Million Dollar Baby: Directed by Clint Eastwood. Then a second passed, her fire extinguished and she fell. Knowing the fatherly affection Frankie has developed for Maggie, Frankie's priest warns him that he would never find himself again if he were to go through with Maggie's request. I never got my shot. As with Frankie, we're not told much about Maggie or how she came to discover that, at 31, she's destined to become a champion boxer. But it does not require an edict from the Code of Jewish Law to recognize that Maggie is making the wrong choice. Margaret Fitzgerald, Countess of Ormond (died 1542), daughter of Gerald FitzGerald, 8th Earl of Kildare and Alison FitzEustace Margaret Fitzgerald (supercentarian) (1896-2009), Canadian supercentenarian A main character in the film Million Dollar Baby, played by Hilary Swank This disambiguation page lists articles about people with the same name. Hilary Swank. Several studios rejected the project even when Eastwood signed on as actor and director. If she dies today you know what her last thought would be? The film follows Margaret "Maggie" Fitzgerald (Swank), an underdog amateur boxer who is helped by an underappreciated boxing trainer (Eastwood) to achieve her dream of becoming a professional. Its time to give recognition to the man who runs the show behind the scenes. [22], Million Dollar Baby was listed on many critics' top ten lists for films released in 2004.[23]. Eastwood shot the film in less than 40 days between June and July 2004. Maggie Fitzgerald wins a "humble beginnings" contest nine times out of ten. From beginning to end, there is narration by "Scrap"- Morgan Freeman's recognizable voice. As she tells him, I want a trainer. '"[citation needed][14], In early 2005, the film sparked controversy when some disability rights activists protested the ending. How Dan Foglers Boyhood Dreams Turned Into Adult Realities, Use Womens History Month as Your Excuse to Watch These Cinematic Masterpieces. Frankie is finally willing to arrange a title fight. For instance, we limit the decision-making autonomy of children and of those who are mentally impaired. The message is that disappointment over a shattered dream is a greater tragedy than death itself. Because of you Maggie got her shot. The most important lesson he teaches his boxers is the one that rules life: above all, always protect yourself. Search instead in Creative? [9] In its later wide release opening, the film earned $12,265,482 in North America and quickly became a box-office hit both domestically and internationally. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Maggie, born and raised in Missouri, has always had to fight for herself. Margaret "Maggie" Fitzgerald, a waitress from a Missouri town in the Ozarks, shows up in the Hit Pit, a run-down Los Angeles gym owned and operated by Frankie Dunn, an old, cantankerous boxing trainer. She retired Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. No one would consider it moral to yell "jump" to a person standing on a high ledge. Information But in such a state of presumed depression, is it in her best interest for us to give her decision-making autonomy to end her life? Big Willie drops Frankie as his manager and signs with the more aggressive Mickey Mack (Bruce MacVittie). An HD DVD release was issued on April 18, 2006. We, as a society, do not feel they are in a position to make prudent decisions. Frankie then reluctantly agrees to train Maggie. We typically grant decision-making autonomy only where someone has a legitimate right and ability to decide. Why isn't Maggie offered any psychiatric treatment for her depression? (See: Should Terri Schiavo Live or Die?) [12], Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times gave the film four stars and stated that "Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby is a masterpiece, pure and simple," listing it as the best film of 2004. Maggie Fitzgerald is a hillbilly who is poor, works as a waiter, and steals food to put together some savings (Swank, Eastwood and Freeman, Million Dollar Baby). She went to school in Bellingham, where she lived with her family, until she was 16. Updates? He is portrayed by Hilary Swank. The woman of many talents, Crocketts professional boxing career is not the only thing that she has made a name for herself in. For the 1941 film, see. 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. Yet Judaism categorically states that one may never actively shorten the life of even a terminally ill patient. Maggie cant abide the thought of being bedridden for the rest of her life; after having a leg amputated due to gangrene, she begs Frankie to help her end her life. Mary Margaret "Maggie" Fitzgerald is a fictional character appearing in the 2004 film Million Dollar Baby. (Um, yeah. "[15] The Chicago Tribune reported that protests against the film by disability activists occurred in Chicago, Berkeley, and other cities, and that Clint Eastwood had previously lobbied for weakening provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Film(s) 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. Medved, Michael. What is the streaming release date of Million Dollar Baby (2004) in Mexico? The bystander on the street would presume that the potential jumper is distraught and needs emotional support and help. ", but why there is not a greater offering of emotional support? Actress (6 credits) 2022 golden possum (video short) katie 2022 brave girl (tv series . Maggie's rough around the edges, but shows a lot of grit in the ring and he eventually relents. She ignited, flared, and became the brightest flame that lit up the night sky. Problem is, this is the only thing I ever felt good doing. Maggie Fitzgerald (Swank) watches the match and later asks Frankie to train her, but he refuses. In Million Dollar Baby, what is presented as a question of the right to die is perhaps a distraction from the deeper question of responsibility to help our fellow human being. Morgan Freeman (Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris), Academy Award nominations (* denotes win), https://www.britannica.com/topic/Million-Dollar-Baby, Turner Classic Movies - Million Dollar Baby. 