Watch Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 sports drama film directed, co-produced and scored by Clint Eastwood. The movie stars Hilary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined, young woman from a poor background who dreams of becoming a professional boxer. She is taken under the wing of Frankie Dunn (played by Clint Eastwood), a grizzled trainer who runs a gym in Los Angeles, after being turned away by several other trainers. Frankie initially resists training Maggie, who he believes is too old to start a boxing career at 31 years old. However, he begrudgingly accepts Maggie as his student after being impressed by her dogged persistence and fierce determination. He takes her on as his protege, teaching her the fundamentals of boxing and helping her to improve her technique. Maggie's career takes off when a talent scout, Scrap (Morgan Freeman), introduces her to a boxing promoter who gives her a series of successful professional fights. Maggie quickly rises up the ranks to become a top contender and earns a shot at the welterweight title. As Maggie's career takes off, she and Frankie form a close bond. Frankie, who has a troubled relationship with his estranged daughter, sees Maggie as the daughter he never had. Maggie, in turn, grows to depend on Frankie as a father figure and mentor. The movie takes a darker turn when Maggie suffers a serious injury during a championship bout. The injury leaves her paralyzed from the neck down and facing a life of immobility. The remainder of the film deals with the emotional, psychological and legal repercussions of the injury for Maggie, Frankie, and Scrap. The film explores themes of parental relationships, personal sacrifice, and making tough choices in the face of adversity. It also tackles ethical issues surrounding the controversial topic of assisted suicide - a topic which was at the center of much debate upon the movie's release. Throughout the film, the acting is superb with standout performances from Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman. Swank's portrayal of Maggie is powerful and heartbreaking, while Freeman's performance as Scrap provides a guiding voice of wisdom and compassion. Clint Eastwood's direction is subtle, nuanced, and emotionally charged, as he guides the audience on an intimate journey through the film's themes and characters. Million Dollar Baby was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor for Morgan Freeman, and Best Picture. The film's heart-wrenching story and superb performances have earned it a well-deserved place in the pantheon of Oscar-winning films.