Million Dollar Baby is a great film

Rating: 10/10 (26 February 2005)

I went to see this last night and was enthralled. There will be the comparisons to Rocky, but as a fight film this is closer to Raging Bull. Unlike the villainous tragedy of Deniro's Jake LaMatta, though, Eastwood and Swank both portray tragic heroes who are beautiful in their dignified, but inevitably doomed struggle. This film takes the viewer to a deep, uncomfortable place where no one would go unless compelled. Compelling is only one word to describe this movie, though. Masterful and artistic, while at the same time touchingly human, and ultimately, tragically real.
Like many great sports movies, Million Dollar Baby transcends its subject, and sport itself. This film is about respect, and pride, and dignity.
Rocky leaves the audience in the ring, and one has to remind himself that Balboa lost the fight. Million Dollar Baby consumes the viewer with loss, making us watch painfully as the story winds up. If there was bittersweet triumph in Rocky, there is subtle, quiet, and touching triumph here, that is unquestionably more real. Sadly, some stories just do not have happy endings. I have heard this film called "depressing", though, and I cannot agree. Sad, yes. Humbling and perhaps disturbing, but there was victory here and Swank gives an inspiring performance.
I have not seen the other films nominated for Best picture, or for some of the other awards, but this should win something.