Million Dollar Baby

Two people with little going for them find one another as they chase an illusive dream of athletic stardom in this gritty drama directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. Frankie Dunn (Eastwood) is a veteran boxing trainer who has devoted his life to the ring and has precious little to show for it; his daughter never answers his letters, his priest isn't interested in his spiritual doubts, and a fighter he's groomed into contender status has paid him back by signing with another manager, leaving Frankie high and dry. One day, Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) enters Frankie's gym and announces she needs a trainer. Frankie regards her as a dubious prospect, and isn't afraid to tell her why: he doesn't think much of women boxing, she's too old at 31, she lacks experience, and has no technique. However, Maggie — a single mother who can barely support her kids on her pay as a waitress — sees boxing as her one chance at a better life and won't give up easily. Finally won over by her determination, Frankie takes on Maggie, and as she slowly grows into a viable fighter, an emotional bond develops between them. But as Maggie begins showing real potential as a club fighter, she finds herself courted by big-time managers, and it looks as if history may be repeating itself for Frankie. Adapted from a short story by F.X. Toole, a former corner man with years of experience in the fight game, Million Dollar Baby also stars Morgan Freeman, Anthony Mackie, and Mike Colter. — Mark Deming