Superb is an understatement.

Rating: Null/10 (28 February 2005)

When I first saw the Flyers for this film wasn't keen to see it. Female Boxing is not my kind of sport, figured it was "Rocky" with tits, and wondered why Eastwood had bothered. Fortunately I did make the effort and how rewarding is this picture. It absolutely deserves the Oscars it won, and again establishes Clint Eastwood as a legend in his own time. The fight part of the story, although superbly realized, is secondary to the relationship between the case hard boxing trainer (Eastwood) and a fiery ambitious young boxer (Swank) who wants to succeed at all costs. Initially Eastwood wants no part of training a girl, but with the help of Morgan Freeman (as a old fighter who works in the Gym) Swank at last convinces Eastwood to train her. With results that neither party could imagine, it will effect their lives, and brings them together against tragedy. A human and moving drama set against the gritty background of boxing rings and training gyms. Up there with "Requiem for a Heavyweight" and "Raging Bull" (directed by Martin Scorsese who was pitted against Eastwood in the Academy Awards with "The Aviator") Eastwood made the film on a modest budget in less than 40 days shooting, which is a truly remarkable effort for a man in his 70's. Both directing and acting a lead role. One of the best "boxing" films ever produced, but more importantly one of the most human stories of love and ambition. The three leads all work beautifully as an ensemble in this finely crafted film, don't even think of missing it.