In the original script, Thao was described as a "A slight, slender Hmong boy with long hair and eyelashes" and an "Asian Johnny Depp." Tania Modleski, author of "Clint Eastwood and Male Weepies," says that Thao is "pacific by nature. Actors have been trying to massage their lines for artistic, religious, political, moral and egotistical reasons but have still gone on with the show since Sophocles and Aristophanes were wowing the crowds in ancient Athens. Cooper, James ed. Jesus' name is misused about 20 times (a few times by the priest), and God's name is paired with "d-n" another half-dozen. This is a good movie . Sue Lor (portrayed by Ahney Her) is a Hmong American girl who is Thao's older sister. Clearing Thaos confusion about this whole basement talk, Walt locks Thao in his basement. His hair is grey and spiky, styled short with some bangs hanging forward and a trimmed beard. We teased each other using racial stereotypes. The Multicultural Center put on a program that opened the audiences eyes to the racial stereotypes portrayed in Hollywood films in addition to the unfair treatment that minority actors receive backstage. The scene cuts to Walt drinking beer at a veterans bar with two friends. As the story proceeds and Walt and Thao begin to form a relationship, it becomes a symbol of that relationship. Gran Torino study guide contains a biography of director Clint Eastwood, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Giving Gran Torino shows that Walt valued his friendship as much as he cherished his car, Gran Torino, and wanted to give it to the one who was worthy of it. Such Hypocrisy. Try googling Redress and Reparations, Yuri Kochiyama, The Year of the Dragon, Jonathan Pryce and Miss Saigon. I could go on, but you can start there. 'Gran Torino' is a big surprise," says Lee of the No. "If nothing is going well, call your grandmother," goes the Italian proverb, and it's true. Walt Kowalski's attitude towards minorities seems very prejudice and close-minded. The scene cuts back to Walt as he watches his new neighbors cut the head off a live chicken in the backyard. 23 of 25 Tootsie. He also owns an M1 Garand rifle as well as a Colt 45 ACP pistol. Sue Lor "[21] They argued that the film gives no indication that Sue is in school or has any career plans for herself, despite her "tremendous verbosity. Walt scowls at the sight of his granddaughter Ashleys exposed belly-button piercing. Walt was an American man and a Korean War veteran who resided in a neighborhood that became inhabited by Hmong families (Gran Torino, 2008). The Gran Torino is in mint condition. The plot revolves around Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), a recently widowed Korean war veteran, and Thao Vang Lor (Bee Vang), Walts young neighbor. Gran Torino is an American drama film directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, who also starred in the movie and screenplay by Nick Schenk and a story by Dave Johannson and Nick Schenk. Sue Lor : Yeah, she hates you. Over 13 years after Clint Eastwood 's " Gran Torino " opened in theaters and became a box office sensation ($148 million in the U.S. and $269 million worldwide), cast member Bee . Disgruntled Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, Thao Lor, a Hmong teenager who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: a 1972 Gran Torino. I grew up in a Brooklyn housing project, in the 60s. With this comment about Walt's lack of familiarity with life and overfamiliarity with death, the priest momentarily breaks through Walt's icy exterior. It has been babied since the day it rolled off the line. No less than 2 months after that incident, we were robbed at gunpoint by a young Asian guy. Ti Ph Printing l n v hng u v dch v cung cp my in vn phng, mc my in. "[12], Vang said that he intended to "create a character that people could love" and that he "decided to commit to developing the role of Thao, making him more complex and credible. Guarantee: Car does NOT have an existing service warranty. "[8] Manohla Dargis of The New York Times said that Sue is "mouthy" and "friendly". Even though there are some cultural inaccuracies, the movie tries to deliver a positive message, goes beyond cultures and boundaries all lie a person who loves and cherishes you, . The program was held on Tuesday, January 18. Let's start with the most used nicknames for Grandma. The movie "Gran Torino" is an excellent example of how our own moral values define who we are as a person. Gran Torino is a beautiful film featuring Hmong culture and the true meaning of friendship that runs beyond cultural differences. At that moment, both must have felt regrettable and grateful to Walk; regrettable to lose him and grateful for protecting them till the end. While Nana took the top spot, Grammy, Granny, Nanny, Mamaw, Mawmaw, Mimi, Grandmother, Memaw, and Abuela/Abuelita rounded out the top ten list. The gangs toxically masculine intimidation continues with Thao finally giving in to their insistence he join them. People pretend that they are in a society past racism, but that is not the case, Janau said. GradeSaver, 24 November 2021 Web. Meanwhile, Walt makes his personal preparation. Understanding that fighting against the gangsters would only lead to more harm to his friends, Walt resorted to the best possible plan where the gang would be behind the jail, while his beloved friends would be free from the clutch of Spider. Walt listens while scowling. The passage is significant because it shows how Sue can relate to Walt despite their differences in age and cultural background. Gran definition, grandmother. "[13] Carol Cling of the Pulaski News said that Vang, as Thao, gave an "achingly earnest" performance.