1. Walt vs. Himself:
* His Past: Walt is haunted by his past in the Korean War and his rigid beliefs, which stem from his experiences and his generation's values. He is deeply conflicted about his past actions and their consequences, and this internal struggle fuels his cynicism and anger.
* His Changing Values: Walt's encounters with his neighbors, especially the Hmong family, challenge his racist and xenophobic prejudices. He grapples with his own hypocrisy as he finds himself defending them against gangs and growing fond of their culture.
* His Moral Compass: Despite his flaws, Walt possesses a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect what he sees as right. This conflict arises when he finds himself choosing between his own comfort and standing up for what he believes in, ultimately leading him to take a stand against the gang.
2. Walt vs. His Family:
* His Children: Walt is estranged from his adult children, who represent a generation that he sees as weak and entitled. He clashes with them over their lack of ambition, their reliance on handouts, and their modern, liberal values.
* His Grandchildren: Walt is more accepting of his grandchildren, but still struggles to understand their generation and their world. He finds solace in his grandson's interest in his Korean War stories, but also feels the growing distance between them as they age.
3. Walt vs. His Community:
* The Hmong Family: Initially hostile to his neighbors due to their cultural differences, Walt's interactions with the Hmong family, particularly Thao, slowly break down his prejudices. He finds himself drawn to their strong work ethic and their struggles against racism.
* The Gang: The neighborhood gang represents the violence and disrespect Walt fears, and he becomes their target for various reasons: his perceived wealth, his gruff exterior, and his disapproval of their activities. His conflict with them pushes him to the brink, forcing him to confront his own prejudices and make a difficult choice.
* The Changing Neighborhood: Walt is resistant to the changing demographics of his neighborhood, clinging to the past and fearing the erosion of the "American way." He is unwilling to embrace diversity and struggles with the loss of his community's homogeneity.
4. Walt vs. Society:
* Racism and Prejudice: The film's central theme is Walt's struggle against his own prejudices. He faces the consequences of his deeply ingrained racism, both in his personal interactions and the wider societal context. He challenges the stereotypes perpetuated against minorities and discovers the power of understanding and acceptance.
* The Loss of Traditional Values: Walt represents a generation that feels displaced and disillusioned by societal changes. He clashes with the modern world, seeing it as weak and morally corrupt. His conflict reflects the broader generational divide and the struggle to reconcile tradition with progress.
Ultimately, the conflicts in Gran Torino are interconnected and drive Walt towards a difficult but meaningful transformation. He confronts his past, challenges his prejudices, and ultimately finds redemption by standing up for what he believes in, even at the cost of his own life.