Eastwood's slow burning, powerful and tragic picture

Rating: 9/10 (23 February 2008)

Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Number 1 - 2004
Winner of 4 Academy Awards - Picture, Director, Actress, Supp. Actor
Clint Eastwood's 'Million Dollar Baby' is another example of his late maturity to craft powerful films with real, flawed characters that have a story to say. In 1992, we had William Munny in the revisionist Western (also a Best Picture) Unforgiven, and the most recent was Mystic River another powerful and gut-wrenching film about the fate of three friends after a tragic incident occurs.
Clint Eastwood, has a small, gym in L.A., far from his days when he used to train heavyweights and is living a quiet life, going to the church and praying that his daughter would reply to his letters. His janitor played with a certain authority by the great Morgan Freeman is the man who convinces him to take a poor girl who aspires to be a female boxer (Hilary Swank). Eventually, Eastwood is convinced after he sets up some rules ("just don't call me boss") for her. The story follows until a tragic day where Swank's character is paralysed in a fight after a foul punch from the opponent, which causes her neck to be snapped on a stool.
Million Dollar Baby is a great film packed with an emotional punch. Eastwood's film deserves its praise.
9/10