No boxing film per se, but an old-fashioned drama & tear-jerker

Rating: 6/10 (13 October 2006)

Aging boxing trainer Eastwood reluctantly takes on his biggest challenge yet: a 30-year old woman (Swank) who's determined to make it big, despite the "man's world's game". Not a boxing film per se, as it is really a good-old-fashioned variation of the father & daughter drama-theme; and not to mention the inevitable "I could'a been a contender" - content.
So, be beware of lots of tear-jerking, although of the better kind, mostly thanks to the charisma of Eastwood & Swank. And being Hollywood as it is, you have to put up with scenes like the one where Freeman's character gets his last "match" defending the ultimate underdog "Danger", and the title fight where Swank's opponent is nothing but a clichéd dirty-fighting brute from Germany! It's a simple, good and emotionally involving movie - with a welcome, bold pro-euthanasia statement - not aiming for cinematic re-invention or greatness. But an Oscar for best picture...? Naah.
"She's younger, faster and better than you. So what are you gonna do about it?"
6 out of 10 from Ozjeppe