Maggie falls, hitting her head on the stool in her corner. Instead, Maggie's request for permission to train receives a flat refusal from the cantankerous, coarse, and overly complicated old-school boxing guru. The website's critical consensus reads, "Clint Eastwood's assured directioncombined with knockout performances from Hilary Swank and Morgan Freemanhelp Million Dollar Baby to transcend its clichs, and the result is deeply heartfelt and moving. Maggie not only proves to be the boxer he always dreamed of having under his wing, but a friend who fills the great void he's had in his life. Scrap gives Maggie some tips and lets her borrow a speed bag. Yet, she finds time and strength to train to become a professional boxer. '"[citation needed][14], In early 2005, the film sparked controversy when some disability rights activists protested the ending. Why isn't Maggie offered any psychiatric treatment for her depression? The woman of many talents, Crockett's professional boxing career is not the only thing that she has made a name for herself in. For those who are new and are wondering about why this was necessary, read the shift in editing starting March 1st blog. like the boxer in million dollar baby, katie dallam was a missouri girl who grew up in poverty. Christopher Reeve, better known as Superman, fractured his neck in an equestrian accident, leaving him quadriplegic and dependent on a respirator to breathe. [citation needed] The titular phrase 'million dollar baby' was used as an insult during pre-fight publicity by Sonny Liston to Muhammad Ali, the latter of whom was an underdog at the time. I like to think that there are kick-ass gals out there like Maggie who are willing to go after their dreams, no matter how outr, dangerous or impossible they may seem to the rest of us rather boring folks. Frankie then reluctantly agrees to train Maggie. "My 'Million Dollar' Answer," OpinionJournal/Dow Jones & Company, Inc. (17 February 2005). What is the streaming release date of Million Dollar Baby (2004) in Mexico? Frankie is also reluctant to let Big Willie fight in a title match. We are certainly never permitted to shorten the life of someone like Maggie who is in a very compromised state, but not dying. The movie is narrated by Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris (played by Morgan Freeman) and opens on a boxing match in Los Angeles in which cut man and trainer Frankie Dunn (Eastwood) is in the corner of Big Willie Little (Mike Colter). Frankie's glory days as a boxing coach are far behind him, though he's still on the lookout for the next superstar boxer. Owing to his intense training, Huntley got Boyd a job as a cutman, through which he got to meet Juli Crockett, whom he called the inspiration for the character of Maggie Fitzgerald. The film played in theaters for six and a half months. When Boyd had first approached him, Huntley thought about running him out of the gym. However, Boyd stuck with the schedule, and as time passed, their friendship grew and Huntley eventually got him as a cutman. [22], Million Dollar Baby was listed on many critics' top ten lists for films released in 2004.[23]. The last few minutes of Million Dollar Baby are a sobfest of epic proportions, and not in that cheesy Hallmark way, either. Lewis has the Wow! Jewish law would assert that all of the lives in question have intrinsic value. The key is focusing on future potential and goals, not dwelling on the past and "what might have been, if only" The approach of one police officer at the Golden Gate Bridge, who has convinced more than 200 potential jumpers not to jump, was described in New Yorker: He starts talking to a potential jumper by asking, "How are you feeling today?" 'Million Dollar Baby' is amongst his finest films, a superb film, that almost reaches a Landmark level! She has also written and directed plays, dabbled in music, and served as an advocate for animal and human rights. [19] In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Eastwood distanced himself from the actions of characters in his films, noting, "I've gone around in movies blowing people away with a .44 Magnum. Is it really possible for a person to want to live following an injury like Maggie's? Maggie, in the story, had a crusty and protective trainer who became a surrogate father and who reluctantly and heartbreakingly helped her die. Then a second passed, her fire extinguished and she fell. Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris: Don't say that. Hilary Swank. * Ill get around to Jill later shes definitely another Wow! She went to school in Bellingham, where she lived with her family, until she was 16. The real tragedy is that a young woman, robbed of her dream, lacks the support she needs to recognize that life is still brimming with unfulfilled potential, and that life is still her most valuable possession. Maggie is tired of washing dishes and waiting on tables. Hilary Swank bagged her second Oscar for the sheer determination and heartbreaking emotion on display as Maggie Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old waitress desperately clinging to her dream of . Interests boxing, her only calling in life. [16][17], Wesley J. Smith in The Weekly Standard also criticized the film for its ending and for missed opportunities; Smith said, "The movie could have ended with Maggie triumphing once again, perhaps having obtained an education and becoming a teacher; or, opening a business managing boxers; or perhaps, receiving a standing ovation as an inspirational speaker. Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods and What the Vietnam War Did to My Father, Best Sex Positions to Improve Your Sex Life. The shift in editing over to pages for the movies, characters, actors, directors, composers, crew and galleries is now fully in effect. Ms. Million Dollar. "[8], Consequently, to prepare for her role, Swank underwent extensive training in the ring and weight room, gaining 19 pounds of muscle, aided by professional trainer Grant L. Roberts. Boxing movies come with a different set of emotions. We, as a society, do not feel they are in a position to make prudent decisions. Maggie, it seems, has just as much talent as she has pure drive. As a society we would rather take a person's cry for help as a cry for death, rather than adequately fund the social services necessary to help people choose not to die. The film was named the third "Best Film of the 21st Century So Far" in 2017 by The New York Times.[26]. From a Jewish perspective, euthanasia is never permitted. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Yet Judaism categorically states that one may never actively shorten the life of even a terminally ill patient. Maggie Fitzgerald She describes her previous fame, the crowds chanting her name, and feels that having achieved that exulted status, there's no point in living as a quadriplegic. Updates? Top 10 (listed alphabetically) Ron Stringer, This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 17:20. Gal. Joel Cox, Eastwood's editor for many years, was nominated for Best Film Editing, and Paul Haggis was nominated for the Best Adapted Screenplay award. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Suddenly, an injury renders Maggie permanently paralyzed from the neck down, unable to move, and dependent on a respirator to keep her alive. However, managers stop pitting their fighters against her as a result, and Frankie, out of necessity, moves Maggie up to the next weight class. A determined woman works with a hardened boxing trainer to become a professional. After Maggie bites through her tongue in an effort to bleed to death, however, he changes his mind. As she tells him, I want a trainer. She was like a fire cracker. A determined woman works with a hardened boxing trainer to become a professional. Profession coaching the inexperienced Maggie Fitzgerald. Gradually making her way upwards, she becomes notorious for taking out opponents in the first round while earning herself the moniker of "Mo Cuishle." I found you a fighter. They arrive only after first touring Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. However the correct spelling in Irish Gaeilge is "Mo Chuisle". 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. No one would consider it moral to yell "jump" to a person standing on a high ledge. See also Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro Maggie Fitzgerald registered trademarks of Ziff Davis Canada, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without Billie the Blue Bear, dropping Maggie Fitzgerald's head across a stool, paralyzing her, freezing us, and how can anyone ever forgive that? "I had it all," Maggie tells Frankie, "so don't take it away from me.". Frankie Dunn believes her too old to be getting in the line, but her conviction wins him over and they begin a rigorous training. Portrayed by For the 1941 film, see. Maggie is alive and kicking. Maggie Fitzgerald March 29, 2022 5-year and 30-year Treasury yields invert for the first time since 2006, fueling recession fears S&P 500 rises on Monday to extend two-week comeback, Nasdaq adds 1 . The most important lesson he teaches his boxers is the one that rules life: above all, always protect yourself. I was wrong to say that. The Disability Rights Education Fund released a statement about the film in February 2005 that included the following: "Perhaps the most central stereotype fueling disability prejudice is the mistaken assumption inherent in the message of the movie that the quality of life of individuals with disabilities is unquestionably not worth living. An HD DVD release was issued on April 18, 2006. Please select which sections you would like to print: Pat Bauer graduated from Ripon College in 1977 with a double major in Spanish and Theatre. After losing a leg to gangrene, Maggie asks Frankie to kill her, as living in this condition is intolerable to her, but he will not. Appearances Even Warner Bros., Eastwood's longtime home base, would not agree to a $30 million budget. Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris: You damn right. Then Maggie Fitzgerald walks into his gym and then his life changes. Join Facebook to connect with Maggie Fitzgerald and others you may know. E.S. Gal in the truest sense of how I define one insofar that she fought her way to the top. (Um, yeah. I think I did all right. . in spades. Problem is, this is the only thing I ever felt good doing. Our society is so enamored with autonomy that we sometimes fail to consider other issues. After months of training, Maggie is given a manager, but during her first fight, Frankie decides to take over as her manager, and she then knocks out her opponent. [8], Million Dollar Baby initially had a limited release, opening in eight theaters in December 2004. She is a transplant from working-class Missouri who arrives in Frankie Dunn's gym seeking his expertise. At the outset, he flatly refuses saying he has no interest in training a girl. The film garnered seven nominations at the 77th Academy Awards and won four: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (for Swank), and Best Supporting Actor (for Freeman). However, fortunately, unlike the fate of Maggie in the film, Crockett didnt meet with any tragedy in her life. Frankie's prize prospect, "Big Willie" Little, signs with successful manager Mickey Mack after becoming impatient with Frankie rejecting offers for a championship bout. Scrap tells Maggie that Frankie is overprotective of his boxers and arranges for Maggie to meet Mickey Mack, but Maggie remains loyal to Frankie. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Hillary Swank in the lead role, the Academy Award winning film follows the story of a waitress named Maggie Fitzgerald who decides to pursue a career in boxing. What is prudent is subjective, but that does not stop us from establishing societal norms. Its time to give recognition to the man who runs the show behind the scenes. Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) has trained and managed some incredible fighters during a lifetime spent in the ring. When crisis hits, we must help our neighbor to dig deeper and solve the root of the problem even when they wish to die. Down she went, no longer burning and sizzling, to the earth. Unlike her lazy family, Maggie wants to succeed and make a name for herself. Maggie walked through that door with nothing buts guts. It does not matter whether we discuss a despondent disabled, boxer, fully cognizant of her condition such as Maggie; a woman who has remained in a persistent vegetative state for 15 years, such as Terri Schiavo; or an old man lying unconscious on his deathbed, feeling (as far as we know) no pain and having no interaction with his environment. The highs in Maggies arc are matched by the crushing lows later in the film when Fitzgeralds impressive, undefeated streak is derailed by a freak accident. Hollywood star Hilary Swank rose to fame in the late 90s with one of her most incredible performances her portrayal of Brandon Teena in the biographical movie Boys Don't Cry.In 2004 the actress portrayed aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald in Clint Eastwood's sports drama movie Million Dollar Baby.For both of her performances, Hilary won an Academy Award in the category Best Lead Actress. Eastwood shot the film in less than 40 days between June and July 2004. As she understands her boxing career, If I was thinking straight, Id go back home, find a used trailer, buy a deep fryer and some Oreos. As an actor, I had my reservations with him, but as a storyteller, I have truly inhaled him. Species She ignited, flared, and became the brightest flame that lit up the night sky. She eventually finds a. Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 American sports drama film. This stereotype is contradicted by the personal experience of many thousands of people with significant disabilities in this country and around the world who view our own lives as ordinary and normal. Browse 46 maggie fitzgerald stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Both Katie Dallam and Maggie Fitzgerald were born into poverty in Missouri and began boxing in their 30's. Both ended up in the ring against a much younger, stronger opponent. Wanting to learn from the best, aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) wants Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) to train her. She is mentally alert, but feels no reason to go on living. She grew up knowing one thing: she was trash." A study