Respect is an important part of personal connections and is considered to prove a humane character. In the film, Walt Kowalski serves his own kind of respect. Kowalski initially has a very negative way of looking at things and presents a tough personality. Although, he has a very harsh tone and temperament he has morals and sticks to them. Walt Kowalski believes a man shows respect and stands up for what is right. Spider believes that strength and brutality is what creates a man. Both Walt and Spider agree that men should show strength, but respect is the missing factor that Spider does not possess. Walt Kowalski has a very exact definition of what manhood is. He believes that men should show strength, courage, and determination. Spider also believes this but Spider does not believe in value of others. Kowalski does not believe in domestic violence and when Spider and his gang kidnap Sue and brutally injures her it becomes great toll on Kowalski. This is the perfect example that …show more content…
Through the war he faced struggles and hardships that he carries with him throughout the film. Originally Kowalski had trouble understanding the Hmong people and used racist remarks to describe them. Although he displays a very blunt character, Kowalski is able to overcome these struggles because he possesses respect and forgiveness. When Thao attempts to steal Walt’s Gran Torino he forgives him and even saves him from the Hmong gang. Kowalski gave up his life to put the Hmong gang behind bars to allow Sue and Thao live a successful life. Having respect and showing forgiveness exposes Kowalski’s definition of what a man is. Spider does not appear to face a period where he struggles to do something for the better. Spider retains no mercy or reverence. Instead Spider takes the life of Walt Kowalski and jeopardizes his own future. Due to Spiders actions he is sent to prison along with his