A Punch in the Stomach

Rating: 10/10 (9 November 2006)

This is a very touching human drama movie, with the best director, best actors, and the best story.
"Million Dollar Baby" directed by Clint Eastwood was released in 2004, and received four Oscars that year. This is a breathtaking human drama about a thirty-one year old Maggie (Hilary Swank) and a boxing trainer Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood.)
Maggie a waiter from the poor and dysfunctional family decides to make a change in her life. She asks the experienced boxing trainer Frankie to be her coach and manager. Frankie refuses Maggie at first, but with the help form Frankie's old partner Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris (Morgan Freeman), Maggie walks in to his gym and starts training.
Maggie is a very determined hard worker and wins 12 matched on a row by KO. Then she starts receiving offers for bigger matches, and Frankie makes a decision to make her go for the championship match against "Blue Bear" Billy in Las Vegas. She enters the ring with confidence, but she and Frankie did not know the life waiting for them after this game.
Hilary Swank went for a three months training to prepare for this role, and plays very powerful and emotional role. It is certainly a magnificent performance, and she won her second Oscar for this role, after winning her first one for "Boys Don't Cry." Morgan Freeman also plays a wonderful role as Frankie's partner, very quite but has a strong presence. He won his first Oscar for his role, after being nominated four times in the past.
I will give this movie ten out of ten, and recommend it to anyone over 13 years of age. Especially to those who are in a relationship or having trouble with family members. This is not just a simple boxing film, but it makes you think about life and death. This movie has a twist in the end, so do not go to the bathroom in the last 20 minutes. Be prepared, it is going to leave you speechless.