Good flick, but a bit overrated

Rating: 7/10 (15 April 2006)

This was a pretty good movie. Clint Eastwood directs in a reasonable, straightforward way that does not detract from the story or the acting. Some directors just have to find a way to say "LOOK AT ME!!!" Oliver Stone comes to mind. Excellent athletic acting by Hilary Swank. And Eastwood's acting is by now as professional as it gets. Same for Morgan Freeman. I'm sure everyone is aware of the ending by now, but I will follow the rules and avoid writing a spoiler. I wish that I had not known what was coming. I can imagine how powerful all that must have been to people who thought that they were just watching a boxing movie. While I may not agree with the politics involved, it was done powerfully, and relatively tastefully. While I enjoyed the film, I don't believe that it is the 61st best movie of all time. I don't even think it was the best film of 2004. It is good, though, and I recommend viewing it.