Finally got a chance to see this film (missed it by 10 minutes in NYC last week). With "Million Dollar Baby", Clint Eastwood has crafted another powerful film about pain, sin, and personal redemption. He avoids falling into the cliche-ridden traps so obvious to the genre (underdog fighter with a heart of gold), and in so doing has created what to me is his most sincere and moving film to date. I was barely able to hold back tears, and many others in the audience weren't so lucky. In addition to the strong storyline and the light, consistent directing touch, the film is bolstered by a knockout performance (cliche, sorry) from Hillary Swank.
To speak about this film in detail is to give away too much to anyone who hasn't seen it. Perhaps if anyone here would like to discuss these certain details of the film, we can start another thread here with "spoilers". That said, I think I can safely say that Eastwood's delving into the subject of salvation through the tenets of formal religion (a subject also broached in "Mystic River") is a bold and interesting step. His strong-headed character is often frustrated with the unwavering and authoritative answers espoused by the Church. This dimension is just one of many to discuss in this deep and multilayered film.
Also worth noting is the film's gentle, beautiful score, also composed by Eastwood. He was nominated for a Golden Globe in the music category, and I'm sure he'll also be nominated for an Oscar for music and for Best Director. Much of what makes this film so powerful is Eastwood's light touches as director, and he's sure to receive a multitude of accolades in the coming months.
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