Movie of the Week, Million Dollar Baby (2004)

I don't want to give too much away so I wont go into too much detail with the plot.. although if you haven't seen this movie yet.. go and watch it ..today!

I have to admit that Million Dollar Baby has always been one of those movies that I have wanted to watch but have always thought - hang on I probably need to be in the mood to watch this. Although an academy award winning best picture movie, I've (somehow) waited 11 years to watch it. I haven't sat down to watch a hard hitting picture by myself for a while so I hoped it would be worth the watch. Starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman I couldn't envisage this big name line up existing as a film, and I definitely was not disappointed. Academy award winning Million Dollar Baby is now on my list of 10/10 movies.

Essentially a rags to almost riches story, Million Dollar Baby follows 30 something Maggie Fitzgerald an aspiring female boxer, perusing her dreams in the tough and bloody female boxing world. The major themes of determination, self believe and second chances are themes which will resonate with audiences on this emotional journey. I wouldn't pin it down as being a tearjerker rather than just a really great drama to become invested in. The characters feel authentic and the filmmakers have avoided dramatization of predictable characters and a typical  plot. At times is has the feel of an indie movie due to its honest and effortless tone which I really like about the film. In contrast to the independent film MDB doesn't mirror a steady and cryptic plot, it is fast paced yet keeps the authentic progressive narrative and it does pack a punch with its closing scenes (cheesy pun, sorry).

 

Venturing into this one I was already a Hilary Swank fan, not a major fan-girl-fan, just a bit of a fan I guess. (i.e PS I love you .. a heart-breaking chick flick when you need a good cry). Off screen she comes across as a genuinely likable actress which I think makes her more likable on screen. I'd recommend any movie buff, fanatic or bored individual to have a watch a few of the Hollywood Reporter YouTube videos and you'll see what I mean. (link below, the round table videos around awards season are always entertaining and insightful).Hilary presents as an actress who is very passionate about her work and true to her art. She is clearly willing to suffer for the art form as to bring about a true depiction as the protagonist in the movie.

I believe this is the first Clint Eastwood movie I've knowingly seen, and I do believe that he does a great job both behind and in front of the camera. I really grew to love his character Frankie toward the close of the film, and watching the bond between his character and Maggie is heart warming.

Rarely do I watch a film and think 'wow its so brilliant I must tell everybody! I'm going to go and type up a little blog review now!' but this one definitely deserves a mention as my movie of the week. Although Maggie is the protagonist of the movie your really do feel love and heartache for both supporting actors Eastwood and Freeman. Swank was far deserving of the Academy Award in my opinion and I would highly recommend this film to anyone, sport/boxing fan, male or female. It is a thoroughly entertaining watch.

Facts:

Million Dollar Baby won four Oscars in 2005 (nominated for seven in total)

Best motion picture of the year- Clint Eastwood, Albert S,Ruddy, Tom Rosenberg

Best performance by an actress in a leading role - Hilary Swank

Best performance by an actor in a supporting role - Morgan Freeman

Best achievement in directing - Clint Eastwood

It is listed as number 189 of IMDB's Top Movies

It is a fictional plot based on three short stories by Jerry Boyd

Hilary Swank reportedly gained 20lbs of muscle to play Maggie

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Link Here to Hollywood Reporter actress's interview

(featuring Hilary Swank with Amy Adams, Nicole Kidman, Annette Benning,

Natalie Portman and Helena Bonham-Carter)

 

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Have you seen Million Dollar Baby? What did you think?.. comment below