Gran Torino Relationship

Relationship Analysis Essay 1

During the course of the movie Gran Torino, we are witness to many relationships and as many conflicts; key issues are strongly culturally focused. Walt is steadily exposed to many different people in varying degrees, and what he learns helps shape him as a man. Many of these lessons come from the Vang Lor family, namely Sue and Thao. Though Thao and Walt’s relationship is more central, Sue and Walt’s relationship is arguably just as important.

Though Sue and Walt knew of each other due to being neighbours, the true beginning of their relationship is when Walt helps her confront the three gang members. We see Walt’s true personality, and his identity as someone who needs to protect and save, when he chooses to help Sue instead of driving away. This event prompts Walt and Sue to start talking in his truck, allowing them to share information and views with each other. The relationship further develops as Walt continually becomes a protective figure in their lives, and Sue pushes him to become included and a true part of their family. Regardless of his need for safety, Walt persists with trying to keep the gang members at bay. Walt wears racism and anger as armour to keep himself from becoming close, but Sue does not mind and wears him down.

In the beginning, Walt’s perception of the Hmong is very narrow and he
During the course of Gran Torino, we see the Vang Lor family become a second family for Walt, though arguably they become more of a family than Walt’s blood. We watch Walt transform as his eyes get opened to other cultures, views and situations. The relationship fills Sue’s need for protection and safety, as well as a need for a father or male figure. Sue tells Walt it is nice what he is doing for Thao because he did not have a father figure, but perhaps she was projecting her needs into their relationship as