As Close To A Perfect Movie As One May Get

Rating: 10/10 (11 February 2020)

I've probably seen "Million Dollar Baby" a solid 4-5 times now in my lifetime thus far. Despite that intimate knowledge of plot, characters, and even dialogue, the experience never fails to enthrall me on an emotional level. I truly consider this to be one of the best films ever created.
For a very basic overview, "Million Dollar Baby" tells the story of Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), an incredibly dedicated yet utterly raw boxer desperate for a trainer to give her an opportunity. She turns to Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood), a grizzled old gym owner who is initially reluctant to "train a girl" until recognizing her work ethic and drive. While both fighter and trainer initially fill gaps in each other's lives, their partnership is eventually tested to the max in the face of incredible tragedy.
There are so many areas that combine together to make "Million Dollar Baby" a near-perfect film:
The plot is great not only for fans of pugilism, but also for anyone that loves a Rocky-like underdog story. The character of Maggie is so expertly constructed and easy to root for that it makes the ending of her arc that much more of a gut punch. The way she softens Frankie's outlook on life will also pull on your heartstrings.
The inclusion of Morgan Freeman as essentially the narrator of the movie is a brilliant move. Not only does his voice provide the perfect backdrop for all the emotional cues, but his character ("Scrap") serves a key role in bridging the gap between Maggie and Frankie.
The music is almost an entity in and of itself in this film, providing a very distinct experience. From Eastwood's own simply piano melodies to the sweeping orchestra that takes over in the emotional throes, this is a soundtrack that will stick with you.
Of course, the gut-punch last 20-30 minutes absolutely comes out of nowhere and changes the entire tenor of the piece. What had been a fairly traditional (if still eminently enjoyable) underdog sports movie turns on a dime to examine issues like euthanasia and personal redemption. This is where the acting really shines. A particular scene where Eastwood's Frankie is asked-by Maggie-for an almost unthinkable request is one of the best reaction shots I've ever seen put to film. Really, the entire cast here give nuanced, spot-on performances.
I really struggle to find criticisms of "Million Dollar Baby" whatsoever. There is not a single wasted line of dialogue or scene to be found. Everything is "paid off" at some point, which is the sign of a fantastic screenplay.
Overall, this is a film that rests squarely within my "top five movies of all-time" list. I'll never forget how it seemingly came out of nowhere in late 2004 to ultimately take home 4 Oscars and be nominated for three more. The emotional rollercoaster this film takes you on is absolutely second to none.