Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman

In the wake of a painful estrangement from his daughter, boxing trainer Frankie Dunn has been unwilling to let himself get close to anyone for a very long time--then Maggie Fitzgerald walks into his g...( read more  read more... )ym. In a life of constant struggle, Maggie's gotten herself this far on raw talent, unshakable focus and a tremendous force of will. But more than anything, she wants someone to believe in her. The last thing Frankie needs is that kind of responsibility-- let alone that kind of risk--but won over by Maggie's sheer determination, he begrudgingly agrees to take her on. In turns exasperating and inspiring each other, the two come to discover that they share a common spirit that transcends the pain and loss of their pasts, and they find in each other a sense of family they lost long ago. Yet, they both face a battle that will demand more heart and courage than any they've ever known.

Flixster Users

87% liked it

367,717 ratings

Critics

91% liked it

220 critics

PG-13, 2 hrs. 17 min.

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Release Date: December 15, 2004

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: July 12, 2005

Get It:

Stats: 19,601 reviews

Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Your Rating



clear rating

Flixster Reviews (19,601)


  • November 19, 2009
    There are a few movies that I like as much as this one, and only one that I like more. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out. This movie forms a connection between the characters and the audience in a way that makes you completely forget that you're watching a movie. That's ...( read more)the highest compliment that I can give.

    You don't have to be a fan of boxing to enjoy Million Dollar Baby. Heck, boxing is one of the few sports that I don't really care for. But if you have a heart, even a tough manly steel heart, you will love this movie.
  • September 24, 2009
    Overhyped. Has its moments but it just recycles parts from better films.
  • June 27, 2009
    A masterpiece, plain and simple. A total knockout of a movie right to the heart. Absolutely perfect. Unforgettable and Powerful. Brilliant, remarkable and groundbreaking. It's compelling, astonishing, deeply moving, outstanding and breathtaking. Eastwood and Freeman have never be...( read more)en better. They have a unique and well-developed chemistry, it's always great to see these two icons work together. Morgan Freeman is extroadinary, he gives a soft spoken and riveting performance. Clint Eastwood is passionately raw and excellent, it's definately one of the best and most emotionally naked performances of his career. Hilary Swank is magnificent. It's probaly the best performance of her career. A heart wrenching and heart breaking film. A real punch of power, humor, personal triumph and devestating emotion. It's superb drama at it's very best. A towering achivement by a top artist in top form. Every scene is shot perfectly with great style. It makes you think dreams are worth fighting for. One of the finest movies ever made. A real classic that will stand with Director, Eastwoods best films like Unforgiven and Mystic River.
  • February 22, 2009
    You could learn a lot from the movie. and after watching the 4th time in great detail, there is always something else to learn. And not just about boxing.

    When raw strength and will power clashes tradition and old age prejudice... somethings gotta give. And in the end, ...( read more)self determination, focus pride and courage will win the day in more ways than one.

    Here is the story of how two people collide, sharing nothing in common except the art of puglism and the hope of being a champion in their own way... one wants to fight to redeem herself and become something so much more than her meagre existence and to be accepted and believed in. The other, wanting to train a champion to become what he never did, and also regain a sense of family to which he failed with his own.

    The movie is about how the most unlikley relationship becomes a bond as close as "blood", as the two work and fight their way through the short time they have together to make their mark on the world... or leave it satisfied that they did their best and achieved victory in their own eyes.

    A real heart stirrer and heart breaker, its an inspiring movie on the level of Rocky, its interesting to see Clint and Swank grow together in heart, mind, body and soul right down to the final fight....

    The only complaint I have is the long and drawn out ending which left a bitter taste in my mouth. It was never meant to be a happy ending, but it was still a peaceful ending, though it is unclear whether Eastwood's character ever lets go of the pain and torture he has been feeling after making the final decision... for an inspiring movie, the ending doesn't let you feel inspired but I guess its meant to tell you to be content with yourself... as they say "If every man gave his best, what more is there to give?"


    Yep its a classic. Enjoy.
  • January 4, 2009
    I've yet to see a film so close to perfection.
    Clint Eastwood is a master filmmaker. This film is flawless. It tells a complex, multi-layered story, showcases perfect writing, and three actors giving the best performances they've ever given. What does it mean to live a good li...( read more)fe? This film reflects on that timeless question in ways that will tug at your soul and break your heart. This film encompasses to me what filmmaking is about.
  • November 16, 2009
    A cruel portrait of a certain type of America that usually cinema doesn't like to show.
    Question about eutanasia is only a short version of question about our lives.
    Hilary Swank is too genuine to be true. A great talent.
  • November 15, 2009
    hillary is hot in this/!! sad... v good
  • November 15, 2009
    Another great compelling film from the genius that is Clint Eastwood
  • November 11, 2009
    Clint Eastwood's another masterpiece.
  • November 6, 2009
    Yeh, so I had this friend who cried like a little girl during this movie...

