Maggies mother, Earline (Margo Martindale), and sister, Mardell (Riki Lindhome), respond to the gift with disdain, and they tell Maggie that her boxing career has made her a laughingstock. [16][17], Wesley J. Smith in The Weekly Standard also criticized the film for its ending and for missed opportunities; Smith said, "The movie could have ended with Maggie triumphing once again, perhaps having obtained an education and becoming a teacher; or, opening a business managing boxers; or perhaps, receiving a standing ovation as an inspirational speaker. An HD DVD release was issued on April 18, 2006. Dunn is a cantankerous Irish-American trainer, revealed to be estranged from his own daughter. From a purely humanitarian approach, we may still question her autonomous decision. Yet Judaism categorically states that one may never actively shorten the life of even a terminally ill patient. Million Dollar Baby received the award for Best Picture of 2004 at the 77th Academy Awards. However, as sheer determination forces the reluctant mentor to relent, Maggie soon finds herself on the fast track to making her dream come true. Shes one helluva fictional character. She ignited, flared, and became the brightest flame that lit up the night sky. She has also written and directed plays, dabbled in music, and served as an advocate for animal and human rights. Ziff Davis, LLC BBB Business Review. She then asks Frankie to help her die, declaring that she got everything she wanted out of life. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. I think I did all right. As Maggie heads back to her corner after the end of the round, however, the Bear ambushes her with a blow to the head. 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. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. When Boyd finally got to write down the book, he looked towards Huntley to create his characters, and delved into his experiences to forge the same for the people depicted in the book. Despite a seemingly repetitive loop that the genre is caught up in, these movies mostly succeed in getting people passionate about their stories and characters. It garnered rapturous reviews and four Academy Awards, including that for best picture. Frankie bestows Maggie a Gaelic nickname, embroidered on her boxing robe, Mo Chuisle (misspelled in the film as "mo cuishle"), but does not tell her its meaning. She ignited, flared, and became the brightest flame that lit up the night sky. 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. 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. Eastwood had his daughter Morgan Colette appear in a brief role as a girl who waves to Swank's character at a gas station. Clint Eastwood was awarded his second Best Director Oscar for the film, and also received a Best Actor in a Leading Role nomination. People cheered her name and watched her in awe- she was wondrous and captivating. Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods and What the Vietnam War Did to My Father, Best Sex Positions to Improve Your Sex Life. We are certainly never permitted to shorten the life of someone like Maggie who is in a very compromised state, but not dying. Dr. Eisenberg writes extensively on topics of Judaism and medicine and lectures internationally on topics in Jewish medical ethics to groups of all backgrounds. More details are available in the progress report. Down she went, no longer burning and sizzling, to the earth. Maggie, a waitress from the Ozarks region of Missouri, starts working out at the gym. Even Warner Bros., Eastwood's longtime home base, would not agree to a $30 million budget. Right.) "[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. Maggie Fitzgerald [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. Million Dollar Baby was based on stories in Rope Burns: Stories from the Corner (2000), written by veteran boxing trainer and manager Jerry Boyd under the pen name F.X. Despite her age, Maggie proves herself to be worth Frankie's time and . Boxing movies come with a different set of emotions. [20] Roger Ebert stated that "a movie is not good or bad because of its content, but because of how it handles its content. (Um, yeah. Ms. Million Dollar. The back of Maggie's robe has the phrase "Mo Cuishle". Maggie Fitzgerald "That guy in the movie played by Clint Eastwood. 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. 'Million Dollar Baby' is amongst his finest films, a superb film, that almost reaches a Landmark level! Search instead in Creative? Million Dollar Baby: Directed by Clint Eastwood. Added: 2022-11-19 Daddy used to tell me Id fight my way into this world, and Id fight my way out., Living in Los Angeles, where she trains at the Hit Pit, a grimy downtown gym. 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. Maggie's rough around the edges, but shows a lot of grit in the ring and he eventually relents. So perhaps the real ethical question is not "why does Maggie want to die? His only friend, Scrap, an ex-boxer who looks after Frankies gym, knows that beneath his gruff exterior is a man who has been seeking, for the past 25 years, the forgiveness that somehow continues to elude him. The Blue Bear has a reputation for aggressiveness and for fighting dirty. Maggie, it seems, has just as much talent as she has pure drive. 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? 