What may have been in Clint Eastwood's character's past...

Rating: 9/10 (2 February 2005)

He couldn't forgive himself as an ex-boxer for knocking someone out and either maiming or killing them. In the film when the priest says that for anyone to go to Mass every day for that many years he must be unable to forgive himself for something in his past. This also may explain why he holds his boxers back, i.e.,from a title match...not because he doesn't believe they can win, but more because he wants to be sure they are ready and won't get seriously hurt...he has seen a lot in his day and in his career and it has left him jaded and wounded emotionally. On the whole, I thought it was a wonderful movie; dark, like Mystic River, but very powerful. Hilary Swank's performance was great...I don't know how anyone can beat her for the Oscar. And the same goes for Clint Eastwood--I know Martin Scorcese is due for an Oscar and should get it for "Aviator", but my vote would go to Clint.