MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Million Dollar’ packs more than punches
“Million Dollar Baby”Grade: A
While watching this film, I found myself thinking about a lot more than the exciting and grueling sport of boxing. In addition to the adrenaline-pumping scenes in the bloody boxing ring, “Million Dollar Baby” also exposes a beautiful portrait of life’s relationships and the feelings that drive them.
Directed and produced by Clint Eastwood (this is the 25th film he has directed and 21st he has produced) “Million Dollar Baby” is yet another noteworthy accomplishment in his seemingly endless and illustrious career.
This latest triumph was adapted (by screenwriter Paul Higgins) from the writings of F. X. Toole, the author of a series of stories called “Rope Burns.” As the title of these stories might suggest, “Million Dollar Baby” displays the gloom and pain that not only exists in the boxing ring but in our hearts as well.
The film stars Clint Eastwood (“Unforgiven”) playing Frankie Dunn, a grumpy and burnt-out boxing coach, letting each day pass by as he works monotonously in his run down gym. He works alongside Scrap, (Morgan Freeman, “The Shawshank Redemption”) the equally stubborn old grump who mops the gym floors and remembers his days of glory as a great boxing champ. Their lives are dramatically changed when they meet Maggie, (Hilary Swank, “Boys Don’t Cry”) the homely and hopeful waitress who is set on becoming the best fighter she can be.
Swank does an incredible job as we see the emotional and physical journey of a woman who constantly endures without ever wiping the smile off her face. We see humility and dedication in her character as we’ve never seen it before.
Once Eastwood begrudgingly agrees to train her, she is taken to a series of boxing matches which she wins with the greatest of ease. Fortunately, this movie isn’t only about boxing. For as we watch Maggie’s career blossom, we also watch her relationships with Frankie and Scrap develop with strong sincerity.
We slowly learn more about these characters throughout the film as we’re exposed to their dark past, family conflicts and secrets that never seem to be fully explained. All these elements of the film increase with intensity until we are brought to a powerful and emotional end. “Million Dollar Baby” sends a message that encourages us to think about why we live the lives that we live and why we endure through the thickest of times.
Since Eastwood, Freeman and Swank are all previous Oscar winners, it is no surprise that they’re all nominated again for this film.
The acting seemed superficial and stereotypical at first, although each character gradually evolves and allows the audience to look further inside them. The dialogue is rather succinct and plain, but the film quietly shows us the prevailing spirit that exists within the simple things.
In terms of the storyline, it’s quite slow at the beginning and we never seem to go anywhere until Swank arrives on screen. But the powerful acting and strong practicality that we see in each character is valuable. The story reminds us of how rare and precious we all are and the fragility of everyone’s life. And, as it inspires us to appreciate the sacrifice, trust, honesty and forgiveness in relationships we become a bit less fragile, a bit stronger and worth more than millions.
Casey T. Allen is a junior majoring in English. Comments may be sent to him at caseyal@cc.usu.edu