On This Day

Gran Torino released

January 9th 2009

11:27 9 January 2024

Following a limited release the previous month, 'Gran Torino' was given a wide release in theaters across the US on this day in 2009. Directed and produced by Clint Eastwood who also starred as Walt Kowalski, a recently widowed Korean War veteran who is alienated from his family and angry with the world. When his young Asian immigrant neighbour Thao Vang Lor (Bee Vang) attempts to steal his prized 1972 Ford Torino, Walt thwarts him and a bond develops between the old man and the boy and his family as they make a stand against the gangs who infest their neighbourhood.

The film was notable for being the first mainstream American film to feature Hmong Americans, many of whom had resettled in the US following the establishment of a socialist government in Laos in 1975. 'Gran Torino' opened to positive reviews and went on to gross $270 million worldwide.