IvanF's Cut and Paste, No-Name Theatrical Review of
Million Dollar Baby 2005

- IvanFian written March 7th, 2005 -

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- Commentary from a friend -

"Well, another movie that is long overdue for a review is "Million Dollar Baby." Yes, I had watched this superb film directed by Clint Eastwood back on February 16, 2005 at 8:05pm. To be honest, this is quite possibly one of the rare films that is extremely powerful and emotional. Sorry for the cliche pun, but this movie was a knockout punch. It deserved all four of its Academy Awards.

Now, this film is fairly simple in terms of story. There is the down on her luck girl, Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), who dreams of becoming a boxer, and making a measly sum of money by waitressing at a local diner in which she eats customers leftovers. As well, there is the former boxer who had lost an eye, Scrap (Morgan Freeman), that is currently the janitor of the local rundown boxing gym. And then, there is the aging boxing coach, Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood), who yearns for a world champion, but just can't seem to take the risk of making world champion matches where instead he makes smaller, easy money, sure thing matches. It seems to be Maggie's dream to be coached by Frankie to be hard hitting, professional boxer. At first, Frankie is hesitant to take on a girl for fear of the risk that she brings to the sport. However, this fear may be more oriented to his zero relationship Frankie had with his daughter. But in the end, it is Scrap, Frankie's best friend, who persuades Frankie to take on Maggie. It is Scrap that always seems to see the good in people no matter how hidden.

This film is essentially the story of these three lives as a young girl lives out her dream, and achieves more than she could ever know. It is a film so startlingly real and emotional, that the audience really does feel for the these characters through good times and bad. And yet, even though the ending may be controversial...the actions taken by the character are out of love. It seems that through it all, especially life, risks must be taken no matter how hurtful and painful it may seem at the beginning.

The performances in this film are simply breathtaking. Just the simple glances and interactions of the three main leads is of the most graceful filmmaking. Eastwood has really directed a tremendous film. As well, the way that the characters talk to each other and listen to each other is amazing. It is plainly seen that these characters truly do care for each other, and as the audience we truly do feel their highs and lows, joys and pain.

Overall, this is a grand film done is simple, direct filmmaking. What a great film! Therefore, I shall give this film a 9.5/10 and a 4/4 stars."

Film Design - 9.0
Enjoyment Factor - 9.5
Overall (not an average) - 9.0
(4 out of 4 stars)
- Risen Phoenix -