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Million Dollar Baby is a boxing film but it's not about the life inside the ring: that means it's not energetic. It's not about the life outside the ring: that means it's not dramatic. It's about journey, the road that connects these two worlds, the fine strip in which one comes alive that's between shadow and light. This film is unique in the respect that we get to see two relationships from two characters' point of view. One, a relationship between two generations and two; the tact passion for their mutual love for boxing. Frankie is a wounded man, a person broken by his past and present that continuously gets damaged by his uncertainty of the future. Maggie is almost Frankie's reflective, but with distinct differences: she's not much about the past or the future, but is focused straight on the present and, unlike others, is a wounded person in becoming. These factors start a solid relationship that may seem indifferent to the third party but is once-and-never for these two. We get to see the rise and fall of this connection through Scrap Dupris's point of view, who is at first a background enigma but becomes the solid voice of the film as time progresses.
Now the boxing: rarely has any other film portrayed a sport as a character in itself. For the characters in the film, boxing is not a sport, but rather a living entity they must visit on a timely basis. We almost never get to see the the boxing. By that I mean we hardly get to see what it represents in the ring, but rather the workings of it - what drives it, the fuel of the game. Approach it correctly and you may be rewarded in more ways than one. Disrespect it and you may lose more than just your reputation. In short, the film is fearless and afraid, simultaneously!
Hilary Swank gave just about the most dedicated, powerhouse performance in her career. She was absolutely stunning in her character, making her both a weak and strong person, an effect although many have achieved, but none so much in the sports genre. It surely is one of the electrifying performances from a female. Clint Eastwood once again was the show-stealer, once again showcasing us his great acting skills as well as superb directing. Morgan Freeman was great in his role, too, giving us another character we all love, and a narration that's difficult to outrank. The rest of the cast were great, too, with Jay Baruchel being the best from the minor. Although the character was very one shaded, Jay a lot of development and likable personality to him that will imprint upon your mind. Not exactly one of the greatest but not exactly forgettable either.
In conclusion, Million Dollar Baby is a much watch. It's much more than what it implies to be. It has personality and definite solid shape to it.
8.5/10
