- Where does Gran Torino take place? When?
Detroit, Michigan. 2008
- What is significant about this setting?
The Hmong population is bigger in that area.
- What do you think is Walt’s motivation for mentoring Tao?
He’s trying to get Tao to man up and become an independent man, instead of being a follower.
- How does Walt feel about Sue compared to her brother Tao, in the beginning? Why do you think he feels this way?
He like sue because she was more independent than her brother, she stuck up for herself when she needed to.
- How does Walt feel about his own family? How is this different from the way his neighbours treat the idea of family?
He seems to not like his family a lot because of the way they treat him. His neighbours treat their family with respect and they are always loving each other.
- What are some customs which Walt’s neighbours have which surprise him?
The food they had from their culture was really good to him. He also liked all the little gift they had.
- Have you ever experienced “culture shock” or been surprised by a cultural practice which is different from your own? What surprised you and why?
No, I don’t think so.
- What is the purpose of the priest character? How would the film be different if this character was not included in the story?
The priest character is trying to make Walt happy and enjoy life a little more after his wife Dorothy died. I don't think the film would be any different without the priest.
- How is Walt affected by his experiences at war?
He now thinks every Hmong or Asian person is out to get him every time he sees one.
- What do you think is the director’s view of gang culture? How do you know?
I don’t know.
- Why do you think the film is called Gran Torino? What is the significance of the title?
The film is called Gran Torino because it is based around Tao stealing his precious car that Walt has had for many many years.
- What is the role of religion in this film?
Hmong
