A Sportsdrama Masterpiece From Clint Eastwood

Rating: 10/10 (30 November 2011)

Million Dollar Baby is a sports drama film directed, co-produced, and scored by Clint Eastwood.It features Eastwood together with Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. It is the story of an under-appreciated boxing trainer, his elusive past, and his quest for atonement by helping an underdog amateur female boxer achieve her dream of becoming a professional.The screenplay was written by Paul Haggis, based on short stories by F.X. Toole.
Frankie Dunnis a veteran boxing trainer who has devoted his life to the ring and has precious little to show for it; his daughter never answers his letters, and a fighter he's groomed into contender status has paid him back by signing with another manager, leaving Frankie high and dry. His best friend and faithful employee Eddie Dupris is a former fighter who Frankie trained. In his last fight, Eddie suffered a severe injury, a fact that brings Frankie great guilt. One day, Maggie Fitzgerald enters Frankie's life, as well as his gym, and announces she needs a trainer. Frankie regards her as a dubious prospect, and isn't afraid to tell her why: he doesn't think much of women boxing, she's too old at 31, she lacks experience, and has no technique. However, Maggie sees boxing as the one part of her life that gives her meaning and won't give up easily. Finally won over by her determination, Frankie takes on Maggie, and as she slowly grows into a viable fighter, an emotional bond develops between them. When a tragedy befalls one of the three characters, each comes to a decision that shows how the relationships in the film have changed them.
The film has won four Academy Awards that includes Best Picture,Best Actress for Hillary Swank,Best Supporting Actor for Morgan Freeman and Best Director for Clint Eastwood.Obviously,Million Dollar Baby is a masterpiece.It was one of the best movies that Eastwood has made since Unforgiven.The story of a tragedy about an innately paternal man's desperate need to overcome his own emotional traps and the loyal girl who facilitates his growth by her steely will and stubborn drive will definitely catch the viewers emotion just like the character development of the three main characters involved.No question that the direction and acting particularly from Swank and Freeman were excellent,brilliant and outstanding.But overall,it is one motion picture that should never be missed nor put aside when selecting movies to be seen on a weekend.