watch it..... then watch it again

Rating: 8/10 (13 April 2008)

We have all seen the Rocky films, and we have all seen Raging Bull. Million Dollar Baby, directed by Clint Eastwood, deserves to sit alongside these terrific boxing films. Great cast, great story, and great direction from Eastwood.
When I first sat down to watch this movie I thought that it was just going to be very similar to Rocky, with a girl making her way to the top. But its so much more than that. The film is a powerful and moving experience to sit through.
Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood), is an experienced and successful Boxing trainer who runs a training gym with long time friend 'Scrap' (Morgan Freeman). Although Frankie appears to be a tough strict, man, he is secretly hiding a heartbreak involving his daughter, who he has made a lot of failed attempts to get in contact with her over the years. Oh yeah, and he 'doesn't train girls'. His work and lack of faith are the two main elements of his life, until Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) walks into his gym.
Admiring Maggies work rate and attitude, Frankie eventually takes Maggie under his wing, beginning a relationship that see's Frankie develop her into a terrific boxer. The pairs relationship grows and it becomes clear that Frankie may have found the long lost daughter he's been looking for. The two are all each other have, and one horrific incident results in them facing a battle tougher than what they could ever face in a boxing ring.
I couldn't take my eyes off this movie and I was very moved by the performances. Easily a film you will watch again and again.