True greatness from Eastwood again!

Rating: Null/10 (4 March 2005)

I saw this movie yesterday, and it maid such an impact that I now write my first comments on the IMDb. On the outside Baby is about woman boxing, but on the inside it's about personal lost and gaining. We follow a man who is wisecracking with his best friend a lot in the boxing studio and seems happy, but inside he is hurting a lot. Frankie is easily Eastwood's best role since "Unforgiven", he gives a emotional depth to the character I was dumbfounded by. Eastwood and Freeman workes great together, and the scenes they share are often very funny, like the dialogue you would expect between two old men who have shared a good 25 years together as friends.
In comes Hilary Swank as white trash Maggie, wanting to be a fighter. She's 31, and got some rough talent, but are a long way from being a professional boxer. Frankie at first doesn't want a woman in the gym, but is impressed by her anyway, so all end of course with him training her. Maybe he sees her as a second chance in life for a lost family member? Anyway, Maggie is extremely willing to train a lot to get to the top, and shows herself as one though lady in the ring. But will she go all the way and be world champion? It's one brilliant movie. Easily the best I have seen so far this year, and one that will live in the memory for a very long time. Eastwood, Freeman and Swank are great. Swank is like De Niro of the 21th Century, and gives one of the really big performances with her female fighter. I really fell in love with Hilary Swank and won't say anything of her destiny. It's a thrill ride with lots of humor and laughs, some good fights and some very touchy and sad scenes. Very recommended!