There are not many movies that managed to get to me in the theatre as much as Million Dollar Baby. I remember seeing this with my wife (not my wife at the time) and we were both really choked up. It is a “sports movie” but I do not think you have to be into sports or boxing to appreciate this.
How to Download Million Dollar Baby
Million Dollar Baby was released on December 15, 2004. You can download or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. If you are interested in other movies directed by Clint Eastwood, check out our reviews of Gran Torino (2008), Sully (2016), or The Mule (2018).
The Movie Review
A Masterpiece by Clint Eastwood
Released in 2004, this is a Clint Eastwood movie and it is my favorite of all his work as both an actor and a director. I am at kind of a loss of what to say about Million Dollar Baby to be honest. Because this is such a great movie and a movie that has such a great story I am worried that I cannot do it justice.
The Heart of Million Dollar Baby: Maggie’s Journey
The basics are that we have this woman called Maggie. Maggie has led a hard life to say the least and she is training to be a boxer. Maggie ends up going to a gym run by a trainer called Frankie Dunn. Frankie is an old dude, non nonsense type and he takes a dislike to Maggie at first, but he grows to admire her spirit.
The Unique Bond Between Maggie and Frankie
Maggie has no technique, but her spirit really does shine through. Frankie eventually starts to train her and he sees that she has heart and spirit. This is not a typical boxing or sports movie that is just training montages until she gets good enough, takes on the champion, and then wins.
Boxing is a part of the story, but it is more about Maggie and her relationship with Frankie. The chemistry here is great, Hillary Swank is an amazing actress and she has so many great credits to her name, but this is the best she has ever been. I truly cannot say enough great things about her performance.
Stellar Performances That Elevate the Film
It is the same for Clint Eastwood. Clint Eastwood is one of the greatest actors of all time and again, this is the best he has ever been. You just 100 percent believe everything that he says and does and when Maggie’s family comes back into play, you see how much he really cares for her.
The Climactic Battle: A Testament to Realism
The boxing stuff is great and it is much more realistic than say a Rocky movie (which is also a series I love) it is brutal and gritty and the final fight that Maggie has is just incredible. It has such a shocking moment a moment that I never saw coming the first time I saw this. I remember my jaw being open in the theatre.
The Unforgettable Conclusion of Million Dollar Baby
No spoilers just in case you have not seen this, but the ending, oh my goodness the ending! This is the kind of movie that sticks with you for a few days after you have seen it. I have seen this a few times over the years and while it does not shock me the way it did the first time, it still gets to me each and every time.
Why Million Dollar Baby Is a Must-Watch
If for some reason you have still not seen Million Dollar Baby, you need to get to watching this. It is a groundbreaking movie, one of the greatest ever and if I had to do a top ten movies of all time, this would be on this list. Even if you have already seen it and think it is not the kind of movie you would want to watch again. Give it another watch and I promise it will tug on those heartstrings just as much as it did the first time.
