Million Dollar Baby... Million Dollar Movie

Rating: 9/10 (20 February 2019)

When one hears that the theme of a movie revolves around a woman trying to become a boxer he may think "Hmm, that would be good to watch; it is probably another film about a badass girl overturning gender stereotypes". Well, nothing actually prepares you for what you are about to experience.
"Million Dollar Baby" is about a woman named Maggie who wants to become a boxer and her relationship with her stone-faced trainer Freddie Dunn. Any other detail concerning the plot is unnecessary and will only prevent the viewer from delving into the world of these two extraordinary characters. And they are really something. Frankie is a living oxymoron, as his formidable, impenetrable form and laconic speech is juxtaposed with a great emotional depth. Maggie is a diamond in the rough who with dignity and passion literally fights her way to the world. I would, however be unjust not to mention Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris, the gentle and unsuccessful boxer and current janitor to the gym Freddie owns, who works as a balancing element to the tension caused to the viewer by the explosive nature of the first two.
The setting, furthermore, embellishes in it's own way the cinematic experience. The scruffy gym, the adrenaline-filled rings and the hospital are colored in dull, cold colors, so as to work as a neutral setting for the colourful emotions depicted in the film-canvass; and the emotions presented are raw and violent in an overwhelming and almost intoxicating way. So much, that we are compelled to watch until the very end of the movie with only a few precious intervals of humor and nonchalance to comfort us.
It is true that "Million Dollar Baby" is not an easy to film to watch. With it's intelligent depiction of pain, cruelty and injustice it is a reminder of the dark, and yet, realistic side of life that is often overlooked, as it's a hard pill to swallow. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a gem of modern filmmaking with mind-blowing performances, you are more than welcome to give it try. It will upset you, but it will be etched in your heart for a very long time.