Million Dollar Baby:
Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) is a veteran Los Angeles boxing trainer who keeps almost everyone at arm's length, except his old friend and associate Eddie “Scrap Iron” Dupris (Morgan Freeman). When Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) arrives in Frankie's gym seeking his expertise, he is reluctant to train the young woman, a transplant from working-class Missouri. Eventually, he relents, and the two form a close bond that will irrevocably change them both.
- Best Picture Oscar Winner 2004.
Critic Reviews:
- " A heartfelt, creditable picture. " – Peter Bradshaw
- " The film is impeccably made, but more than that, the director who also composed the lovely music score, brings a rare degree of humanity to the intensely moving conclusion. " – David Stratton
- " As the film draws to its powerhouse close, gentle piano music by Eastwood himself gives this haunting tragedy an even higher level of poignancy. " – Mike Massie
The Hurricane:
Denzel Washington is Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a man whose dreams of winning the middleweight boxing title were destroyed when he was arrested along with another man for the murders of 3 people in a New Jersey bar. Wrongfully accused, Carter and John Artis were sentenced to 3 life terms in prison.
Critic Reviews:
- " Denzel dazzles in biopic of imprisoned boxer. " – Nell Minow
- " A reminder that there's still a lot to be said for the good old-fashioned inspirational Hollywood movie. " – Liam Lacey
- " A powerful case of injustice lacking punch. " – Tony Black