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. He has taught a Jewish medical ethics class for the past 15 years. Gal in my book because her character has deep personal meaning. The key is focusing on future potential and goals, not dwelling on the past and "what might have been, if only" The approach of one police officer at the Golden Gate Bridge, who has convinced more than 200 potential jumpers not to jump, was described in New Yorker: He starts talking to a potential jumper by asking, "How are you feeling today?" She did not tell Eastwood about the infection because she thought it would be out of character for Maggie. As a tribute to her, I bestowed my hero, Gage, in Someone Like You with a very special surname: Fitzgerald.. We, as a society, do not feel they are in a position to make prudent decisions. 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. As she tells him, I want a trainer. If the person doesn't have a plan "Well, let's make one. Mary Margaret "Maggie" Fitzgerald is a fictional character appearing in the 2004 film Million Dollar Baby. Hilary Swank. The real tragedy is that a young woman, robbed of her dream, lacks the support she needs to recognize that life is still brimming with unfulfilled potential, and that life is still her most valuable possession. Actors/Actresses Maggie begins to dominate the fight, but Billie knocks her out with an illegal sucker punch from behind after the bell rings to end the round. However, fortunately, unlike the fate of Maggie in the film, Crockett didnt meet with any tragedy in her life. Frankie then reluctantly agrees to train Maggie. Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris: Don't say that. Hollywood star Hilary Swank rose to fame in the late 90s with one of her most incredible performances her portrayal of Brandon Teena in the biographical movie Boys Don't Cry.In 2004 the actress portrayed aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald in Clint Eastwood's sports drama movie Million Dollar Baby.For both of her performances, Hilary won an Academy Award in the category Best Lead Actress. 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. I like to think that there are kick-ass gals out there like Maggie who are willing to go after their dreams, no matter how outr, dangerous or impossible they may seem to the rest of us rather boring folks. Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 American sports drama film. Profession coaching the inexperienced Maggie Fitzgerald. Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) is a veteran Los Angeles, California boxing trainer who keeps almost everyone at arm's length, except his old friend and associate Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris (Morgan Freeman). Little by little, an unbreakable father/daughter bond develops between them, and for the first time in a long while, both Dunn and Maggie seem to have found purpose in life. No one would consider it moral to yell "jump" to a person standing on a high ledge. In the wake of a painful estrangement from his daughter, Frankie has been unwilling to let himself get close to anyone for a very long time. He is portrayed by Hilary Swank. The film garnered seven nominations at the 77th Academy Awards and won four: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (for Swank), and Best Supporting Actor (for Freeman). 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. Maggie fights her way up in the women's amateur boxing division with Frankie's coaching. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Is Million Dollar Baby based on true events? Scrap tells Maggie that Frankie is overprotective of his boxers and arranges for Maggie to meet Mickey Mack, but Maggie remains loyal to Frankie. It wasn't hard for Swank, as her journey to Hollywood mirrored that of her character Maggie Fitzgerald. The stated reason, whether devastating or trite, would lead us to conclude that this person is depressed and needs emotional support and possibly psychiatric treatment. The most important lesson he teaches his boxers is the one that rules life: above all, always protect yourself. Please enable Javascript and hit the button below! Omissions? A determined woman works with a hardened boxing trainer to become a professional. Almost uniformly, these people reported regretting their decision to jump. Personality persistent, tough, and courageous. The movie caused a great deal of controversy. However the correct spelling in Irish Gaeilge is "Mo Chuisle". [8], Million Dollar Baby initially had a limited release, opening in eight theaters in December 2004. From beginning to end, there is narration by "Scrap"- Morgan Freeman's recognizable voice. Our weekly email is chockful of interesting and relevant insights into Jewish history, food, philosophy, current events, holidays and more Dr. Daniel Eisenberg is with the Department of Radiology at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA and an Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Imaging at Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine. It grossed $216,763,646 in theaters; $100,492,203 in the United States, and $116,271,443 in other territories. Margaret "Maggie" Fitzgerald, a waitress from the Ozarks, shows up at the Hit Pit, a rundown Los Angeles gym owned and operated by Frankie Dunn. When crisis hits, we must help our neighbor to dig deeper and solve the root of the problem even when they wish to die. We typically grant decision-making autonomy only where someone has a legitimate right and ability to decide. I used to kick-box until I reached my mid-thirties and all of those roundhouse kicks started taking a toll on my hips and knees. Theyve shunned her ever since she became a boxer. Portrayed by In case you havent seen the film, Hilary Swank