This is the next film that you must see. The film has quietly come out of nowhere to become one of the top contenders for the Oscar. Director Clint Eastwood is working at the top of his game even surpassing his work on MYSTIC RIVER and UNFORGIVEN. And as an actor Eastwood has never been better.
The story seems routine – a hungry young wanna-be boxer named Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank, BOYS DON’T CRY) tries to convince grizzled old trainer Frankie Dunn (Eastwood) to train her. Frankie doesn’t train girls, but Maggie continues to come to Frankie’s gym day in and day out training herself the best she can. Ex-prize fighter and the gym’s janitor Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris (Morgan Freeman, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION) takes a liking to Maggie and starts to show her a thing or two. As you may think Frankie takes on Maggie and she gets a shot for the title.
The film plays like a great sports movie than it takes an emotional turn that is startling, moving the film in a totally unexpected and emotionally powerful direction. Truly the film is not about boxing, but the three main characters. Boxing serves as a metaphor for the characters and the film shows why these characters pick boxing as their sport of choice.
The film deftly deals with issues of regret, violence, guilt, making something of one’s life, knowing when to let go and rising above the card’s life has dealt you. The film is sad and inspirational at the same time. The cinematography is shadowy and moody. Eastwood even composed the subtle score to the film. It all works so well.
Swank is Oscar bound again. Cate Blanchett and her are the heir-apparents to Meryl Streep’s crown as the most diverse and talented actress alive. Freeman adds pure grace to the film like he did in SHAWSHANK. Surprisingly, the film can also be quite funny. Jay Baruchel (ALMOST FAMOUS) as hopeless boxer wanna-be Danger Barch and Frankie’s theological debates with Father Horvak (Brian O’Byrne, THE GREY ZONE) are some of the humorous highlights.
This film has everything. It reminded me of why films like CASABLANCA, THE SEVENTH SAMURAI and THE APARTMENT are some of my favorites. Only four films from 2004 that I’ve seen so far stand out in my mind as masterpieces – MILLION DOLLAR BABY is the best of them all. I cannot recommend a film more highly than this one.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
