It just seems to get better and better for Clint Eastwood. The 74-year-old Hollywood legend’s latest drama, “Million Dollar Baby,” which he also directs, packs a mean punch to the heart.
The film, which stars Eastwood (Frankie Dunn), Morgan Freeman (Scrap) and Hilary Swank (Maggie Fitzgerald), opens Dec. 15, and is a painful lesson of how life can be so harsh and yet so fragile. It’s an inspiring story of realizing your dreams, drawing from hope and human sacrifice.
In the wake of a painful estrangement from his daughter, boxing trainer Frankie Dunn has been unwilling to let himself get close to anyone for a very long time — then Maggie Fitzgerald walks into his gym. In a life of constant struggle, Maggie's gotten herself this far on raw talent, unshakable focus and a tremendous force of will. But more than anything, she wants someone to believe in her. Dunn begrudgingly agrees to take her on. The two come to discover that they share a common spirit that transcends the pain and loss of their pasts, and they find in each other a sense of family they lost long ago. Yet, they both face a battle that will demand more heart and courage than any they’ve ever known.
You’ll feel like a fly on the wall watching this one — Eastwood’s talent in keeping it real keeps the story unraveling fight after fight, struggle after struggle. Based on a short story from the collection “Rope Burns” by F.X. Toole., the way “Million Dollar Baby” plays out, it might as well be a documentary because it seems so true to life. (Rated PG-13 for violence, some disturbing images, thematic material and language).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 17, 2004. Read the original PDF.