When a dream coming true is destiny.

Rating: 9/10 (21 July 2005)

Marvelous. Outstanding. The only thing I can find wrong is the film's title...MILLION DOLLAR BABY. This is a drama that packs a punch. Clint Eastwood directs and stars as Frankie Dunn, a cautious and wise gym owner and former boxing manager. His gym is managed by one of his former fighters Eddie 'Scrap Iron' Dupris(Morgan Freeman). Their lives take on a new perspective when a thirty-something waitress Maggie Fitzgerald(Hilary Swank)comes to the gym hoping to find a manager and trainer to help her escape poverty by becoming a boxer. Maggie and Eddie are convincing enough to change Frankie's mind about training a woman for the ring. Maggie proves to have the determination and the punch to become an acclaimed fighter. The fighting scenes are well choreographed and exciting. This emotional, powerful story has an unexpected and heart rendering finale. Eastwood, Swank and Freeman are excellent. Also in the cast: Jay Baruchel, Lucia Rijker and Mike Colter. This movie deserves every one of its accolades.