List of Gran Torino characters: Difference between revisions
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===The Hmong gang=== |
===The Hmong gang=== |
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The five actors who were cast as the Hmong [[Gangs in the United States|street gang]] members came from five different Hmong clans and five different [[U.S. states]].<ref name="ScheinBadGuys">Schein, Louisa. "[http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=9c74f65fbd40944ddeba5271a1013bd0 Hmong Actors Making History: The Bad Guys Of Eastwood's Gran Torino]." ''[[Hmong Today]]'' at ''[[New America Media]]''. September 3, 2008. Retrieved on March 17, 2012. ([http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/2008/11/21/hmong-actors-making-history-bad-guys-gran-torino.html Alternate] at the ''[[Twin Cities Daily Planet]]'')</ref> |
The five actors who were cast as the Hmong [[Gangs in the United States|street gang]] members came from five different Hmong clans and five different [[U.S. states]].<ref name="ScheinBadGuys">Schein, Louisa. "[http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=9c74f65fbd40944ddeba5271a1013bd0 Hmong Actors Making History: The Bad Guys Of Eastwood's Gran Torino] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919160710/http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=9c74f65fbd40944ddeba5271a1013bd0 |date=2008-09-19 }}." ''[[Hmong Today]]'' at ''[[New America Media]]''. September 3, 2008. Retrieved on March 17, 2012. ([http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/2008/11/21/hmong-actors-making-history-bad-guys-gran-torino.html Alternate] at the ''[[Twin Cities Daily Planet]]'')</ref> |
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* '''"Smokie"''' (portrayed by Sonny Vue) - Smokie is the ringleader of the gang. Louisa Schein of ''[[Hmong Today]]'' said that Vue, born in [[Fresno, California]] and residing in [[St. Paul, Minnesota]], "was a surprise pick for the gang."<ref name="ScheinBadGuys"/> Before starring in the film, Vue's only acting experience involving taking a high school acting class. Vue said that he may have been chosen due to speaking "Hmong street English" and his "Hmong American look"; during his audition he wore a T-shirt that said "I’m Hiding From the Cops."<ref name="set">{{cite news |
* '''"Smokie"''' (portrayed by Sonny Vue) - Smokie is the ringleader of the gang. Louisa Schein of ''[[Hmong Today]]'' said that Vue, born in [[Fresno, California]] and residing in [[St. Paul, Minnesota]], "was a surprise pick for the gang."<ref name="ScheinBadGuys"/> Before starring in the film, Vue's only acting experience involving taking a high school acting class. Vue said that he may have been chosen due to speaking "Hmong street English" and his "Hmong American look"; during his audition he wore a T-shirt that said "I’m Hiding From the Cops."<ref name="set">{{cite news |
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|url=http://www.asianweek.com/2008/10/03/eastwoods-next-film-features-hmong-american-cast-exclusive-interviews-from-the-set-of-gran-torino/ |
|url = http://www.asianweek.com/2008/10/03/eastwoods-next-film-features-hmong-american-cast-exclusive-interviews-from-the-set-of-gran-torino/ |
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|title=Eastwood's Next Film Features Hmong American Cast: Exclusive Interviews From the Set of ''Gran Torino'' |
|title = Eastwood's Next Film Features Hmong American Cast: Exclusive Interviews From the Set of ''Gran Torino'' |
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|last=Schein |
|last = Schein |
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|first=Louisa |
|first = Louisa |
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|work=[[AsianWeek]] |
|work = [[AsianWeek]] |
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|date=October 3, 2008 |
|date = October 3, 2008 |
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|accessdate=October 28, 2008 |
|accessdate = October 28, 2008 |
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|deadurl = yes |
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|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081009104506/http://www.asianweek.com/2008/10/03/eastwoods-next-film-features-hmong-american-cast-exclusive-interviews-from-the-set-of-gran-torino/ |
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|archivedate = October 9, 2008 |
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}} |
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</ref> |
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* '''Fong "Spider"''' (portrayed by Thailand-born, Minnestoa-raised actor Doua Moua) - Fong is Thao's [[Psychopathy#Sociopathy|sociopathic]] cousin, shot caller the gang, and the main antagonist.<ref name="ScheinBadGuys"/> Moua, a graduate of the [[International School of Minnesota]] in [[Eden Prairie, Minnesota]], said that he had no regrets in playing as a gang member, since, in the words of Laura Yuen of ''[[Minnesota Public Radio]]'', "gangs consumed his brother's life while they were growing up in St. Paul."<ref name="Yuen">Yuen, Laura. "[http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/12/19/grantorino/ Hmong get a mixed debut in new Eastwood film]." ''[[Minnesota Public Radio]]''. December 18, 2008. Retrieved on March 18, 2012.</ref> Moua added that many first generation Hmong are affected by gangs and drift into gangs due to a lack of father figures.<ref name="Yuen"/> Moua worked in an Italian restaurant to finance his career.<ref name="Yuen"/> |
