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April 13, 2006
Million Dollar Baby
I am pathetically behind in movie watching (see post on Murderball), but finally did get around to watching this Oscar winner on DVD.
I don’t love Clint Eastwood; to me he seems the same in whatever role he’s in. Stoic toothache sufferer squinting in the bright sun. No different here really, just that he is an older version with whatever subtlety those physical changes bring to it. The characters and setting were fairly clichéd (irascible old cut man, wise and kind but broke-down old boxer, shabby gym, tough gym rats), but that said, it was a well constructed, cleverly layered story and satisfyingly redemptive. Old fashioned to admit liking that, but there it is.
I had an inkling there was something more than boxing to it; something more than women’s boxing, even, but I didn’t know what exactly. I won’t give it away in the unlikely chance any reader hasn’t already seen it or been told the premise. (Ignorance is useful in moviegoing sometimes.) But the thrill of the main character’s development as an athlete, the victory for her of hard work, her unlikely but resounding success at this small act—all accurately reflect what we do or love sports for. An unimportant thing that lets us create important moments. That part of the movie hits the mark at least.
21:15 Posted in Film , The Art of Sport | Permalink | Email this