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Frankie Dunn has trained and managed some incredible fighters during a lifetime spent in the ring. The most important lesson he teaches his boxers is the one that rules life: above all, always protect yourself. In the wake of a painful estrangement from his daughter, Frankie has been unwilling to let himself get close to anyone for a very long time. His only friend, Scrap, an ex-boxer who looks after Frankie's gym, knows that beneath his gruff exterior is a man who has been seeking, for the past 25 years, the forgiveness that somehow continues to elude him. Then Maggie Fitzgerald walks into his gym. "Million Dollar Baby" has great characters, but it doesn't glorify them. It has a wonderful story, but it never tries to impress you. The photography, score and direction is superb, but never distracting. What this movie has is passion. Passion for film-making, passion for storytelling, passion for its characters, passion for its actors, and passion for its story and the means at which it will go to tell it. Amazing.Read full review
Riveting movie that deserves all of the praise and accolades it earned. Few movies are as complete, as well designed and written; and few movies are as well acted. Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman combine for an incredible performance. That's the true beauty of "Million Dollar Baby" - rather than rely on big budget explosions and graphics, it is driven by acting, by story and by emotion. Most importantly, the film is real. The acting is so fine that it comes across naturally and the audience cant help but become emotional. Furthermore, the realism extends to the boxing and fighting sequences - rather than a Rock IV / Drago vs. Rocky fight, the sequences are superbly designed and even performed by actual boxers and prize fighters. The movie moves in many directions - but all naturally. With worse writing or acting, the direction might feel forced; but Eastwood makes sure that everything progresses smoothly and intelligently. There is much more to say - but I would prefer to keep from spoiling the plot. What I will say though is that there are perhaps more enjoyable films - ones you watch mindlessly and enjoy for various reasons... but there are few films that are complete or more satisfying. And there were no such films during 2004.Read full review
I, as a general rule, do not enjoy movies about boxing or similar sports. However, this movie alone changed my way of thinking. The acting in this movie was superb. While watching, you truly became a part of what was happening and felt what they were feeling. From anger to frustration to sadness and ultimate heartbreak, viewers can feel. And all the while you feel pride tied in with anger for the wrongdoings that lead to the finale. Although a sports movie, this is not a manly man movie. It is suited for men and women alike. It'll be the rare person who doesn't enjoy this movie!
Most likely Clint Eastwood lifted the title for his over-rated, shamelessly mawkish film from the popular song, inspired by the late lamented five and dime Woolworth stores. Just for a bit more background the 1931 vintage tune was entitled "I Found A Million Dollar Baby (In A Five and Ten Cent Store)," with Lyrics: by Mort Dixon and Billy Rose, Music: by Harry Warren. Well, with that said, as far as the movie is concerned, here goes. The story started out far too slowly, the tour and accompanying fight scenes were not developed sufficiently and therefore did not prove effective in their ultimate purpose. In other words the sporadic and disjointed "career" she had did not make me believe that this character truly achieved anything meaningful in her life. Her family was comprised of rank amateur actors who gave caricature performances, as did the "retarded" delusional gym-fighter hopeful. Moreover, instead of eliciting sympathy the characters and situations left me completely cold. When I wish to feel heartbroken and inconsolable about the plight of a fellow human being I'll buy a box of Kleenex and watch that compassionate and utterly amazing study in abject misery "The Elephant Man." I rate this movie below average rather than poor because Hilary Swank's performance was well crafted even if the script was not. After all is said and done I had no interest in viewing the special feature disc that came with the movie...Read full review
This is a great boxing movie. The beginning is how it is. A down and out kid with nothing finds she wants to put it on the line and see what she can do with boxing. She learns that their is more to it then lacing up some gloves and needs a trainner. She finds Clint and he turn her down flat, this is what makes the movie. He later recants and beginns to train her, she gets better, gets good and it just flows from their. the movie takes a left turn and enters a dark place about three quarters of the way through and never returns. the last quarter of the movie seems like it should be from a different movie, but I geuss this is how our lives can be. Watch the movie and you will see, but then later realize this is life.
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