Forget the nay-sayers - this is a great film!

Rating: Null/10 (26 February 2005)

Nothing about this film can be improved upon. I heard much of the controversy,but avoided all discussion regarding the surprise twist. So I went to the film expecting another Rocky. During the film I got the sense something unexpected was going to happen - the story was beginning to look like something that was becoming too good to be true for the fighter. Then I was pulled into the drama and the internal struggle the Clint Eastwood charter had to deal with. This film makes neither a pro or anti-euthanasia statement. There are many layers you can peel away and discuss - their meanings, morals, statements, messages and impact. I believed and could identify with the struggle both the Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank characters went through. It's a powerful character study. You don't have to feel that it justifies euthanasia - it is a powerful drama with an abstract representation of how a handful of people dealt with triumph and tragedy. You can agree or disagree with the outcome, but that does not take away from the powerful impact. One sign of a great film is the controversy it can generate. And this film will be discussed for a long time. If you haven't already, go see it. Think about it and discuss it. It doesn't matter if you don't like or support the decisions made, but identifying with the depth of emotion and struggle will make you the better for it. 10 out of 10 stars.