2004
Directed by Clint Eastwood
A sports drama film! You know that's my jam. While I can't deny that this was a quality film, it was a grueling experience.
Maggie, a waitress from a struggling family, dreams of becoming a boxer, because apparently punching other women will improve her quality of life. She asks Frankie Dunn, a cranky boxing trainer (think Walt Kowalski) to train her, but he refuses. Eventually, he is impressed by her dedication and agrees to help her. Oh and Morgan Freeman lurks in the shadows.
I don't like sports movies, least of all boxing movies, but the Listmakers seem to think that this is one of most crucial genres in the history of film. I don't actually have a lot to say about this. The performances were gritty and the story is incredibly depressing. In other words, it was made to be a Best Picture winner.
I did find out that the filmmakers misspelled the term "mo chuisle" as "mo cuishle." Copyeditors are truly the unsung heroes of our time.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
Hilary Swank gained about 20 pounds of muscle during training for the film.
Sandra Bullock was originally going to play Maggie, but she dropped out to make Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous.
I'm afraid this was an obvious total miss for me..
ReplyDeleteI thought this film was a really well made, well acted film but I wasn't particularly blown away by it. Although I saw it when it came out at the time and not since so maybe I can't remember it that well. I am a total sucker for a boxing movie though...I don't know why. It's not like I actually watch the sport but I always seem to really enjoy them (although not Rocky...don't get those films at all). So yeah really good, solid film but don't think I'd be watching it again.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw what film you were reviewing, I sighed sadly. I felt so sorry for her and I guess the film really touched me, because my heart still hurts thinking how her life was so...sad. She was so excited and happy when she was boxing, and then...well...I kind of wish I hadn't seen it, but it was very well done. I think Hilary Swank was amazing. Clint Eastwood was Clint Eastwood.He plays the cranky old guy well--time after time.
ReplyDeleteI think we are all kind of agreed, at least, that we never want to watch this again.
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