Million Dollar Baby (2004)
ADULT THEMES, MEDIUM LEVEL VIOLENCE, LOW LEVEL COARSE LANGUAGE
Eastwood plays boxing trainer, Frankie Dunn, a man who has become emotionally locked up and unable to allow himself to get close to anyone since a painful estrangement from his daughter. Frankie runs an LA gym with ex-boxer, Eddie Scrap-Iron (Morgan Freeman) who narrates the story.
Into Frankie’s life walks Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), a young woman whose life has been a constant struggle but who is determined to be a boxer – with Frankie as her trainer. Frankie tells her she is too old and that he does not train girls – but by sheer force of will, she wins him over and he takes her on.
Their relationship is both confrontational and inspiring for both as they head towards a championship match at which point tragedy strikes and the two discover that in each other they have been able to overcome the losses of their pasts.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 137mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (112)
112 Member
Reviews
Cate
says
Slow and predictive
kathy
says
a fantiastic movie staring Clint Eastwood, both as actor and Director, certainally worth watching
Robert Clark
says
This is Clint Eastwood's masterpiece, even in the context of Unforgiven, this knocks you off your feet.
JenniferT
says
Clint Eastwood was brilliant in this film - the ending was too gritty for me, though.
Ina
says
Top movie. Great work by Clint Eastwood.
Robertito
says
A fine film, which I would have enjoyed a lot more if I didn't know so much of the plot ahead of time. I know that's not the film's fault, so my rating is kind of a compromise between how much I enjoyed it at the time and how much I might have enjoyed it coming to it cold.
The performances are solid, the plot engaging as with all of Eastwood's films. However, I found that it was a bit heavy-handed and sentimental overall. I've been thinking about it a bit, though, which is a sign that it definitely got me in.
Breedy
says
A very powerful yet disturbing movie. Brilliant acting by both Hilary Swank
CJH
says
Fantastic ... an amazing story. I really love it.
Christos
says
Sad, sad ending!
Unusual movie...worth a look, but don't fall for the hype..
Sad twist in the tail!
Mizer
says
Emotional, sad, funny, gritty and raw.
Come looking for a boxing movie and leave with your heart in your hands and a empty box of tissues.
Eastwood and Swank are amazing.
Can’t get the little lady to watch Rocky and you would rather poke your eyes out than watch a tear jerker................here is your ticket to the best of both worlds fella’s.
Rob B
says
This was perhaps the last of Clint's near on eighty movies that I had not seen. I was put off at first by the boxing theme. If like me you do not like boxing see the movie anyway. It is refreshing (even though I do not agree with the moral issue Frankie makes).
Al
says
Fantastic flick, Clint Eastwood at his best not to mention Hillary Swank A
margaret worth
says
great - bit slow at first but great!!
Karen B.
says
There's no denying that Clint Eastwood is a masterful director but this isn't one of my favourites. I found it bleak and unengaging. Nevertheless the performances from Eastwood and Freeman are powerful and the story thought-provoking to the end.
carmen bryant
says
Like all Clint Eastwood movies, brilliant!
janisyeehar
says
Good movie worth a watch
Peter E.
says
I enjoy Clint Eastwood movies and this one is no exception. Quality directing and acting. Fantastic.
Marlene
says
Great movie another true Clint Eastwood
Carolyn H.
says
If you haven't seen this movie what's stopping you. Another Eastwood masterpiece.
Annie
says
Very moving story line with good castings. It's a shame it wasn't a happy ending.
Paul S.
says
I've heard a lot of good things about this movie, but I found it to be a little dry. The characters aren't as engaging as they could be, and I found that Hillary's character was a little two dimensional - it felt like I got an outsider's view of her motivations and so it was hard to feel drawn in. In other words I find it to be lacking in the emotional involvement that we watch these movies to experience.
Michelle G.
says
Great movie with a twist at the end that will shock. Hilary Swank is amazing in her role a well deserved oscar.
Kim W.
says
Excellent, I had no idea of how the story line would end, so found it very engrossing.