* '''Fong "Spider"''' (portrayed by Thailand-born, Minnestoa-raised actor Doua Moua) - Fong is Thao's [[Psychopathy#Sociopathy|sociopathic]] cousin, shot caller the gang, and the main antagonist.<ref name="ScheinBadGuys"/> Moua, a graduate of the [[International School of Minnesota]] in [[Eden Prairie, Minnesota]], said that he had no regrets in playing as a gang member, since, in the words of Laura Yuen of ''[[Minnesota Public Radio]]'', "gangs consumed his brother's life while they were growing up in St. Paul."<ref name="Yuen">Yuen, Laura. "[http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/12/19/grantorino/ Hmong get a mixed debut in new Eastwood film]." ''[[Minnesota Public Radio]]''. December 18, 2008. Retrieved on March 18, 2012.</ref> Moua added that many first generation Hmong are affected by gangs and drift into gangs due to a lack of father figures.<ref name="Yuen"/> Moua worked in an Italian restaurant to finance his career.<ref name="Yuen"/> |
Revision as of 10:48, 25 December 2017
The following is a list of significant characters who feature in the 2008 film Gran Torino, directed by Clint Eastwood.
Casting calls were held in
One actor who auditioned praised how the casting avoided the typical Asian stereotypes in favor of authenticity, saying "They could have walked down Hollywood and looked for some Korean, Chinese, whatever, Asian-American actors, and say, 'Hey, can we teach you a few Hmong (words),' like they do in other movies, just mimic the words. But no, they said, 'We want real Hmong-speaking actors.' Asian Americans, we can tell, "That guy's not Chinese! That guy's not Korean!' So, stop trying to fool us."[2]
Walt Kowalski
Walter "Walt" Kowalski (portrayed by
Thao Vang Lor
Thao Vang Lor (portrayed by
Tania Modleski, author of "Clint Eastwood and Male Weepies," says that Thao is "pacific by nature."[5] Jeff Baenen of the Associated Press said that Thao was "weak-willed."[6] Louisa Schein and Va-Megn Thoj, authors of "Beyond Gran Torino’s Guns: Hmong Cultural Warriors Performing Genders", said that when Walt masculinizes Thao, he "liberat[es] him from the effeminacy apparently imposed on him by his domineering mother and sister (and implicitly his race)."[7]
Schein in Hmong Today said in regards to Vang that "With a mild-mannered countenance and a slight build, he’s equipped to fill the role of neighborhood wimp."[8] Schein added that Vang "is as humble as" Thao, but "not quite as bookish."[8] The creators selected Vang for the role because, in the words of Baenen, "his innocent looks and slight build."[6] Vang said that the height difference between him and Eastwood (Vang as Thao was 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) and Eastwood as Walt was 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)) was intentional and illustrates how "Tao is literally ‘looking up’ to Walt."[8] Vang said that while he had the same culture Thao had, he did not experience violent incidents like Thao did.[9] Vang added that he and Thao "were quite alike. We are both loners but I think I am more outgoing."[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." Regarding that point Vang said "OK, but I didn't understand the function of those looks in the story. Also I was annoyed at the comparing of Asian men to a white standard of beauty. I mean [chuckles] who is to say we're not even better than Johnny's looks?"[10]
Vang said that he auditioned "on a lark."[6] One week before the beginning of the shooting of the film, Vang learned that he won the role.[6]
Vang acting as Thao
Vang said that "During the shooting of the film, I tried to stay true to the script. But as a Hmong person, I also tried to do justice to my own life and to that of others like me."[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."[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."[10] Vang said that he "imagined a guy who would chafe at his subordination more. So even when he had to obey, he did it with more attitude."[10] Vang said that while the script "was premised on his not having any dignity" and that Thao "needs to be clueless and have no self-respect in order for the white elder man to achieve his savior role" and "has to hang his head and absorb abuse," Vang said that he added "intonation and gestures to try to give Thao some dignity."[10] Vang said "So it makes me wonder how a character like Thao could bring any change to Walt."[10]
Reception to Thao
Todd McCarthy of
Sue Lor
Sue Lor (portrayed by
Louisa Schein and Va-Megn Thoj, authors of "Gran Torino’s Boys and Men with Guns: Hmong Perspectives" said "In defiance of women‘s typified hyperfemininity, Sue is outspoken, virtually fearless, gregarious, and fiercely protective of her brother."
