A Million Dollar Rope-a-Dope, Baby

Rating: Null/10 (1 March 2005)

Think the passion of the Christ got shut out at Sunday night's 77th Academy Awards ceremony. Better take another look.
It may be the most stunning turn of events inside a boxing ring since Muhammad Ali's Rope-a-Dope.
Clint Eastwood's film "Million Dollar Baby" walked away with 4 Oscars, including Best Picture, and it is a very good film in its story telling and technical qualities. But the most interesting aspect of it may still be developing and that is they way the media -- both mainstream and conservative right -- have responded to it.
The mainstream media have declared it a bold masterpiece. The religious right has dismissed it as garbage and an assault to the sanctity of life. However, a deeper examination of the film's storyline reveals an undeniable parallel to Jesus' life and ministry before going to the cross.
Eastwood has in effect produced a lamb in wolf's clothing, presenting himself in the character of God, Morgan Freeman as the Holy Ghost and Hilary Swank, who picked up Best Actress honors, as a stirring depiction of the life and passion of Jesus Christ.
Talk about your sucker punch. Pundits on both sides of this film will soon be scratching their heads trying to figure which corner belongs to them  red or blue.
Don't believe me, it's really there. The parallels are amazing. And the reaction from conservative media is an extension of the story  they have failed to recognize their guy and can only condemn Him.
Stunning in its complexity and the truth it conveys.