Critic Reviews


February 6, 2007
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby is a masterpiece, pure and simple, deep and true. full review

May 4, 2005
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness

Exhibits a gentle unaffected beauty and austere humanism. full review

March 14, 2005
Kurt Loder, MTV

A movie that shines with life and excitement and sorrow. It's an emotionally overwhelming experience. full review

January 7, 2005
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

It's rare that we see a movie that gives its characters a spiritual dimension; and rarer still that the director isn't making a heavy-handed statement with it. full review

December 27, 2004
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

It has the gloom and transcendence of an old man's wisdom. full review

December 15, 2004
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

Like a title bout that goes through seven rounds of friendly push and poke before exploding into a knockout combination. full review

December 14, 2004
A.O. Scott, The New York Times

Clint Eastwood's drama about a grizzled boxing trainer and a spunky young fighter is the best movie released by a major Hollywood studio this year. full review

December 13, 2004
Edward Havens, FilmJerk.com

The crowning achievement in an incredible career of a true American icon. full review

December 10, 2004
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

The knockout punch comes from Eastwood. His stripped-down performance -- as powerful as anything he's ever done -- has a rugged, haunting beauty. full review

View more Million Dollar Baby reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • michellefortuin
    May 29, 2009
    So beautiful.. I had to cry when I saw this movie. All the main characters were acting very good. Above all Hilary Swank, her performance looked so real that it almost scared me.
    The story of Million Dollar Baby is very beautiful, but heart rending as well. Especially the ending. I loved this movie, it's one of my favourites, although I won't watch it anymore in the nearby future just because it's so heavy.
  • lyonpearce
    April 1, 2009
    Its a gender balance. Sometimes it is good to see women doing what men can do. watching clint's productions makes me feel good. how about you?
  • LADYSUCCESS45
    March 4, 2009
    Great to know that women can fight just as good as men!! Her Physical strength was great, but in the end her physical deteriated due to we women are not made up to endure such physcial torment to our bodies. The ending was sad!!! She should have just worked out to look good and profile!!!
  • beautifullmary762
    February 24, 2009
    hey i,m mary form nederlands i liked this film nice .
    if you want see my you cn see my website http://www.tagged.com/mypage.html?uid=5395568044
    Greeting,s Mary
  • karthu1993
    July 15, 2008
    There should be a variety should'nt there?
    Always having a male boxer is boring. Also this movie proved that women could do things as far as men could.
    Well the ending is quiet dissapointing though.
  • lazysk8er7711
    February 27, 2008
    how can any of you like this movie, its a FEMALE boxer, that sux, it should be male.
  • nicktriant13
    January 8, 2008
    are you kitting me?????????????????????It's a great movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • nanita06200412
    October 30, 2007
    esta es una pelicula muy realista, ya que tiene un final impredecible,pero me encanta para mi es muy buena. los actores son verosimiles
  • gabrielhortencio
    January 4, 2007
    "Menina de Ouro", muito melhor esse filme de boxerdora, faz muito bem com o filme, at้ no final ้ muiiiito triste, mas CHOOOREI! nota 10000000000000000000!
  • maychristine
    December 21, 2006
    Wow....gosh it's cool...its my first time of watching a female boxer ....and she seems tired...but its a tragic in the ending....those who haven't seen this movie, should watch it.!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Official Trailer

More Like This


Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Rocky II
    Rocky II (64%)
  • Rocky
    Rocky (65%)
  • Rocky Balboa
    Rocky Balboa (66%)
  • Resurrecting the Champ
    Resurrecting the Champ (83%)

Facts


No facts approved yet. Be the first

Million Dollar Ba... : Watch Free on TV


Million Dollar Baby Trivia


  • Who directed the movie Million Dollar Baby?  Answer »
  • "million dollar baby" was based on which sport?  Answer »
  • Who plays Frankie Dunn, the manager and trainer of Hilary Swank's character, in "Million Dollar Baby?"  Answer »
  • This person Directed, Produced, Starred in and wrote music for 'Million Dollar Baby'.  Answer »

Recent News


No recent headlines. Got one?

Most Popular Skin