[14]. Summary. In 2008, "Gran Torino" became the first major U.S. film to feature Hmong American actors. So even when he had to obey, he did it with more attitude. Early in the morning, Thao comes to Walt's kitchen and asks what the hell he is doing. Walt Kowalski is a widower who holds onto his prejudices despite the changes in his Michigan neighborhood and the world around him. Of them, only one was not a first time actor. Sue Lor is a supporting protagonist in the 2008 movie Gran Torino. woman jumps off carquinez bridge 2021 what does the grandma say in gran torino. Posted by 5 years ago. Thao says, "This ends today.". Rawpixel.com. When you sympathize with Clint Eastwood's character in Gran Torino. Bee Vang was not the first actor or the millionth who took a job hoping to improve a script, nor was he the first or millionth to keep the gig even if the script was still a dog. "Poor parenting skills are an area of annoyance and stress for grandparents," says Jones. Walt tells him to show some respect because theyre mourning and sends him away with nothing. Grandma : [starts pointing at Walt and angrily exclaiming in Hmong] Walt Kowalski : What's she saying? The word granny is recorded earlier, in the 1600s. How come grandmas are so good at learning different languages so quickly? You OK? : | After locking Thao, Walt marches to the gangs residence place, where they gunpoint him. Bee Vang was a teenager from a minority community working for producers and a director with vastly more power AND consultants who, he claims, were willing to soft-pedal their concerns about the script. During such a short time, Thao and Sue seemed to form an everlasting bond with Walt that he wanted to cherish even if was meant paying with his life. A grandmother's smile, Is like a candle's flame. Walts children gossip about how theres nothing anyone can do to avoid disappointing their father. Asian Americans, we can tell, 'That guy's not Chinese! what does the grandma say in gran torino. a letter to my cheer team from coach; armando barron jaffrey, nh; skol vodka vs smirnoff; allegiant stadium tour tickets; easter devotional 2021; berlin brigade memories; dodge durango pursuit top speed; how long is anchovy paste good for after opening. Sorry, but I wont believe that, he wanted to act in it and see if he could become famous, but obviously he didnt because his performance was mediocre to say the least, Sues (Anhey Her) acting was way better. My wife was raped by members of an Asian gang. have some pride in your craft and sell that such n such. Walt blames this on the foreigners, naturally, including the multi-generation . Read Also:Nobody Ending Explained: How It Sets Up The Sequel? Plastic Cubicle Nameplate Holders, Nobody Ending Explained: How It Sets Up The Sequel? This may be a Ford Elite, the short-lived personal-luxury-coupe version . Cartwright, Jeffrey (12th grade student at. His hero costume consists of a full-body monochrome suit along with a yellow cape, a belt with the letter "G . James Bowie Wife Death, Gran Torino is the first mainstream American film featuring Hmong Americans. The partial confession suggests that Walt may not be as hardened in his ways as he would like to make others believe. Why Does Walt Kowalski Lock Thao in Basement? She was portrayed by Ahney Her. "[20] Schein and Thoj said "[i]t could be argued, then, that Sue exemplifies a strong Hmong American womanhood, forged through the hardships of immigration in families where fathers are weakened by culture shock or deceased during the war. When we say someone is "rolling in their grave" or "turning in their grave," we're expressing the belief that the actions or words of someone in the present conflict so much with what someone who has died would want that they're rolling around in their grave in an effort to get out and correct them. The film Gran Torino is available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Walt Kowalski : Oh, I've got one. "[17] Schein, also of the Hmong Today, said that Her "is the same kind of self-possessed young woman in life as she plays on camera. So, stop trying to fool us."[2]. As he tells an offensive joke, it is a rare moment in which Walt seems to be enjoying himself. Information and translations of gran torino in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. a grandmother. Thanks. Gran Torino, screenplay by Nick Schenk, produced, directed, and starring Clint Eastwood, Warner Brothers Pictures DVD, 2008, 116 minutes, Rated R.. Clint Eastwood has starred in many memorable films since the 1960s as the strong, silent, violent hero. "I'll be there soon." Aizawa immediately hung up, no other words to be said. His character is explaining why so many people showed up at the house after his wife's funeral. This is his pride and he has been working on it for a very long time. An inspirational, peaceful, listening experience. The bartender looks up and says, "Get the fuck out of here." These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Gran Torino, directed by Clint Eastwood. I tend to agree with most of this comment, although Im not sure American men teasing each other across racial and religious lines was that common in the 60s and 70s. Image: Warner Brothers. In this scene, Walt is trying to teach Thao how to comport himself when speaking with other men. