Debatably it is the best film of 2004.

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2005)

It's hard to believe it, but Clint Eastwood has done it again. After 2003s "Mystic River," he has managed to direct another powerhouse film, but this time about a young female boxer named Maggie played effortlessly by Hillary Swank. She is trained by a hardened, old school trainer named Frankie who at first does not want to be bothered with her since she is a woman and he "doesn't train girls." But after some persuasion, Maggie manages to get Frankie to train her and their relationship takes on a father/daughter dynamic. She is poor and far away from home and he has lost his daughter's love by some act we never really know about. They learn to depend on each other for strength and guidance. The love they have is deep and cannot be shattered. With his training and wisdom, Frankie gets Maggie to be a major player in the female boxing arena until she gets injured. It now becomes Frankie's job to look after her and to find a piece of family in the least likely of persons. Amazing performances by Swank and Eastwood, and credit must be given to Morgan Freeman as Frankie's gym manager/assistant and for his narration throughout the picture. Debatably it is the best film of 2004.