Schein and Thoj said that there could be "more pessimistic readings of Sue that should also be considered."[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 film‘s storyline, Sue is unable to develop as a real character with her own motivation and resolution. She is positioned similarly to ethnic damsels in distress in classic Westerns, comparable to the role of the Native American princess who needs rescuing by the sheriff."[21] Vu explained that "Sue exists primarily as a continuous plot device to connect Walt to Thao and the Hmong community and to drive the story along"[21] Schein and Thoj said that the various strengths Sue has "seem to exist in the service" of Thao and that "By default another lumpen-refugee, her seeking work to help out the family never comes in for consideration despite all the worries about Thao‘s lack of employment."[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."[21]
Reception to Sue
Todd McCarthy of Variety said "Her capably embodies a girl with more spirit than judgment."[13]
Minor characters
Lor family
- Vu Lor (portrayed by Brooke Chia Thao) - Vu Lor is the mother of Thao and Sue. On the set of Gran Torino, staff members praised Brooke Chia Thao for her acting in a scene where she tried to prevent members of a Hmong gang from taking away her son. Brooke Chia Thao said "The gang fighters said it felt real. After that, everyone knew me."[8]
- Grandma Lor (portrayed by Chee Thao) - The grandmother of Thao and Sue and matriarch of Lor family. Amy Biancolli of the Houston Chronicle says that Grandma is "truculent."[19] Chee Thao is the mother of six sons and three daughters, and at the time of production she was not fluent in English. Kao Vang, one of Chee Thao's daughters, interpreted for her on the set. Chee Thao said that she was able to perform credibly in her role because she herself had negative circumstances in her real life. Chee Thao is a widow. Three of her sons died in Laos. One of her remaining sons had been murdered in the United States. The husband of her daughter, who is the father of her daughter's children, was not present in the household.[8]
The Hmong gang
The five actors who were cast as the Hmong
- "Smokie" (portrayed by Sonny Vue) - Smokie is the ringleader of the gang. Louisa Schein of St. Paul, Minnesota, "was a surprise pick for the gang."[22] Before starring in the film, Vue's only acting experience involving taking a high school acting class. Vue said that he may have been chosen due to speaking "Hmong street English" and his "Hmong American look"; during his audition he wore a T-shirt that said "I’m Hiding From the Cops."[1]
- Fong "Spider" (portrayed by Thailand-born, Minnestoa-raised actor Doua Moua) - Fong is Thao's International School of Minnesota in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, said that he had no regrets in playing as a gang member, since, in the words of Laura Yuen of Minnesota Public Radio, "gangs consumed his brother's life while they were growing up in St. Paul."[2] Moua added that many first generation Hmong are affected by gangs and drift into gangs due to a lack of father figures.[2] Moua worked in an Italian restaurant to finance his career.[2]
- Gangster #1 - Elvis Thao, a man who was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plays Gangster #1.[22] Elvis Thao said that originally he felt concern about playing a gang member and inadvertently promoting stereotypes about them. He said "“As long as I distance myself from the character I’m playing, I’m hoping they’ll see what Hmong have to offer [as actors]."[1] As of 2011 Elvis is now an activist.[23]
- Gangster #2 - Jerry Lee, a Chico, California resident who was 22 years old at the time of production, plays him.[22]
- Gangster #3 - Lee Mong Vang, a man from Metro Detroit, plays him.[22] Lee Mong Vang added some comedic lines to the dialog of Gangster #3.[1]
Kowalski family
Walt Kowalski disapproves of his sons' wealthy lifestyles and what he considers their exploitative professions (Mitch is in sales for Toyota), who in return are frustrated with their father being stubborn and stuck in the past.
John Serba of
- Mitch Kowalski (portrayed by Brian Haley) - Walt's older son, Karen's husband, the father of Ashley and Josh, and Steve's brother.
- Steve Kowalski (portrayed by Brian Howe) - Walt's younger son, Mitch's brother, Josh and Ashley's uncle, and Karen's brother-in-law.
- Karen Kowalski (portrayed by Geraldine Hughes) - Mitch's wife, Walt's daughter in law, the mother of Ashley and Josh, and Steve's sister-in-law.
- Ashley Kowalski (portrayed by Dreama Walker) - Walt's granddaughter, Mitch and Karen's daughter, Steve's niece, and Josh's sister. She smokes and covets Walt's vintage Ford Grand Torino. Biancolli says that Ashley is "spoiled."[19]
- Josh Kowalski (portrayed by Michael E. Kurowski) - Josh is Walt's grandson, Mitch and Karen's son, Steve's nephew and Ashley's brother.
Other characters
- Father Janovich (portrayed by National Public Radio said that Janovich was "baby-faced."[26]
- Youa (portrayed by Choua Kue) - A young girl who becomes Thao's love interest. Walt refers to her as "Yum Yum".
