An excellent film

Rating: 10/10 (30 March 2005)

I think everybody who criticized this film either have not seen it or take the controversy about the film out of context. Now that I have actually seen the film, I feel free to comment on the controversy.
Spoiler: Unlike in the Terri Schiavo case, in which the patient's desires are debatable, here it is not. Maggie wishes to die because she is not able to walk or move her arms. As a professional fighter, it was the only thing she was good at. Do I agree with her decision? I think it was her decision to make. Whether or not I agree with it is irrelevant. I do understand why she made that decision. If you put her decision in the context of the movie, people who criticize her decision will at least understand why. It is also not easy for Clint Eastwood's character to fulfill her wishes. This does not glamorize euthanasia, but sees it as a very difficult decision to make.
As for the movie itself, it is a great story of a boxer, her manager, and a guy who works at the gym. They basically become a family. Clint Eastwood is the father, Hilary Swank is the daughter, and Morgan Freeman is the uncle. Since these three are estranged from their own families, they create a family of their own with their home in a boxing gym. All three of the performances are great and the film takes you on a journey where you want to follow these characters. I contrast that with Closer, which had good performances, but I didn't care the least about the characters or their situations. In this movie, you care very much. It deserved every award it got. 10/10