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Movie: Million Dollar Baby
Director: Clint Eastwood
Actors: Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman,Jay Baruchel, Lucia Rijker
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Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Hilary Swank in a movie about boxing? Look out, Balboa, cause Dirty Harry is throwing the punches!
Clint Eastwood directs and stars in the boxing drama about trailer-trash-girl Maggie Fitzgerald who wants to be become a champ but only with the help of coach Frankie (Eastwood). Frankie doesn't like the idea to teach a girl the art of boxing but his buddy Scrap (Morgan Freeman), manages to change Frankie's mind. Frankie and Maggie develop a special bond. He becomes Maggie's only support cause her family turned their back on her. Maggie fills the hole in Frankie who doesn't have any contact with his own daughter.
Morgan Freeman is the loyal, ex-fighter Scrap, who observes and advises when necessary. Scrap also serves as narrator of the story.
The chemistry between Eastwood and Freeman is amazing, they deliver some great emotional and funny moments. Clint Eastwood just gets better and better as he ages. His performance as a tough, lonely coach is breathtaking. Swank is also very impressive as the girl who lives for fighting. Of course, I have to mention this, our former Dutch boxing champ, Lucia Rijker, plays the villainous opponent Billie 'The Blue Bear'!
Clint Eastwood directs very tight, as usual, plain and simple. The gray and blue color palette enhances his vision of a boxer's rough life. Frankie's beautiful, old and dusty boxing gym tells the story of many fighters. Million Dollar Baby is one of them, told by a coach and ex-boxer who've experienced the hard punches of life.
Oscar nominations:
Actor in a leading role - Clint Eastwood
Actor in a supporting role - Morgan Freeman
Actress in a leading role - Hilary Swank
Directing
Film editing
Best picture
Writing (adapted screenplay)
Written by Reggy 22/02/05
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