Million Dollar Baby
2004  PG-13  DRAMA  2h 12min
CAST— Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman
MUSIC— Clint Eastwood  DIRECTOR— Clint Eastwood  BASED ON— Rope Burns (book), by F. X. Toole

     A searing drama that again proves Clint Eastwood’s prowess as a director. Here he plays a gruff and grumbling trainer for an up and coming boxer. As the boxer leaves for a better offer opportunity knocks when into the gym steps Hilary Swank, an aimless thirty-something with the heart of a champ. Even though Eastwood unceremoniously claims that he doesn’t train girls Swank is still steadfast in her desire to be a fighter. She accepts some friendly advice from kindly Morgan Freeman, an ex-boxer with more than a few years experience, both in and out of the ring. Seeing her at the gym day after day Eastwood develops a fondness for her, so much so that he decides to train her. So begins a winning partnership that transcends the ring, making their relationship vital to the two of them. Not as much of a boxing film as one might expect; rather a poignant, emotional study of a loving relationship (grudgingly admitted, of course). A real K.O. Oscar-winner for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Swank), Best Supporting Actor (Freeman).
OUR RATING— ***