MILLION DOLLAR BABY

2004 ****1/2 132 mins.

Based, primarily, on the stories "Million Dollar Baby" and "Frozen Water" from F.X. Toole's collection Rope Burns: Stories From the Corner, this Oscar-winner for Best Picture from Oscar-winning director Clint Eastwood is absolutely astounding in every aspect. I was particularly fond of the lighting in this film. Clint's music is haunting, the performances are top-notch, and the story is one that will stick with you. The only reason this film does not get five stars is that it seems to go on an itsy bitsy, teeny bit too long in a couple of places. Don't let that keep you from enjoying this incredible film, though.
Rated PG-13 for violence, some disturbing images, thematic material, and language.

• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Premiered on December 15, 2004

• ACADEMY AWARDS: Best Motion Picture of the Year (Clint Eastwood, Albert S. Ruddy, and Tom Rosenberg), Best Achievement in Directing (Clint Eastwood), Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Morgan Freeman), and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Hilary Swank)
• ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS: Best Achievement in Editing (Joel Cox), Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Clint Eastwood), Best Writing, and Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (Paul Haggis)
• GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS: Best Director - Motion Picture (Clint Eastwood) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama (Hilary Swank)
• GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD NOMINATIONS: Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Original Score - Motion Picture (Clint Eastwood), and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (Morgan Freeman)