Grade 9Communications Gran Torino Questions for Discussion Group1
1. Perhaps the hardest part to stomach of Gran Torino is the repeated use of racial slurs. Do you think Kowalski was a racist?
2. The miscommunication between Kowalski and his sons was epic. Based on what is presented in the movie, what would be some steps the son could have taken to re-open the lines of communication?
3. What changed Kowalski’s opinion of his Hmong neighbors?
4. When confronted with the priest, Kowalski closed the door on him because he was too young to comprehend what Kowalski was going through. Should the priest have honored Walt’s wishes, tried harder, or done anything different?
5. Kowalski fathered Thao in a way that he didn’t his own children. Why?
6. The Hmong people celebrated Kowalski as a hero. Was he a hero? Why/Why not?
7. Which character was more righteous, Kowalski or the priest?
8. When Kowalski finally goes to confession, he confesses that he kissed a woman at a cocktail party and that he wasn’t a good father. Do you think there were other burdens that he needed to confess?
9. Ultimately, Kowalski embraced his Hmong neighbors, mentored the boy next store, and helped them seek justice where justice could not be found. What does that teach us about our individual responsibilities in the hood we live in?
10. Which character represented the person you’d like to be like? Why?
11. Which character exhibited the type of faith you’d like to exhibit in your life?
12. What do you think happened in the neighbourhood after the story ends?
Grade9Communications Gran Torino Questions for Discussion Group2
1. How did you feel about Walt? Was he the kind of hero you were expecting? What did Clint Eastwood bring to the role?
2. Why do you think the film is framed by the Gran Torino? Do you think the car is symbolic? If so, what do you think it represents?
3. Why do you think Walt has isolated himself? To what extent do you think this is justified?
4. What do you think of Walt’s idea of manliness? What do you think Thao learns from Walt?
5. What does Walt learn through his friendship with Thao and Sue?
6. The Hmong shaman says to Walt, ‘You have no happiness in your life. It’s like you’re not at peace.’ Do you think this is true of Walt? What do you think it means to be ‘at peace’?
7. Walt accuses the Father Janovich of being an ‘overeducated 27-year-old virgin who likes to hold the hands of superstitious old ladies and promise them everlasting life.’ What was your impression of the priest? Do you think he is representative of most Christians? Why or why not?
8. Why do you think Walt eventually goes to confession? Were you surprised by what he confessed to? What do you think confession achieves?
9. Walt makes a confession to Thao through the grille of the basement too. How does Walt intend to make amends for the things he confesses to?
10. How did you respond to the ending? What might you have done if you were in Walt’s position? Did it change your opinion of Walt?
11. Walt chose justice rather than revenge. Do you think he made the right choice? Why?
12. Walt’s last words were, ‘I got a light.’ Do you think he could have been talking about more than the lighter in his pocket? If so, what did he mean?