Elvis Thao in “Gran Torino”
A message to the Hmong community &
the City of Milwaukee
A message to the Hmong community &
the City of Milwaukee
this. This is our big break. We must come together and push for more filming in this city, more filming for the Hmong and our community. This thing is real. It’s
bigger than me; this is for us. So let’s support and make sure the ratings go up, so we can have a larger demand and increase the possibilities of seeing these
things accomplished in the near future.”
Regardless of your age, gender, race, background, situation or position in life, this is a film that reaches and touches all. Its message is: Do not take anything
lightly or do not underestimate. Utilize it.
As the movie died down and wrapped up, tears and emotions filled the theater in honor and praise of a message strong and firm. Every individual walked
away with something to take home with him/her. Nope, no posters, no literature, no material handouts or giveaways, but just a simple thought about a generation
that has come this far. Minds and hearts were softened and opened to the inevitability of a struggling nation in hard times. A connection between all living
beings and a world that has failed to portray these issues of our everyday lives was now onscreen.
On the way out, there was a sense of a cool and soothing wind of affection that left smiles on our faces as we returned to the real world. I was offered an
array of handshakes and hugs of congratulations from an intergenerational and diverse groups of people who watched the film screening. “Gran Torino” has
impacted my life and those of others.
Being a Hmong, a minority and just your average street kid, I don’t see this type of experience regularly. It’s not a common thing. This experience has put
my mind at ease; it has rejuvenated my soul.
I read an article that stated, “This is the film of the Obama era; it couldn’t have come out at a better time.” I never thought about it that way, but it struck me.
I’m a music artist and an activist in the Hmong community (a Public Allie Milwaukee, Class of 2009; and am with the Social Development Commission [SDC]). I
took my supervisor, Ella Dunbar, out to the opening with me. She said that the film was so powerful we could use it as a workshop discussion. And I believe in
that. This film can definitely go a long way. People are talking.
Watch “Gran Torino” and don’t mind the acting part (although you are welcome to give feedback) I promise, this film is for all of us. You will be pleased you
watched it.
bigger than me; this is for us. So let’s support and make sure the ratings go up, so we can have a larger demand and increase the possibilities of seeing these
things accomplished in the near future.”
Regardless of your age, gender, race, background, situation or position in life, this is a film that reaches and touches all. Its message is: Do not take anything
lightly or do not underestimate. Utilize it.
As the movie died down and wrapped up, tears and emotions filled the theater in honor and praise of a message strong and firm. Every individual walked
away with something to take home with him/her. Nope, no posters, no literature, no material handouts or giveaways, but just a simple thought about a generation
that has come this far. Minds and hearts were softened and opened to the inevitability of a struggling nation in hard times. A connection between all living
beings and a world that has failed to portray these issues of our everyday lives was now onscreen.
On the way out, there was a sense of a cool and soothing wind of affection that left smiles on our faces as we returned to the real world. I was offered an
array of handshakes and hugs of congratulations from an intergenerational and diverse groups of people who watched the film screening. “Gran Torino” has
impacted my life and those of others.
Being a Hmong, a minority and just your average street kid, I don’t see this type of experience regularly. It’s not a common thing. This experience has put
my mind at ease; it has rejuvenated my soul.
I read an article that stated, “This is the film of the Obama era; it couldn’t have come out at a better time.” I never thought about it that way, but it struck me.
I’m a music artist and an activist in the Hmong community (a Public Allie Milwaukee, Class of 2009; and am with the Social Development Commission [SDC]). I
took my supervisor, Ella Dunbar, out to the opening with me. She said that the film was so powerful we could use it as a workshop discussion. And I believe in
that. This film can definitely go a long way. People are talking.
Watch “Gran Torino” and don’t mind the acting part (although you are welcome to give feedback) I promise, this film is for all of us. You will be pleased you
watched it.
"Clint Eastwood's `Gran Torino' tops box office ... The #1 Movie in the nation! Warner Bros. - $29.5 M this past weekend ... 2,808
locations, $10,500 average, $40,524,518, five weeks."
By Elvis Thao
A touching and heart-warming tale of our time, “Gran Torino” reaches a persuasively-attentive wide audience. From the
opening advance screening at the Landmark Downer Theater to our gathering at Southshore Cinemas with family, friends and
colleagues, the same pattern showed. The Landmark screening was hosted by Clear Channels V100 radio station for Hip Hop/R&B
(with an urban, more inner-city listeners). The theater opened its doors to the public. An invite-only event of limited tickets that
were distributed to the City of Milwaukee, filled its seats with diverse people. Blacks, Whites, Hispanic and Asians were all there to
share this wonderful moment — Clint Eastwood’s last film as an actor. It was great to see so many elders there also.
Before the film screening, it was announced that a local Milwaukee resident landed a role in this film and that he was in the
building! That, my friends, was me! Spotted by the host (who had interviewed me earlier that day) I was dragged to the front to
make a speech. I can’t remember what I said, but it went something like this:
“This is huge for us ... Now with me having this opportunity, it just shows that things are happening for us in this city, in this
state. This is my first film ever, and it happens to be major. There has been no major Hmong actors out there in Hollywood before
locations, $10,500 average, $40,524,518, five weeks."
By Elvis Thao
A touching and heart-warming tale of our time, “Gran Torino” reaches a persuasively-attentive wide audience. From the
opening advance screening at the Landmark Downer Theater to our gathering at Southshore Cinemas with family, friends and
colleagues, the same pattern showed. The Landmark screening was hosted by Clear Channels V100 radio station for Hip Hop/R&B
(with an urban, more inner-city listeners). The theater opened its doors to the public. An invite-only event of limited tickets that
were distributed to the City of Milwaukee, filled its seats with diverse people. Blacks, Whites, Hispanic and Asians were all there to
share this wonderful moment — Clint Eastwood’s last film as an actor. It was great to see so many elders there also.
Before the film screening, it was announced that a local Milwaukee resident landed a role in this film and that he was in the
building! That, my friends, was me! Spotted by the host (who had interviewed me earlier that day) I was dragged to the front to
make a speech. I can’t remember what I said, but it went something like this:
“This is huge for us ... Now with me having this opportunity, it just shows that things are happening for us in this city, in this
state. This is my first film ever, and it happens to be major. There has been no major Hmong actors out there in Hollywood before
Elvis Thao
| MARCH 2009 ARCHIVES |