Thoughts on Million Dollar Baby - Victor Khomenko - Films/DVD Asylum

Films/DVD Asylum

Movies from comedy to drama to your favorite Hollyweird Star.

Thoughts on Million Dollar Baby

Victor Khomenko

I know it has not quite been two years since it came out yet, but anyway, at $1.50 on Netflix it wasn't a hard decision.
I can see how easy it is to fall in love with that film. Eastwood's directing is of highest caliber, with many good moments throughout the film - you can certainly feel a talented and caring individual behind the screen. World is richer because of his work, and this one is a welcome addition to his already long list of accomplishments.
His performance is also top notch, not going into sappy sentimentalism so characteristic of Hollywood, or square-jawsism we tend to associate with his earlier characters. He masterfully navigates a tight line between the two dangers, creating a solid character with enough human depth to get our hearts, and little enough sentimental silliness that can simply be overlooked - for the sake of greater good that he delivers in droves.
The film is a solid piece of work, destined to occupy place on many "Best XXX" lists perhaps forever, as its treatment of the timeless theme is definitely among the best in history.
To be sure, it has faults. The most serious ones lie in the script, which all too readily shows its Hollywood all-American underskirt. It is painfully obvious in several scenes, but Eastwood's fine directing and incredibly good acting of the tree main characters have enough polishing power to make those moments far less than just mildly objectionable... as result we can easily forgive Maggie's triumph over her family and a few other moments of weakness... for the overal texture is rich and mood extremely involving, drawing you in like few modern films ever do.
As usually is the case, the press tends to get over-enthusiastic, and this was no different, but who really cares what the press does and says, when you can watch - and absorb with your whole being - something as poignant as this film? Not being perfect, it still beats hands down the great majority of modern day production, so perhaps this fact alone is the best tribute to all the fallen fighters... as ridiculous and pointless as their fights might have been, and as morally offensive as our obsession with today's gladiators is.
Finding and nurturing small bits of humanity in one of the least human endevors...

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Inc.

Topic - Thoughts on Million Dollar Baby - Victor Khomenko 08:26:16 12/20/05 (13)

Morgan Freeman Punching - cfitzger 21:06:46 12/22/05 (0)

Agreed wholeheartedly (nt) - Doug Flynn 17:00:00 12/21/05 (0)

Never saw it and don't plan to. - PdL 14:51:15 12/21/05 (0)

Sorry...but I have to disagree... - Misael 08:19:15 12/21/05 (1)

Good points all... When will "gritty" films become realistic? nt - clarkjohnsen 07:50:38 12/22/05 (0)

Yup, no stereotypes or cliches in this "masterpiece" were there?....* - jaiva 06:25:17 12/21/05 (0)

You're right about the press hype.......... - photoguy 18:27:58 12/20/05 (0)

Agreed - RGA 14:38:13 12/20/05 (0)

Excellent film, excellent review - Road Warrior 13:27:22 12/20/05 (0)

Re: I'll go along with that... - Jeff Starrs 11:23:08 12/20/05 (0)

WOW, great critique Victor. (NT) - jeffreybehr 10:39:48 12/20/05 (0)

Great critique - jackrandom 08:36:36 12/20/05 (1)

I am delighted we pulled you out of your comfortable corner - Victor Khomenko 16:54:58 12/20/05 (0)

You can not post to an archived thread.