Sunday, 29 June 2008

• Gran Torino’s Mission: To Serve Hmong

  Saint Paul, MN (POBA Press June 29, 2008) – There has been a flurry of excitement in the Hmong community over the past several months about Clint Eastwood’s new movie Gran Torino, a movie about an American Korean War veteran who is drawn into the lives of a neighboring Hmong family.

  Open auditions last month in California, Minnesota, and Michigan drew over a thousand aspiring Hmong actors as they tried out for the roles. Despite the excitement, a few Hmong activists warn that the movie makers have an unappetizing culinary motive.

  “Gran Torino is nothing more than a cookbook,” suggests Doua Vang, a 32 year-old Saint Paul resident, who cautions Hmong actors to stay away from the movie. “I took my younger sister to the auditions last month. We were surprised at how much food was available for the Hmong actors while they waited. My sister is 5’1” and weighs 150 pounds, which is fat. And the American lady kept telling her to eat more.”

  

  "My Hmong Brothers and Sisters, It's a cookbook!" warns Rally Boy.

  Similar accounts have been reported from the California and Michigan auditions. The California actors expressed surprise at the amount of catered food. While the Michigan audition was actually held at a Chinese buffet on East 12 Mile Road in Warren, a city just outside Detroit. Despite only having 80 actors turn out for the audition, everyone received callbacks the following day to meet at the same buffet.

  Vang is not the only person who’s questioning the intentions of the movie makers. Eighteen year-old Chai Lee of Maplewood tried out for the role of Tao, the Hmong protagonist in the film.

  “They told me I needed to add more weight and gave me a coupon to the Burger King down the street,” says Lee. “Something’s not right. I don’t know why they keep insisting us to eat more. I think this is something the United Nations or Jenny Craig needs to look into.”

  

  "We only want to serve Hmong," said ZoõthǾr, who is in charge of casting. Photo taken during the Minnesota audition.

  © 2008 POBA Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  You Never Forget

  I went out with a younger cousin last week and he’s totally smitten over a girl he’s been dating for the past six months. His eyes lit up like a kid in the candy store as he talked about his relationship.

  “You know, I still remember the day that I met her,” he gushed.

  I wanted to tell him that you never forget. You never forget the day you meet someone that special.

  Umbrella (Ella Ella)

  Mandy Moore’s version of Umbrella has been stuck in my head all weekend.

  This Lady is still My Hero

  This is a re-post from last year but it's worth it. I still get goosebumps. Behold the power of reason.

  
  http://view.break.com/315299 - Watch more free videos

   

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