One of the best films ever.

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2005)

As a boxing fan and former boxer, let me say right off that this is not a film about boxing. Things happen in these movie that would never be allowed in a boxing ring. This film is about a lot of things, but boxing is not one of them.
The film is about father like love, about the prize and price of success, about guilt, about living and dying, about regrets, about having tried vs. not trying at all.
After apparently failing as a father, Clint Eastwood is given a chance at redemption in the person of Hilary Swank. He is afraid to take and fail again, but nevertheless, he is forced into it. He tries hard to be what he was not before. For a time he succeeds, but eventually he fails, adding more guilt to his already overburdened soul. Through force of character, hard work, and the guidance of Clint's character, she enjoys great success. In her last fight, she is injured and becomes a quadriplegic. Having previously shown a great force of character, she now decides she doesn't not wish to live. I found this a little contradictory. I also felt that the last scene was anti-climatic. but eve n so, I found the film fascinating.