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Million Dollar Baby (2004)
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For those who thought Unforgiven was the masterpiece of Clint Eastwood's autumn years, this sharp, moving and brutally bleak drama proves that he can bring the same grizzled genius to the sports arena. Adapted from Rope Burns, a book of short stories by FX Toole, it stars Eastwood as Frankie Dunn, a washed-up boxing coach whose fighters abandon him as soon as they hit the big time. Dumped by his latest slugger, Dunn reluctantly turns his attentions to Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), a 31-year-old waitress who turns up at his gym begging for lessons. Dunn tutors Maggie to success, but then this otherwise standard underdog story takes a shocking turn in its final third that gives the movie an unexpected depth and immense power. Morgan Freeman is impressive as Dunn's crumpled sidekick, and Oscar winner Swank is terrific, too, but this is Clint's film, both as its tortured hero and as a great American director. DW
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| Contains violence, swearing. |
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Tell us what you think
Email us at rtfilmcomments@bbc.co.uk to tell us what you think of this film. Your comments may appear in Radio Times magazine.
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Running time
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127min
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Country of origin
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US
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Genre
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Boxing Drama
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Original language
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English
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Screenplay
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Paul Haggis, from the short stories Rope Burns: Stories from the Corner by FX Toole
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Theatrical distributor
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Entertainment
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UK cinema certificate
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12A
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UK cinema release date
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January 2005
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| awards information |
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Award |
Category |
Name |
Nominee/Winner |
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| Academy 2004 |
Actor in a Leading Role |
Clint Eastwood |
Nominee |
| Academy 2004 |
Actor in a Supporting Role |
Morgan Freeman |
Winner |
| Academy 2004 |
Actress in a Leading Role |
Hilary Swank |
Winner |
| Academy 2004 |
Best Picture |
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Winner |
| Academy 2004 |
Directing |
Clint Eastwood |
Winner |
| Academy 2004 |
Writing (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published) |
Paul Haggis |
Nominee |
| Golden Globe 2004 |
Best Director Motion Picture |
Clint Eastwood |
Winner |
| Golden Globe 2004 |
Best Motion Picture Drama |
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Nominee |
| Golden Globe 2004 |
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role Motion Picture |
Morgan Freeman |
Nominee |
| Golden Globe 2004 |
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Drama |
Hilary Swank |
Winner |
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Film certification logos reproduced by kind permission of BBFC |
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