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. Fought in the literal sense of the word. While working side jobs and trying to keep his writing career afloat, he decided to give a go to boxing. 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. Top 10 (listed alphabetically) Ron Stringer, This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 17:20. Corrections? He secures Maggie a $1 million match in Las Vegas against the WBA women's welterweight champion, Billie "The Blue Bear" Osterman, a German ex-prostitute who has a reputation as a dirty fighter. Maggie, born and raised in Missouri, has always had to fight for herself. A determined woman works with a hardened boxing trainer to become a professional.A determined woman works with a hardened boxing trainer to become a professional.A determined woman works with a hardened boxing trainer to become a professional. One such movie to deliver an emotional punch to the audience is Million Dollar Baby. Maggie, a waitress from the Ozarks region of Missouri, starts working out at the gym. Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) has trained and managed some incredible fighters during a lifetime spent in the ring. "[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. [28] It was the first Best Picture winner released on either high-definition optical disc format in the U.S.; it and Unforgiven (also starring Eastwood and Freeman) were the only ones released in the U.S. on HD DVD prior to the first one released in the U.S. on Blu-ray, Crash. I still have a passion for all things boxing, as evidenced by the name of my furry red Somali cat, Lennox Lewis. 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. No, Million Dollar Baby is not based on a true story. They arrive only after first touring Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. Portrayed by The film takes the same route of a person completely drowning themselves in training for what they want in life, but in the second half, it takes an unexpected turn and turns into a tragedy. Dr. Eisenberg writes extensively on topics of Judaism and medicine and lectures internationally on topics in Jewish medical ethics to groups of all backgrounds. But it's even more strikingly ironic that Christopher Reeve's most formidable accomplishments, what he will undoubtedly be remembered for above all else, came after he became a quadriplegic. [6][7], Eastwood had confidence in Swank's acting, but upon seeing Swank's small physique, he had concerns, "I just thought, 'Yeah, this gal would be great. Read More:Best Boxing Movies of All Time. English actress Valerie Van Ost , as Jane, and Maggie Fitzgerald as a vampire girl, in 'The Satanic Rites of Dracula', directed by Alan Gibson . Frankie, who has come to think of Maggie as he would a daughter, does what any good father would do. Human At the outset, he flatly refuses saying he has no interest in training a girl. [27][28] The film is also available online through video on demand and most major streaming platforms. So perhaps the real ethical question is not "why does Maggie want to die? Gender See production, box office & company info. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Million Dollar Baby (2004) [4][5] The film was stuck in development hell for years before it was shot. 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. You made her the best fighter she could be. but a real-life boxer, whose life story likely inspired the film, says the ending is bunk. The fictional Fitzgerald was a Missourian born into trailer-home poverty who in her early thirties sees a chance for independence in the nascent world of women's boxing. 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. Omissions? I am a great fan of his. Species The film was named the third "Best Film of the 21st Century So Far" in 2017 by The New York Times.[26]. If we can get her trained up. Unlike her lazy family, Maggie wants to succeed and make a name for herself. 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. Clint Eastwood was awarded his second Best Director Oscar for the film, and also received a Best Actor in a Leading Role nomination. She did not tell Eastwood about the infection because she thought it would be out of character for Maggie. After Maggie bites through her tongue in an effort to bleed to death, however, he changes his mind. Scrap's narration is revealed to be a letter to Frankie's daughter, informing her of her father's true character. A heartbroken Frankie seeks other opinions to no avail and then has her transferred to a rehabilitation clinic in Los Angeles. ", So we need to ask: Is Maggie's decision to die reasonable? Disgusted, she orders them to leave and threatens to report their welfare fraud if they try to contact her again. Join Facebook to connect with Maggie Fitzgerald and others you may know. Shes one helluva fictional character. However, fortunately, unlike the fate of Maggie in the film, Crockett didnt meet with any tragedy in her life. He never returns to the gym. You did that. Some writers excoriated it as being a politically motivated piece to argue in favour of legalizing euthanasia, while disability-rights activists complained that the movie wrongly gave the impression that people living with a disability would be better off dead, maintaining that a better ending would have shown Maggie overcoming her despair and embracing her new life. Much like Mary Kay Ash, Maggie started from nothing, slinging hash at a dive somewhere in the Ozarks when she meets trainer Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood). Frankie Dunn believes her too old to be getting in the line, but her conviction wins him over and they begin a rigorous training. And both took a. Maggie fitzgerald boxer? And she's a damn good boxer too, starting off . Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris: You damn right. She was like a fire cracker. Her of her father 's true character evidenced by the name of my red. 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