Jim Y.
says
an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you breathless
Damian S.
says
Over rated but probably worth the look if you are interested in women boxing.
Terry W.
says
With actors like Clint Eastwood & Morgan Freeman you will always have a good movie. Enjoyable. Thought provoking ending.
Malcolm R.
says
Desreved the best picture that year. Great performance from Ms Swank. Storyline's wonderful. don't miss this
Carol H.
says
Great story line and wonderful acting. Will have you crying at the end. Acting is so good that the charactors are very believable
Michelle R.
says
This is one of the best movies I have watched in a long time. It was thought provoking, sad, truly a wonderful story told. Clint Eastwood is still an amazing actor and Hilary Swank really did an amazing job. You can't not mention Morgan Freeman who is just outstanding as usual.
Christine L.
says
Not a lover of the boxing movie except for Rocky, however this movie really moved me. I loved the relationship that evolved and always worth watching Hilary Swank as she is superb.
Fred M.
says
Nicole W.
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Raymond B.
says
great movie, but very sad.
says
Chris R.
says
Inspirational. Ol' Clint has certainly learnt something about movie-making over his long career
Elizabeth C.
says
Matthew B.
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Aileen A.
says
Even though I'm not usually into these movies; I couldnt stop watching. It had great actors that done the screen play a great justice.
Andrea C.
says
Bradley W.
says
Fantastic. Loved it!
Danielle T.
says
Great Movie. Very intense at times. The acting is superb would recommend it to anyone.
Janet B.
says
Must be good,it won many awards,not for me,Idont like boxing.For the fight fan,if you like Clint Eastwood and sad stories good production,you get 5 stars.
Jo-Anne W.
says
Elaine A.
says
Great movie
Ian G.
says
Brilliant movie. I am not a boxing fan but it kept me interested. Fantastic efforts by Clint Eastwood and especially Hilary Swank. What a tragic ending.
Alan C.
says
Wasn't a fan of boxing movies, but this kept me guessing until the very end!
Brad N.
says
Walter R.
says
Story made unusual by the fact that the boxer is a fewmale. Good story line, emotional, with a sad ending, not particularly expected.
Jeanette B.
says
what a great movie. need tissues at the end. great for all the family.
Melinda B.
says
I loved this film. I'm not into fighting... but neither is the film really. Subtle and moving - I've been thinking about the movie since I watched it.
Candy M.
says
Sue H.
says
Susan M.
says
This is a must see movie! The story is brilliant and so is the acting. The boxing segments are excellent. This is a movie not to be missed.
Lisa J.
says
Jarna N.
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Clive M.
says
Great acting, great script, great direction, great message! We did not expect to like a movie about women boxing and were surprised to find it so good.
Clint Eastwood makes his mark behind the camera again.
Craig Hill
says
The first two third's are a little predictable but then WOW ! What a shift ! The last third is what makes the movie an award winner.
Cathie B.
says
Great performances but a bit depressing
Joanne M.
says
poppy
says
This movie was "enthralling". So much so that I didn't even want to pause it to go to the toilet. I had heard about the Million
Dollar Baby and how it was a great story but not knowing what the story was. My friend is a World Title holder in women's boxing and she has been referred to as "The Million Dollar Baby" so naturally I thought it was a movie where the down trodden made good. Boy was I understating the movie. I couldn't move from the television. I was smirking at the digs one minute and laughing the next; not to mention the torrid of tears. This is a great movie and will be a classic. Well Done!!!
Lesley L.
says
Elizabeth D.
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Drew A.
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Lorene J.
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John V.
says
Not up to the hype, but a nice story anyway, competently acted and directed. A bit ponderous in places, though.
Angela M.
says
martyjoe67
says
Fantastic movie - fabulous acting from 2 legends - Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman. I can see where the Oscars came from now. Amazing performance from Hilary S. Very sad overall - tugs at the heartstrings but explores the inner workings of the human character. Highly recommended viewing.
