Not a review as such.

Rating: 10/10 (5 February 2005)

To not see this movie based on any comments on this or any other site would be a terrible shame, an opportunity to watch what I consider to be the best movie of the year lost. While not in any way a "female Rocky" (who'd wanna see that anyway?, and not a feel good popcorn flick, it's beautifully written, cleverly but simply directed and acted with true passion. To be a good boxing movie is tough, no sport has had more movies made about it, yet Million Dollar Baby succeeds with aplomb. Hilary Swanks portrayal of Maggie is full of joy and love for life, despite hardship, and this contrasts nicely with Eastwoods Frankie, yet ultimately he seems to find some joy in his relationship with Maggie. While not likely to make you smile all the way through, if you don't find yourself smiling a few hours after you leave, you may not have really understood the film, which is ultimately about what all good movies are about, the indomitability of the human spirit, despite the ending. A film about people far, far more than about boxing, this is what makes it so worthy of acknowledgement by the Academy, and by yourselves. Enjoy!