Review of Million Dollar Baby (2004) by Jason J — 03 Mar 2012

Yet another masterpiece by Clint Eastwood. He stars as a boxing trainer Frankie who initially doesn't want to help a young woman to become a boxer. Maggie Fitzgerald has everything going against her and comes from a trailer trash family. Frankie sees potential in the female boxer and decides against his better judgement to train her. With his advice, Maggie grows to become a brilliant boxer - destroying her opponents and she eventually gets a title shot against a dirty fighter who will use any trick in the book to win her matches. Tragedy is about to strike the ring.

Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Hilary Swank excel in their roles especially the father/daughter relationship between Maggie and Frankie. Though the movie does get a little bit sentimental during the final third, take nothing away from this movie - it hits your raw emotions by the time the end credits have come around. Maybe in the hands of another director this movie could have become a little bit corny but in the hands of Clint Eastwood he makes this a touching and moving story that will surely become a classic. The boxing scenes are expertly crafted, real and full of excitement. It deserved every Oscar it achieved. This is definitely a movie that you should not miss out on watching. Prepare to be moved by it's emotional story about overcoming adversity and fighting with all your heart for what you want in life. Highly recommended.