Anna K.
says
OK, but definately not an oscar winner.
tirralirra
says
Fabulous if you like well-designed character films with unexpected plot twists. Once again, Eastwood takes large themes of disadvantage and suffering and shows how humans stuggle to overcome and realise greatness in small actions.
Beautifully crafted - great performances, economical directing. No sentimentality, but true emotion. Beyond entertainment, this film enlarges the human condition.
Beverley A.
says
Didn't enjoy the boxing but the characters and the way the relationships were developed were memorable.
Ruth H.
says
Robyn P.
says
Good story
Darren H.
says
Brilliant story and well worth watching.Clint Eastwood is his usual brilliant self and Hilary Swank plays her part very well
Karen M.
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Vanessa R.
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Elizabeth T.
says
Excellent. Sensitive , masterful treatment of a subject that could have become sensationalist & sloppy.
Lisa H.
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Bronwyn K.
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Jose L.
says
Great movie, some say it was slow but we found it well paced.
Carly E.
says
Not as good as I was expecting it to be but still a great movie with a fantastic perfomance by Hilary Swank. I am not a big fan of boxing so found it a bit hard to watch at times, but was still very good. I would probably rank it about 3 1/2 stars though.
patricia
says
An extraordinarily sensitive movie about people involved in a brutal sport. Always interested in Clint Eastwood movies, but in this one he's excelled himself. Highly recommended.
Tahli G.
says
the acting is great and I know it won heaps of awards but the story was a little predictable.
Euan G.
says
Phew... unbelievable performances by Eastwood and Swank.
Deep too.
Kylie F.
says
Keith H.
says
A bit of a tear jerker at the end not your typical boxing movie
Petama
says
What a great movie. I had not heard of the story and did not expect the ending. A great cast and characters.
Alyson D.
says
I picked it because it was an award winner and was very surprised at how deserved they were. Great story overall, amazing acting and some definate soggy tissue moments (which were unexpected). Made me think differently about life and the dreams we all have.
Scott G.
says
I don't really understand what all the hype was about this film. Not as good as Mystic River, and in places the dialogue is unintelligible. Morgan Freeman reprises a role he could play in his sleep, and Clint is Clint.
Violet F.
says
fantastic
Fiona P.
says
Graham R.
says
Great story, acting and film making. For me, the last third doesn't gel perfectly with the rest, but I know I'm in the minority.
Shandos C.
says
It was a great movie, but not as great as I expected after I kept on hearing so many people rave about it. Maybe it's because I don't really like boxing.
David K.
says
Fantastic movie. Unexpected ending and great acting by all 3 main characters. Very believable.
Kylie B.
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Cathy B.
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Brian M.
says
Until the accident it was ok then got depressing but realistic
Colleen D.
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James M.
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Zoe R.
says
I cannot believe that this movie won Oscars. It is pretty bad when I don't bother watching through to the end. Nothing happens and it isn't even interesting, or amusing or intelligent. Dull as dishwater, just don't bother.
Ryan F.
says
Michael P.
says
Clint does it again with this heartfelt rags-to-riches story with a tragic ending. Strong performances from Clint, Swank and Freeman probably elevate the film above more standard Hollywood fare of the "boxer done good".
Philip W.
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Bronwyn B.
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Anita B.
says
I was pleasantly surprised at the storyline - definitely not what I expected from the movie machine of Hollywood.
Paul W.
says
Peter L.
says
Not at all what we expected, actually it was far better and without the compulsory Hollywood happy ending. A brilliant film.
Anne-Marie C.
says
Matthew Sullivan
says
Like Mystic River--somewhat disappointing given the hype!!
Jo
says
Powerful, unexpected ending. The storyline starts as you think it would, then a twist to grab you.
HAL9000
says
Scorsese be damned, but this was the best film of 2004. Eastwood's phantasmagorical, almost mythical, (make no mistake, cinematic "realism" is no aim here) depiction of the relationships forged by three utterly alone people is numbingly tender. Beautiful acting by all three leads, and highly recommnded.
Kui-Kwong Shum
says
John
says
What a long drawn out ho-hum time waster