Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 dramatic film directed by Clint Eastwood. The screenplay was written by Paul Haggis based on short stories by F.X. more...

Toole, the pen name for fight manager and "cut man" Jerry Boyd, originally published under the title Rope Burns, which have since been republished under the movie's title. It stars Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. It is the story of an under-appreciated boxing trainer, his elusive past, and his quest for atonement in helping an underdog amateur female boxer (the film's title character) achieve her fragile dream of becoming a professional.

Plot

Maggie (Hilary Swank), a young female amateur who aspires to prove her worth by becoming a successful boxer, is taken in by Frank Dunn (Clint Eastwood), who aids her in realizing her goal while developing a stronger-than-blood bond. Initially, Dunn is dispassionate toward Maggie because she is a 32-year-old female. Maggie, however, perseveres in her attempts to gain Dunn's favor by training each day in his gym, even when others are discouraging. Frank's friend and employee, ex-boxer Eddie Dupris (Morgan Freeman), sympathizes with Maggie's efforts and convinces Dunn to coach her short-term. (Dupris is also the narrator of the film, who reveals the extent to which Maggie and Dunn's relationship transforms both their lives.)

Having experienced no intimate relationship with his own daughter, Dunn forms a stronger bond with Maggie, whose family does not care for her well-being, and decidingly coaches and manages her professional career. With his expertise, Maggie fights her way up to the women's welterweight boxing division, eventually placing a match in Las Vegas against the WBA women's welterweight champion who is known for her foul play. Maggie is severely paralyzed by a treacherous act of her dirty opponent, and Dunn consequently blames himself for her downfall having trained her against his better judgment. In the medical rehabilitation facility, Maggie confides to Dunn that she has "seen it all" and asks to be relieved of suffering. She attempts suicide by biting her tongue multiple times in an attempt to bleed to death. Her attempt fails since her efforts are subdued, but Dunn ultimately commits euthanasia. As narrator, Dupris states that Dunn then disappears. The film's story is revealed to be a narration by Dupris for Dunn's own daughter, who has forsaken him all the while, to inform her elusive father's true character.

Awards

Million Dollar Baby received the title of the Best Picture of 2004 at the 77th Academy Awards. Eastwood was awarded his second Directing Oscar for the film and also received a Best Actor nomination. Swank and Freeman received Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor Oscars. The film was also nominated for the Film Editing and Writing Adapted Screenplay awards.

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