Mo chuishle

Rating: 10/10 (27 August 2011)

"Million Dollar Baby" marks Clint Eastwood's 41st film as a leading star, 25th film as a filmmaker, 19th film as a producer, and - notably, second film as composer. Not that it matters, but I'm just stating this to assert the fact that Mr. Eastwood is truly one of the most versatile faces in the history of movies. Be it an action icon, call him an actor, a filmmaker or a musician, Eastwood has done it all, and in this film, does it all.
I was 13 when this film came out, and I didn't see it upon it's release in the cinemas. Now, after having finally watching the full film, I now regret that decision.
The story of a crusty boxing trainer and the woman who wouldn't give up her dream might sound right at home with the usual Hollywood sports film tropes, but Eastwood's subtle yet strong direction grounds the film into reality and plausibility. Also, it isn't exactly about boxing, although that is one of it's stronger themes - it is really about three people whose lives revolve around this sport - one who's good at it, one who really wants to be in it, and one who used to be in it. What were the Hollywood marketing department thinking when they were marketing this movie as some sort of female "Rocky"? Seriously. Just watch the trailer. And never trust it.
The story is told in a way that doesn't glorify it, nor underscores it. It's that nice balance that makes it very engaging to watch. The story takes a deep dark turn at the last third of the movie, which makes it harrowing and heart-wrenching to watch. I'll be honest. I nearly cried. And I rarely cry in movies. The turn of events could've been handled in an uninspired or overdone way but Eastwood is smart. He tells it as it is - without excess fat or meat. The result - the emotional effect hit me hard.
The performances of all three main actors are superb, with Morgan Freeman as the gentle caretaker of the gym whose personality will make anyone easy to warm up to, yet there's a somewhat sombre aura emitting from him - made obvious in his narration. Hilary Swank is excellent here in a homely, humbled and confident performance as Maggie the determined fighter who would never give up her passion and her dreams - no matter what life throws at her - and no matter the cost. Her character is the central focus of the movie - but Swank does not over or under-act, she embodies the simplicity of the character perfectly and shines in the really subtle moments (Eastwood's masterful direction helped here). However, as Eastwood the actor I honestly have to say that this is the best acting performance of Eastwood. And I have seen both "Unforgiven" and "Gran Torino". Eastwood here is terrific, he has that trademark grizzled personality during the first half with shades of darkness here and there, but during the duration of the film he slowly opens up to the complex and tormented man inside, until the last half of the film where Eastwood gives a revelation of a performance, channeling his character's demons from the past to create a very emotionally complex character. Eastwood was honestly robbed of the Oscar for Best Actor that night, not that that stopped him from winning the Best Director one, but hey. Paul Haggis (who would later win the Best Picture Oscar for "Crash" the next year) wrote the screenplay with raw honesty, so that the dialog sounds natural and earnest, and not just actors reciting or improvising lines.
Eastwood the composer scores a very beautiful, simple and yet haunting music score that is not overblown, but gets the job done very effectively - with help from his longtime conductor Lennie Niehaus. His theme for the movie "Blue Morgan" is especially very beautiful and emotional. Tom Stern's cinematography is also masterful - loved the way that Stern casts dark shadows over the character's nearly rim-lit faces giving them an extra edge in character (and there are a lot of dark scenes). The fight scenes are quite engaging but they're almost nothing new like in any other boxing movie, although Lucia Rijker's presence as "The Blue Bear" is quite unnerving.
The subtler moments I really admire - Scrap's conversation with Maggie in the bar; Maggie's monstrously evil white trash family; Frankie's letters to his estranged daughter returned unopened every time; Frankie's message to Maggie - always protect yourself; and finally the phrase "mo chuishle" (spelled incorrectly in the film - on purpose I think) - coupled with Eastwood's touch, give the film more power and credibility than it's supposed to.
It's the simpler moments that makes a good movie great, and "Million Dollar Baby" proves it tenfold. Had it fall under the hands of a lesser or more stylized filmmaker, it would've been melodramatic or cheesy. Eastwood has been in the business for more than half a century. He really knows what he is doing. And he tells it as it is, and doesn't hold back any punches. This film is indeed the best film of 2004 because it has it all - a great inspiring and yet harrowing story, great cast giving great performances, and brilliant direction from a true master. Is "Million Dollar Baby" a masterpiece? Maybe, but it's definitely one of Eastwood's finest films - his best since "Unforgiven". One of the Oscar- winning films that I say truly deserve every award it won - and it should've won more.