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I know it has not quite been two years since it came out yet, but anyway, at $1.50 on Netflix it wasn't a hard decision.I can see how easy it is to fall in love with that film. Eastwood's directing is of highest caliber, with many good moments throughout the film - you can certainly feel a talented and caring individual behind the screen. World is richer because of his work, and this one is a welcome addition to his already long list of accomplishments.
His performance is also top notch, not going into sappy sentimentalism so characteristic of Hollywood, or square-jawsism we tend to associate with his earlier characters. He masterfully navigates a tight line between the two dangers, creating a solid character with enough human depth to get our hearts, and little enough sentimental silliness that can simply be overlooked - for the sake of greater good that he delivers in droves.
The film is a solid piece of work, destined to occupy place on many "Best XXX" lists perhaps forever, as its treatment of the timeless theme is definitely among the best in history.
To be sure, it has faults. The most serious ones lie in the script, which all too readily shows its Hollywood all-American underskirt. It is painfully obvious in several scenes, but Eastwood's fine directing and incredibly good acting of the tree main characters have enough polishing power to make those moments far less than just mildly objectionable... as result we can easily forgive Maggie's triumph over her family and a few other moments of weakness... for the overal texture is rich and mood extremely involving, drawing you in like few modern films ever do.
As usually is the case, the press tends to get over-enthusiastic, and this was no different, but who really cares what the press does and says, when you can watch - and absorb with your whole being - something as poignant as this film? Not being perfect, it still beats hands down the great majority of modern day production, so perhaps this fact alone is the best tribute to all the fallen fighters... as ridiculous and pointless as their fights might have been, and as morally offensive as our obsession with today's gladiators is.
Finding and nurturing small bits of humanity in one of the least human endevors...
Follow Ups:
that guy out was clearly intended for the type of audience that enjoys the action movie one liners that sound so absurd to those of us who appreciate (and recognize) quality dialogue.Agree. Good movie with flaws that deny it true greatness.
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Looks boring and Hillary Swank resembles a boy. The fact that MDB won some awards doesn't make it any more appealing either.
I think it was the worst movie of the year. Being a boxing fan I found
there were lots of cocks and bulls in the story. Where can you find
a trainer turned a doctor fixing a broken nose by slapping it the opposite side to stop its bleeding just do prevent his boxer from losing one bout. Could he be considered a good trainer? In the title
bout the opponent did a lot of fouls and somehow the referee didn't
see it. What's this, professional wrestling?
Even in the early part of the story where the boxer saved all the coins to buy her punching ball was too dramatic. A more realistic situation would buy using credit card and to hell when its due. Now before you disagee... remember she'll already fighting in the undercard of heavyweights at the opening scene.Joseph
s
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I don't pay much attention to mainstream critics anyway. Saw "Sideways" the same week.
Jeez....the press had an orgasm with that one and of course it wasn't nearly as good as they wrote but it was very, very enjoyable. MDB is just a year old BTW.
other than a few typical writing foibles Eastwood, Swank, and Freeman carry it off in such a way as to rise above those foibles. Like someone once said "if it ain;t on the page it ain't on the stage." That is true but good actors can get away with what ain;t so great on the page.
You've rekindled my interest. Sounds like a good rental over the long weekend.
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"Do I have to spell it out?
C --- H ---- E ---E ---- S --- E
A --- N --- D
O ---- N ---- I ---- O ---- N ---- S"
...I really do think that this film was just very short of being a masterpiece.
And maybe for the reasons you mention.
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I usually just lurk on this site, but wanted to comment on your impressions. You're dead on with this film
Don't be a stranger!
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