‘Gran Torino’ Star Bee Vang Denounces Film’s Anti-Asian Slurs
Antonio Ferme editor“Gran Torino” actor Bee Vang published an op-ed in NBC News’ “Think” column on Wednesday criticizing the anti-Asian slurs in the 2008 movie directed by Clint Eastwood.Playing Thao Vang Lor in the film alongside Eastwood, Vang said the lead role was a historic cinematic moment for Hmong people, a Southeast Asian ethnic group, around the world. While the story is about two people from different backgrounds that came together to form an unlikely bond, the film featured a many anti-Asian slurs.“At the time, there was a lot of discussion about whether the movie’s slurs were insensitive and gratuitous or simply ‘harmless jokes,'” Vang wrote.