- Martin (portrayed by Italian American barber who is a friend of Walt, and the two of them trade racist but good-natured barbs. McCarthy said that Lynch "has fun as the old-school barber."[13]
- Trey (portrayed by Scott Eastwood, Clint's son in real life) - Trey is Sue's date and posterior romantic interest.
References
- "Gran Torino's Hmong Lead Bee Vang on Film, Race and Masculinity Conversations with Louisa Schein, Spring, 2010." (Archive) Hmong Studies Journal. (northern hemisphere) Spring 2010. Volume 11. p. 4.
- Modleski, Tania. "Clint Eastwood and Male Weepies." . First published online on November 20, 2009.
- Schein, Louisa and Va-Megn Thoj. "Gran Torino’s Boys and Men with Guns: Hmong Perspectives." (Archive) Hmong Studies Journal. Volume 10. p. 1-52. Available on ProQuest.
- Schein, Louisa and Va-Megn Thoj, with ISSN 1067-9847. Available at Project Muse
Notes
- ^ a b c d Schein, Louisa (October 3, 2008). "Eastwood's Next Film Features Hmong American Cast: Exclusive Interviews From the Set of Gran Torino". AsianWeek. Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2008.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d e f Yuen, Laura. "Hmong get a mixed debut in new Eastwood film." Minnesota Public Radio. December 18, 2008. Retrieved on March 18, 2012.
- ^ About.com. Retrieved on March 18, 2012.
- ISBN 0-313-34526-0, 9780313345265.
- ^ Modleski 149.
- ^ a b c d Baenen, Jeff. "Teen makes acting debut after auditioning 'on a lark'." Associated Press at The Post and Courier. Tuesday January 20, 2009. 2A. Retrieved from Google News (2 of 21) on March 17, 2012.
- ^ Schein and Thoj, "Beyond Gran Torino's Guns: Hmong Cultural Warriors Performing Genders," p. 769.
- ^ a b c d e f Schein, Louisa. "Hmong Actors Making History Part 2: Meet the Gran Torino Family Archived 2011-06-17 at the Wayback Machine." Hmong Today at New America Media. October 4, 2008. Retrieved on March 17, 2012.
- ^ a b Cartwright, Jeffrey (12th grade student at Hopkins High School). "St. Paul teen stars alongside Clint Eastwood in "Gran Torino"." ThreeSixty, University of St. Thomas. Wednesday April 1, 2009. Retrieved on March 16, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e "Gran Torino's Hmong Lead Bee Vang on Film, Race and Masculinity Conversations with Louisa Schein, Spring, 2010." p. 4.
- ^ Vang, Bee. "Opinion: Why I can't shrug off KDWB's hateful slur against Hmong community." St. Paul Pioneer Press. April 7, 2011. Updated April 19, 2011. Retrieved on March 17, 2012.
- ISBN 1598843540, 9781598843545.
- ^ a b c d McCarthy, Todd. "Gran Torino." Variety. Thursday December 4, 2008. Retrieved on March 17, 2012.
- Pulaski News. Thursday January 15, 2009. Retrieved on March 16, 2012.
- ^ Schein and Thoj p. 25-26.
- ^ a b c d e Schein and Thoj p. 26.
- Boston Globe. December 25, 2008. Retrieved on March 16, 2012.
- ^ a b Dargis, Manohla. "Hope for a Racist, and Maybe a Country." The New York Times. December 11, 2008. Retrieved on November 9, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Biancolli, Amy. "Gran Torino." Houston Chronicle. Thursday January 8, 2009. Retrieved on March 16, 2012.
- ^ Charity, Tom. "Review: 'Gran Torino' offers great Eastwood." CNN. January 9, 2009. 2. Retrieved on March 16, 2012.
- ^ a b c d Schein and Thoj p. 27.
- ^ a b c d e f Schein, Louisa. "Hmong Actors Making History: The Bad Guys Of Eastwood's Gran Torino Archived 2008-09-19 at the Wayback Machine." Hmong Today at New America Media. September 3, 2008. Retrieved on March 17, 2012. (Alternate at the Twin Cities Daily Planet)
- ^ "Beyond Gran Torino: Hmong Persepctives and Media Futures (Lecture)." (Archive) Asian Studies Center, Michigan State University. Retrieved on March 18, 2012.
- ^ Serba, John. "Scowls, subtlety make 'Gran Torino' classic Clint Eastwood." The Grand Rapids Press. Friday January 9, 2009. Retrieved on March 16, 2012.
- KATU. December 25, 2008. Retrieved on March 16, 2012.
- National Public Radio. December 11, 2008. Retrieved on March 16, 2012.