a darkly beautiful "Million Dollar Baby"- Page 5

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/1/05 at 3:26pm

because it was a complete shock. And you keep thinking the film will steer back.

This is why I am amazed when people speak of cliches regarding this film. It's ending is soooo not what's expected.

Updated On: 2/1/05 at 03:26 PM

[Iris Chacon]

Posted: 2/1/05 at 4:24pm

I also don't understand when a few people have spoken of cliches regarding this film. But I guess we all see things in different ways. To me the film hit the core of human emotions and drive. I guess one could call it a cliche beacuse it deals with things simply. But in any case. My favorite film of the year. I loved it.

[CurtainUp2]

Posted: 2/1/05 at 4:44pm

I think Margo said it best.

"...with the crappy, up-from-nothing figther, the gruff-but-lovable trainer, and the wise old retainer who doles out wisdom and acts as the moral center of the movie."

That's what's cliched about it.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/1/05 at 4:49pm

None of those things hurt Rocky.

[CurtainUp2]

Posted: 2/1/05 at 4:54pm

They'll always be an audience for sappy melodrama.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/1/05 at 4:55pm

Yes.

[MaTakeALookAtMe]

Posted: 2/1/05 at 5:17pm

I agree that there are some very obvious cliches in hte movie. Curtainup's quote is, sadly, pretty accurate. But if you look beyond the cliches and see the relationship that develops between Eastwood and Swank, that's when it becomes a great movie. It's not about a fighter, it's not a romantic love story, it's not about a championship battle. It's about the depth of emotion a person can feel, even when they appear to be emotionally spent. It's about the love that can build between two people who are fighting to never love or be loved. It's about love and compassion being worth it, even when it doesn't have the big payoff one expects. It's about making yourself vulnerable and reaping unlikely rewards.

[CurtainUp2]

Posted: 2/1/05 at 5:34pm

Ma... I'm glad you got all that out of it. I really am. I wish I had. I'm not being sarcastic. I don't have a vested interest in anyone liking or disliking the film. In fact, I liked it. I just didn't love it. And I don't think it's the best movie of last year. But I love when I connect with a film and it's characters. Sadly, it doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it's magic!

[MaTakeALookAtMe]

Posted: 2/1/05 at 5:55pm

No prob, Curtainup. Never thought you were being sarcastic. In fact, as I said, I agree with what you wrtoe about the cliches. I appreciate your counterpoints as they are all valid and well stated. The movie still moved me. I haven't seen enough movies to know if it's the best of the year or not. And, for all my love of it, Eastwood better not win best actor.

And, in fairness, I am often moved by sappy melodrama. But MDB moved me more than the typical lifetime movie does--even if the basic formula is the same. Updated On: 2/1/05 at 05:55 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/2/05 at 2:14am

well, if the film's having stock character types is the only cliche, I think that's nothing when the story and relationships are not cliched.