Character Analysis: Walt Kowalski

This section delves into the complex character of Walt Kowalski, the protagonist of Gran Torino, examining his background, development, and the themes he embodies.

Walt's Background and Initial Characterization

Walt Kowalski is introduced as a recently widowed Korean War veteran living in Detroit:

• He resides in a single-family house in a neighborhood that has seen significant demographic changes.
• At the film's opening, Walt is the only white resident in a predominantly Hmong area.
• His initial attitude is marked by racism and hostility towards his new neighbors, whom he refers to with derogatory terms like "Chinks" and "barbarians."

Vocabulary: "Hmong" refers to an ethnic group from Southeast Asia, many of whom resettled in the United States after the Vietnam War.

Character Development

Throughout the film, Walt undergoes a significant transformation:

• He begins as a bitter, isolated figure estranged from his own family.
• Through interactions with Sue and Thao, his young Hmong neighbors, Walt starts to overcome his prejudices.
• He gradually assumes a mentorship role for Thao, helping him find employment and teaching him life skills.
• By the film's conclusion, Walt makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect the Lor family, demonstrating his complete transformation.

Highlight: Walt's journey from racism to self-sacrifice for his Hmong neighbors is the central arc of the film, illustrating themes of redemption and personal growth.

Themes Embodied by Walt

Walt's character serves as a vehicle for exploring several key themes:

1. Racism and Prejudice:

   • Walt's initial racism stems from his experiences in the Korean War and his discomfort with change.
   • The film challenges the ideal of white America and nationalism through Walt's evolving perspective.

2. Violence and Gun Culture:

   • Walt's tendency to resort to violence and his comfort with firearms reflect aspects of American gun culture.
   • The film critically examines this approach to problem-solving.

3. Masculinity:

   • Walt represents a traditional, "old school" conception of masculinity.
   • His character traits include being disciplined, strong, independent, and adhering to traditional gender roles.

Example: Walt's prized Gran Torino car symbolizes his attachment to traditional American masculinity and the industrial past of Detroit.

4. Redemption and Change:
   • Walt's transformation from a bitter, racist veteran to a self-sacrificing friend to the Hmong community represents the possibility of personal change and redemption.

Walt Kowalski's character arc in Gran Torino serves as a powerful exploration of American identity, the challenges of cultural integration, and the potential for personal growth and redemption even late in life. His journey from isolation to community engagement reflects broader themes of social change and the evolving nature of American society.

Historical Background of Gran Torino

The film Gran Torino is set against the backdrop of significant historical events that shape its characters and themes. This section explores the key historical contexts that inform the narrative.

The Korean War (1950-1953)

The Korean War plays a crucial role in shaping Walt Kowalski's character and worldview.

• The conflict began when Communist North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union, crossed the border into American-occupied South Korea.
• The United States intervened, officially as a peacekeeper but in reality to counter communist expansion.
• A peace treaty was signed in 1953, but the war left lasting impacts on veterans like Walt.

Highlight: Walt's experiences in the Korean War contribute to his initial prejudices against Asian people, despite the fact that Hmong people fought alongside Americans in later conflicts.

The Hmong and the "Secret War" (1964-1973)

The history of the Hmong people is central to understanding the film's immigrant characters.

• The CIA recruited Hmong people to assist in covert operations during the Vietnam War era.
• Hmong forces helped block supply lines and rescue pilots.
• After the fall of the Lao kingdom to communists in 1975, many Hmong became targets of persecution.
• Large numbers of Hmong refugees fled to Thailand and later resettled in the United States.

Vocabulary: "Secret War" refers to the CIA's covert operations in Laos during the Vietnam War, in which Hmong people played a crucial role.

Detroit's Economic Transformation

The setting of Detroit is integral to the film's themes of change and displacement.

• Once known as "Motor City" due to its booming auto industry, Detroit has undergone significant economic changes.
• Industrial restructuring and job losses led to population decline.
• The city faced financial emergency and bankruptcy in 2013.
• Recent investments in downtown Detroit have not solved broader issues of poverty and unemployment.

Example: The film portrays the contrast between revitalized downtown areas and struggling neighborhoods, reflecting real-world gentrification issues in Detroit.

Definition: Gentrification is the process of changing the character of a neighborhood through the influx of more affluent residents and businesses, often leading to increased property values and displacement of lower-income residents.

These historical contexts provide a rich backdrop for the personal story of Walt Kowalski and his evolving relationship with his Hmong neighbors, illustrating broader themes of cultural clash, adaptation, and community in changing urban America.