Review - Film - Million Dollar Baby

 

Million Dollar Baby

Cher and I went to see Clint Eastwood’s, “Million Dollar Baby” last Wednesday. We went knowing nothing about the film except that it was an Eastwood film and that it had done fairly well at the Golden Globes. Typically speaking, critically acclaimed, award winning films end up end in disappointment. We were pleasantly surprised.

Mr. Eastwood has produced what, in my opinion, is his finest work to date both as a director and as an actor. It ranges from wryly humorous to deeply moving. And, if you’ll excuse the pun, doesn’t pull any punches. It’s about a boxing trainer who begrudgingly agrees to train a young woman played by, Hillary Swank. It follows her training through a rich assortment of subplots all of which endear you to the characters. It is emotionally diverse and moves flawlessly from scene to scene.

Morgan Freeman should also be mentioned her as he turns in another moving performance as the narrator of this film. His smooth, wizened tones serve as the voice of reason and the grounding force of the movie. Mr. Eastwood uses Mr. Freeman’s character to frame he story for the audience in a way that keeps it accessible, warm, and interesting.

*** SPOILER ALERT(don’t read past here if you don’t want to know)

Mr. Eastwood has been exploring dark and socially challenging themes in his recent movies. Much like Mystic River, this movie has a dark twist which will leave you thinking long after you leave the theater. It tackles one of the more challenging issues facing American society today, the right to die.

Whether you see it in the theaters or rent it, this is not a movie to miss – unless, of course, you’re one of those people who likes to go to movies and leave happy and unchallenged…

RCS