The most human film in years

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2005)

After reading all the reviews, I still did not know what to expect out of "Million Dollar Baby" ("MDB"). Was it a female "Rocky"? Or was it about relationships? Well, after watching this film last night, I have to say that this is one of those films that is more about people and human nature than anything else.
Clint Eastwood as a film maker has done what few actor/directors have done: make a succession of films that have gotten more mature and better with age. He started tackling complicated issues such as murder, mythology, and feminism with "Unforgiven" (which almost single-handedly deconstructed the Western genre), and then went after other great dramas with "Mystic River", "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", and "The Bridges of Madison County". However, Mr. Eastwood has proved to be a master of exploring humans with "Million Dollar Baby" If I was to summarize this film, I'd give a lot of the movie away and ruin the experience. So let me clarify a few things to get you prepared. It is not a female "Rocky"--"Rocky" was about a chance of a lifetime; "MDB" is more complicated, exploring themes of determination, taking chances, and courage. Secondly, it is only partially about boxing. While we do learn about the intricacies of boxing, it does a better job about exploring the minds of the people involved. Finally, these characters are people who you know in your life, and they are not treated with kid gloves; everything is presented straightforward, with nothing to hide.
If you are looking for a plot, I can say that there is a very skimpy one. However, like a good story, it bonds you to all the characters, and in the end, you will be jolted. Along with "Unforgiven", this is his masterpiece. Hillary Swank is making her way to be the next great actress since Meryl Streep. Clint Eastwood courageously shows more emotion and range than he ever has on film. And Morgan Freeman, who is usually portrayed as a low talking father figure, adds a good foundation to the film as a whole. Direction is tight, and the score, while simple, is very moving. Forget the big budget blockbusters and give this small film a watch; by far one of the best American films to come out in a while.
10/10