Set in the world of professional boxing, this is really a movie about relationships. First you’ve got the bickering husband and wife type of relationship between best buddies Clint and his right-hand-man at the boxing gym, the always-amazing Morgan Freeman. If I have any constructive criticism for these two if would be to enunciate a little more, please. They both have this gruff, kind of under-the-breath mumble that made some of the dialogue difficult to interpret.

Hilary Swank – (gotta love her!) – comes into their lives as a scrappy young thing with ambitions of becoming a professional wrestler. Maybe not so young, at age 31 she is deemed too old to embark on such a career. Clint initially blows her off, but her persistence pays off and she eventually wins him over. They begin a manager/trainee, mentor/mentee, shadowed by a father/daughter type of relationship. They have to trust each other. We’re left wondering why his real daughter keeps returning his letters unopened – and why he goes to mass to pray everyday. This is a man with a past, but his new protégé sees him for who he is today, and that gives new meaning to his life.

It’s no surprise that Hilary Swank won for Best Actress in a drama at the Golden Globes this year. Her performance is riveting. She totally embodies this character, and this is a tough part to play. Physically and emotionally very demanding. And our buddy Clint went home with the Golden Globe for Best Director for a drama! He deserves it. There is definitely a tone set which makes “Million Dollar Baby” a classic. In a time where we are subjected to remakes, sequels, and excessive violence, this movie stands on its own as truly original. It’s a filmmaker’s film. You really care for these people, and get caught up in their lives. Well done.

By the way, Hilary Swank is also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for this performance, and the cast of “Million Dollar Baby” is nominated for their ensemble performance.