Review of Million Dollar Baby (2004) by Asif K — 20 Jun 2011

EDITED.

Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) is a veteran boxing trainer who has devoted his life to the ring and has precious little to show for it; his daughter never answers his letters, and a fighter he's groomed into contender status has paid him back by signing with another manager, leaving Frankie high and dry. His best friend and faithful employee Eddie Dupris is a former fighter who Frankie trained. In his last fight, Eddie suffered a severe injury, a fact that brings Frankie great guilt. One day, Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) enters Frankie's life, as well as his gym, and announces she needs a trainer. Frankie regards her as a dubious prospect, and isn't afraid to tell her why: he doesn't think much of women boxing, she's too old at 31, she lacks experience, and has no technique. However, Maggie sees boxing as the one part of her life that gives her meaning and won't give up easily. Finally won over by her determination, Frankie takes on Maggie, and as she slowly grows into a viable fighter, an emotional bond develops between them. When a tragedy befalls one of the three characters, each comes to a decision that shows how the relationships in the film have changed them. Adapted from a short story by F.X. Toole, a former corner man with years of experience in the fight game, Million Dollar Baby also stars Morgan Freeman, Anthony Mackie, and Mike Colter.

This is one of the very best movies ever made, one of my very most favorites. I really started respecting and praised Mr. Clint Eastwood as a director after this movie, no doubt about it that he is one of the Best Directors of Hollywood right now. I saw this movie again a few days back but didn't got time to review it.

This is a sports movie, boxing drama about a girl, Maggie who want's to compete and become a champion by training under Frankie played by Clint Eastwood who first doesn't but then he does. he slowly sees spark in her and she proves to him what is she capable of. Morgan Freeman stars as Eddie, a former failed boxer working with Frankie. she wins everything, almost the big championship but an accident happens that makes her severely ill and she can't walk or talk, she is on a complete bed rest. this movie ends very sadly that made me broke into tears, I was crying so much.

With 7 Oscar nominations it won 4 including, Best Picture, Director, Actress in a lead role Hillary Swank and Actor in a supporting role Morgan Freeman. and other nominations were Best actor in a lead role Clint Eastwood, Editing and Adapted Screenplay.

Hillary Swank delivers a superb performance, one of the best female performances of the recent history truly. I was quite amazed by her work in this movie. she was THE it for this movie. a tour de force it is. just superb. Morgan Freeman on the other hand was really good too. I always like his performances but he was really superb in this movie. on the other hand people and critics don't really talk about Clint Eastwood's performance he deserves some little recognition too, he was really good too. so overall this movie has some very memorable brilliant performances. other actors are Anthony Mackie, Jay Baruchel , Mike Colter , Lucia Rijker , Brian F. O'Byrne , Margo Martindale , Riki Lindhome , Ned Eisenberg.

Directed brilliantly by Clint Eastwood, perfect direction it is. I loved the background score at places, though there wasn't many used but in places it was so good to listen to. screenplay was very good written by Paul Haggis. it kept my interest from the start to till the end. story is inspiring, touching and shows the human spirit of a person and sportsmanship. it is one of the best sports movies ever. I liked it far more than Rocky. this movie has a reall sad ending which was painful to watch for me. really depressing movie. it also features good editing and art direction.

I just purely love this movie, best of 2004 and one of the best movies of all time. a compelling watch. MUST WATCH.