Nicely done drama about a VERY interesting subject.

Rating: 7/10 (12 March 2015)

Million Dollar Baby is half boxing movie, and half... Something else (I don't want to give away spoilers). If you go in expecting inspiring Rocky-type heroics, you're going to be VERY disappointed. If on the other hand, you want a moving, sombre experience who two of America's great modern day actors (Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman, in case you haven't guessed) and Hilary Duff matching her amazing turn in Boys Don't Cry as a female boxer, then step this way.
The relationship between Duff and Eastwood forms the centrepiece of the film... She comes from a rubbish family, and is reduced to stealing leftovers from the cafe where she works just to eat. All the money she does make goes towards her dream... Which is to be a professional fighter. Eastwood is a gruff, dismissive owner of a local gym... Who doesn't believe girls should fight and that at 31, she's too old anyway. But she insists on bothering him, until he reluctantly agrees to train her... And as they begin to spend time together, she becomes sort of a surrogate daughter to him. Seeing as how he made such a pig's ear of his ties towards his flesh and blood one...
Some of the dialogue exchanges feel a little too calculated in the context of the film and a few situations seem a bit overly 'set up' for maximum dramatic impact, as opposed to feeling authentic. Nevertheless, this is an extremely involving two hours, whether it be the brilliantly directed ringside sequences, or the well maintained interaction between the three main stars. And when the shift focuses to... Something else in the devastating third passage of the script, get those hankies out. The acting muscles REALLY emerge, and we see why this cast is so renowned.
Seriously, get the Kleenex along with the popcorn. You'll need it. 7/10