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. All things considered, one can say that Walt represents the older generation in American society, which is slowly dying out. As a content writer, I write engaging content based on k-dramas and k-pop music world. Its about a grumpy vet who has a heart that is brought about from the least suspecting source Joy-Leo Wooden Family Birthday Plaque Calendar. Glad hes speaking out. Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino is about a racist old man named Walt who overcomes his prejudice by helping his . . So this is simply the result of applying the grand- prefix to the child word. He has a light complexion and brown eyes. I disagree. what does hong kong flight departure mean shein. They pick on a lone kid, an easy target when they are in a car full of backup. In another quote that Walt mutters to himself, Walt laments the Vang Lors having moved into the house next door. The boys pretend they werent looking. "[11] In an interview Vang said that he intended to "redeem" Thao, who Sang Chi and Emily Moberg Robinson, editors of Voices of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Experience: Volume 1, referred to as "emasculated. A Mexican, a Jew, and a colored guy go into a bar. It seems Walk has been haunted by the memory of killing a young enemy soldier who tried to surrender. Well I think youre an over-educated 27-year-old virgin who likes to hold the hands of old ladies and promise them eternity.. what does the grandma say in gran torino. Gran Torino [Motion Picture]. She has a streetwise, witty personality and a strong, independent spirit; she easily gets along with Walt despite his grumpiness. "[8] Vang said that while he had the same culture Thao had, he did not experience violent incidents like Thao did. Eastwood introduces the themes of self-reliance and masculinity during Walts conversation with the youthful priest, Father Janovich. Oils That Penetrate Hair Cuticle, On the other hand, East Asian Studies Professor Mayfair Yang believes that speaking up in groups rather than by oneself would be a better way to get the message across. Gran Torino. what does the old woman say in gran torino. His spoof, which is on YouTube, switches the roles of Walt and Thao to exaggerate how ridiculous the situation is and to show that a dominant person cannot have power without having someone to oppress. Before leaving the bathroom, he looks at himself in the mirror and says the quoted passage aloud, realizing that he has more in common with the Hmong family next door than he does his own flesh and blood. The moral of the movie is that Walt learns to overcome his racism, and learns to love his neighbors. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. More books than SparkNotes. Asian Boys, I think theyre called. From movie Gran Torino. As well as shown by his sons, who chose another path than he did, also the relics he kept from his past show that his legacy is fading. Does Clint eastwood sing? Walt Kowalski had served in the Korean War and had killed a Korean boy who had been trying to surrender to him. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Okay, I know I'm late on this bandwagon. When I read the script, I thought that it was messed up, he said. Nana is the most common nickname for a Grandma in thirty-two states. You just listen to the way Martin and I banter it back and forth. These may also be spelled as separate words: yia yia and ya ya or without the hyphen yiayia and yaya . After Walt catches Thao, the Hmong teenager next door, trying to steal his cherished 1972 Gran Torino, he puts the boy to work fixing houses around the neighborhood. The two form an unbreakable bond over time, crossing the boundaries of cultural diversity. Walt uses a derogatory term for Chinese people, erasing the Vang Lors' Hmong ancestry in his ignorant collapsing of ethnic differences among Asian people. He resides in a neighborhood that was once all-white, but has since been populated by Asian families. Gran Torino Actor Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Racism, Opportunity For All? Technical Specs, [starts pointing at Walt and angrily exclaiming in Hmong]. He had tattoos which I believe might be gang-related. Knowing where Walk has gone, both march in the same direction. The barber casually replies with an insult of his own, also citing Walt's heritage as he does. By establishing this setting, Eastwood subtly introduces the themes of Hmong-American culture and of deindustrialization, as it is the changing economic and demographic make-up of Detroit that leads Walt to live next door to people from a culture he does not care to understand. Words and phrases that elderly people say to eachother that only they know the meanings of. Thao's attempt to speak with Walt's barber fails spectacularly when Thao's mix of emulated statements come together in an absurd hodgepodge. They discuss whether hell get into trouble living alone in the old neighborhood. He asks himself, Whyd the chinks have to move in here? A grandmother steps onto her porch and says something hostile in Hmong to Walt. When no one produces one, Walt slowly reaches into his jacket, and withdraws his hand quickly, tricking the gang into thinking he is pulling a gun, so they open fire on him. Walt was a fine character deeply flawed but interesting. Here's another Elite, in perhaps a more pleasing shade than brown. Sue was a teenage Hmong girl whose family immigrated to the united states, and became neighbors with a veteran named Walt Kowalski. 