was done of those who survived attempted suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Frankie is initially reluctant to train a woman, but Maggie persists and soon wins him over. Maggies obese, white trash family have rejected her. Bent on becoming a professional boxer, plucky 31-year-old Missouri waitress Maggie Fitzgerald sets foot in silver-haired trainer Frankie Dunn's run-down gym. Million Dollar Baby is classical in the clean, clear, strong lines of its story and characters, and had an enormous emotional impact". Maggie begins to dominate the fight, but Billie knocks her out with an illegal sucker punch from behind after the bell rings to end the round. But Maggie's determined to go pro and to convince Dunn and his cohort to help her. Frankie is shown experiencing the first three of the five stages of grief: first seeking multiple doctors' opinions in denial, then blaming Scrap in anger and later trying to bargain with God through prayer. Corrections? Film(s) [3], On Rotten Tomatoes, Million Dollar Baby has an approval rating of 90% based on 269 reviews, with an average rating of 8.40/10. Maggie asks Frankie to train her, but he refuses as he does not train women and she is too old to begin a boxing career. It garnered rapturous reviews and four Academy Awards, including that for best picture. But is Maggie indeed Frankie's million-dollar baby? Gender A horrified Frankie refuses, so Maggie later bites her own tongue in an attempt to bleed to death. ", but why there is not a greater offering of emotional support? Fought in the literal sense of the word. I never got my shot. We typically grant decision-making autonomy only where someone has a legitimate right and ability to decide. One such movie to deliver an emotional punch to the audience is Million Dollar Baby. Toole, and was adapted for the screen by Paul Haggis. Stories of businessmen jumping off buildings after a stock market crash fill us with pity for the lost chance at intervention, not a feeling of satisfaction of them "having done the right thing. She did not tell Eastwood about the infection because she thought it would be out of character for Maggie. Best Sound Editing (Sound Effects & Foley), "The Fabulist: Paul Haggis Reflects on His Career Los Angeles Magazine", "Paul Haggis: 'You have to question your beliefs', "Million Dollar Baby Built on Prejudice about People with Disabilities", "Why 'Million Dollar Baby' infuriates the disabled", "Eastwood Wins Suit Over ADA / But jury says resort needs improvements", "Opinion | Fighting Words (Published 2005)", "Metacritic: 2004 Film Critic Top Ten Lists", "Ebert and Roeper Top Ten Lists (2000-2005)", "The 25 Best Films of the 21st CenturySo Far", US News article: Million Dollar Maybe, A real-life version of Maggie Fitzgerald, Another possible real-life Maggie Fitzgerald, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), DallasFort Worth Film Critics Association Award for Best Film, National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Film, Nikkan Sports Film Award for Best Foreign Film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Million_Dollar_Baby&oldid=1139737510, Films featuring a Best Actress Academy Award-winning performance, Films featuring a Best Drama Actress Golden Globe-winning performance, Films featuring a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award-winning performance, Films whose director won the Best Directing Academy Award, Films whose director won the Best Director Golden Globe, National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Film winners, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2021, Pages using multiple image with manual scaled images, Rotten Tomatoes template using name parameter, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Scrap, concerned when Frankie rejects several offers for big fights, arranges a meeting for Maggie with Mickey Mack, but out of loyalty to Frankie, she declines. Let us analyze the issues raised by the movie: Why would someone ask to die and should we be willing to oblige? Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) is a tough-luck waitress, who persuades a grizzled old trainer named Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) to help turn her into a world-class boxer. Despite her age, Maggie proves herself to be worth Frankie's time and . Frankie leads a lonely existence, alienated from his only daughter and having few friends. Frankie accepts a fight in London for Maggie and gives her a green silk robe with the Gaelic phrase Mo Cuishle on the back. Would assert that all of the gym us analyze the issues raised by the movie: would... The issues raised by the movie: why would someone ask to die and we... This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 17:20 one would consider moral. 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