David & Hyun Ju flew back from Vegas tonight and we went to Hollywood & Highland for dinner and then to Universal Studios to finally see Gran Torino. It’s described as a humorous, touching and intriguing old school parable and I loved it. I’m curious to know what my readers thought though (especially my Asian readers)? Were its portrayals of the Asian community (specifically the Hmong) fair? Volumes have already been written about this, and I need not rehash them here. If you’ve seen the movie, I’d be curious to know what you think. Though over acted at times by the principles, I felt it touched brilliantly on themes of racism and stereotypes; unlike any movie in recent memory (certainly not any Hollywood fare). The theater we were in was filled with many different races and people were laughing at some of the more overt jokes and crying during the sad parts (myself included). Without giving anything away, the payoff for me came at the end, with one of the characters driving the Gran Torino (and everything it symbolizes), down a Midwest highway. There’s hope in this movie. Just like in Slumdog Millionaire and just like in the inauguration of our new president. And with the way things have been going lately, I’m all for anything that gives us a little hope! Here are some photos from tonight:
The Kodak Theater (Home of the Oscars) (L) & Universal Studios (R)
Comments (13)
another flick that will have to wait for ppv! I LOVE popcorn! peace, Al
I miss hanging out with you Carey.
I don’t know enough about the Hmong community to offer a learned opinion. I’ve found Eastwood films in general to be well thought out. I want to watch this movie too!
fun pics. i was in la from the 16 to 19th. iono how i got sick but i did but im getting better now just still need rest and thanks
nothing about the cube meeting? lol. Daniel and i hung out the whole time practicing blindfold solving.
@pukemeister - I was so full that night, I didn’t have popcorn in the movie. One of the first times!
Great seeing you kids yesterday!
@Dezinerdreams - Me too! There’s another free movie this week. You should fly from Delhi!
@ElusiveWords - I learned a lot about the Hmong community after those shootings in Wisconsin a few years back. The Chicago Tribune did a great series on it: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/chi-0509070252sep07,0,4253899.story back in 2005 on the eve of Chai Vang’s trial.
@Lon3lyAzNLoV3r - I was at Sundance. Sorry I missed you. Hopefully next time!!
@happa_on_hemp - Not yet, I’m a little behind!
@CareyGLY - that’s unamerican – i’m gonna call the republicans!
So many movies I need to see, apparently.
it was ok
havnt seen Gran Torino yet, just saw Slumdog though. such a great film. i didnt expect i was going to be a love film though, still liked it. love the ending credits lol
All I can say is that, growing up, my mom was scared to DEATH that I’d be recruited into some asian gang in high school. That seemed to be the fear of all asian moms as we grew up in NYC. So that part I can relate to. But that quickly became a non-issue when, instead of hanging out with thugs and smoking and dying my hair orange, I’d rush home after school to watch “Day of Our Lives” that I recorded.
@infinitysurfer - Did you ever watch the Slumdog link I sent you?
Thanks!
@sl79 - The movie itself?
@Sc12EeN17aM3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK6GRdf9kxQ
@jasonbasin - ROTFL. That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in a long time!
I like Eastwood and his films, most likely I’ll rent the DVD version. How exciting you’ll be spending July 4th in Italy!
Happy Chinese New Year to you!