3. $25 at Amazon. From the outset of the film, Walt is depicted as an isolated, self-reliant figure who trusts no one and refuses to let anyone get close to him. empathy." Sad but not surprised to read of Bee Vangs experience. "[8] The creators selected Vang for the role because, in the words of Baenen, "his innocent looks and slight build. The plot of Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino is a closely guarded secret. See Spanish-English translations with audio pronunciations, examples, and word-by-word explanations. Clint's son Scott Eastwood appeared in this movie as Trey. 'Sounds like the opposite of Tenko's quirk' Gran Torino: "Yep. The first records of the word gran come from the 1800s. the mother of your father or mother. The relationship that Walt had with his own family was disconnected and . Summary. You might want to say it's a hilarious slap in the face of political correctness. Why Did Cindy Busby Leave Heartland, The passage is significant because it speaks to why Walt is alienated from his own family, who clearly don't respect him. In words like grandmother and grandma, the d is often unpronounced, making them sound like they start with gran (or gram).The prefix grand-is used in family terms to indicate a person who is one generation removed, as in grandparent and grandchild. The meaning behind Walt's actions at the end of Gran Torino. "Gran Torino" expresses an issue that has been one of conflict in our society today; racism. He plays Walter "Walt" Kowalski, an elderly retired veteran of The Korean War living in Highland Park, Michigan (a rundown suburb of Detroit ), shortly after the death of his wife. Mourners shake Walt's hand and take seats in pews. Gramma Tala uses a cane to walk. In an early scene in the film, Walt watches his new neighbors, the Vang Lors, move in. kologische nische beispiel fische; bismarck karikatur analyse; klasifikcia produkcie odpisov skupiny 2020 Ive got more in common with these gooks than I do my own rotten family. Nana is described as a beautiful woman with a tough demeanor. Walt often calls Thao "Toad." Isla Vista Can Collecting is Now Punishable by Fines, Phyllis and Harold Offers Lessons in Life and Love, The Fire of a Moment Reviewing the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, Opportunity For All? Clint's son Scott Eastwood appeared in this movie as Trey. Happy birthday.. It reaches deep into the heart of America and rips the lifeless and heartless soul from our bodies. Of the Hmong cast, five, including Bee Vang, one of . Walt was an American man and a Korean War seasoned who lived in a community that started to be inhabited by Hmong people (Gran Torino, 2008). Its not a cultural expose and btw the Asian families were presented in a great light and such publicity can only positively work to break down barriers While the words on paper sound like an insult directed at Thao (among other groups disparaged), Thao smiles, understanding the inherent affection behind Walt's crudeness. She is the main antagonist of George's Marvelous Medicine by Roald Dahl. The movie itself contained many racial slurs about Asians that the speakers found insulting. Gran Torino is directed by the legendary Clint Eastwood, who previously directed Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby, Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima, and Changeling.The screenplay was . An elderly Korean War veteran, Walt wears a scowl for the duration of his wifes funeral, judging the disrespectful appearances and behavior of his grandchildren. Early in the morning, Thao comes to Walt's kitchen and asks what the hell he is doing. Ampleforth College Redundancies, Filming & Production He had never been good at socializing, and he had no idea what to say about Gran Torino surviving when Midnight died. What does gran torino mean? Walt watched as his grandchildren filed into the church to pay respect to their deceased grandmother. "[5] Jeff Baenen of the Associated Press said that Thao was "weak-willed. Despite Clint Eastwood's dedication to casting Hmong actors, it didn't help Gran Torino's place as a controversial film in the Asian-American community. Walt Kowalski As the priest speaks of the need to turn to the Lord in times of grief, Walt swears to himself, his alienation from the world around him on full display. The original form of grandma was grandmama (18th century, OED). Rather than accept the priests offer of support in his grief, Walt insults the man with a belittling comment, showing him that he will not be condescended to by a novice priest. The Shershaah Actress Sparks Expecting Rumors, Ben Bu Cihana Smazam Episode 21: Release Date, Spoilers & Where to Watch, NieR: Automata Ver1.1a Episode 7: Release Date & Streaming Guide, Delivery Man Episode 3: Release Date, Spoilers & Streaming Guide. Sue Lor : Yeah, no, she didn't. Walt Kowalski : [to Father Janovich] I think you're an overeducated 27-year-old virgin who likes to hold the hands of superstitious old ladies and promise them everlasting life. what does the grandma say in gran torino. When Father Janovich comes to Walt's house to pressure him into going to confession, Walt is his usual openly hostile self. Gran Torino was directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, who also played the role of the main character known as Walt Kowalski.