played Maggie, and she looked majestic in this role: Hilary Swank as Maggie is some kinda BAD ASS. If we can get her trained up. Yet let us consider: If a physically healthy person, with a stable family, wealth, and a successful career, would state that he wants to die, we would naturally find it hard to support such a decision. explicit permission. Challenge proving her family wrong and boxing her way to the championship. But Maggie's determined to go pro and to convince Dunn and his cohort to help her. Since she has earned a reputation for quick KOs, Frankie must resort to bribery to get other managers to put their trainee fighters up against her. Biography She is a transplant from working-class Missouri who arrives in Frankie Dunn 's gym seeking his expertise. A horrified Frankie refuses, so Maggie later bites her own tongue in an attempt to bleed to death. Maggies decision to end her own life is tragic because it is, in fact, exactly what a gal like her would do when shes up against those particular ropes . Daddy used to tell me I'd fight my way into this world, and I'd fight my way out." Living in Los Angeles, where she trains at the Hit Pit, a grimy downtown gym. Hollywood Athletic Club - 6525 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. Gradually making her way upwards, she becomes notorious for taking out opponents in the first round while earning herself the moniker of "Mo Cuishle." Scrap gives Maggie some tips and lets her borrow a speed bag. Then a second passed, her fire extinguished and she fell. Big Willie drops Frankie as his manager and signs with the more aggressive Mickey Mack (Bruce MacVittie). She went to school in Bellingham, where she lived with her family, until she was 16. Frankie says that he doesn't usually train girls, until he meets the tenacious Maggie. Swank does great at portraying the physical progression in her craft as she trains with intense discipline and Frankie Dunns guidance - rising from awkward, garbage-eating, survivor to a confident, powerful boxer rising rapidly through the ranks. 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 leads a lonely existence, alienated from his only daughter and having few friends. The woman of many talents, Crockett's professional boxing career is not the only thing that she has made a name for herself in. It has been repeatedly shown that for a terminally ill patient in a hospice, the desire to live or die is closely tied to the quality of pain relief and emotional support. Maggie is alive and kicking. Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) has trained and managed some incredible fighters during a lifetime spent in the ring. No chance in the world of being what she needed to be. She is mentally alert, but feels no reason to go on living. You did that. Toole, aka Jerry Boyd. Updates? 10 Video Games That Need a Live Action Adaptation. Shneidman, founder of the American Association of Suicidology, explained: "The paradigm is the man who cuts his throat and cried for help in the same breath.". The movie is narrated by Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris (played by Morgan Freeman) and opens on a boxing match in Los Angeles in which cut man and trainer Frankie Dunn (Eastwood) is in the corner of Big Willie Little (Mike Colter). AskMen, Become a Better Man, Big Shiny Things, Mantics and guyQ are among the federally Please ignore rumors and hoaxes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. On the strength of believing in herself, Maggie reaches the pinnacle of success and is about to become world champion. Name Even though Maggies financial success is a boon to her terrible, unsupportive family, they are quite unamused by her success as a female boxer; her own mom tells her that her home girls and home boys are secretly making fun of her. Frankie then reluctantly agrees to train Maggie but states that he will not manage her. [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. Profession rising star in the female boxing world. So perhaps the real question is not whether we should be assisting those who wish to die, but rather how we can help people like Maggie choose not to die. Maggie falls, hitting her head on the stool in her corner. registered trademarks of Ziff Davis Canada, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without As an actor, I had my reservations with him, but as a storyteller, I have truly inhaled him. [4][5] The film was stuck in development hell for years before it was shot. I still have a passion for all things boxing, as evidenced by the name of my furry red Somali cat, Lennox Lewis. At the outset, he flatly refuses saying he has no interest in training a girl. Grew Up in utter poverty. She is a transplant from working-class Missouri who arrives in Frankie Dunn's gym seeking his expertise. As she puts it, I was born two pounds, one-and-a-half ounces. "[18], Eastwood responded to the criticism by saying the film was about the American dream. The film was released on VHS and DVD on July 12, 2005, and all editions of the Region 1 DVD, except for the "Deluxe Edition", came with a paperback copy of the book Rope Burns: Stories from the Corner. The last few minutes of Million Dollar Baby are a sobfest of epic proportions, and not in that cheesy Hallmark way, either. Gender Scrap gives Maggie some tips and lets her borrow a speed bag. Maggie Fitzgerald March 29, 2022 5-year and 30-year Treasury yields invert for the first time since 2006, fueling recession fears S&P 500 rises on Monday to extend two-week comeback, Nasdaq adds 1 . The two travel to Europe as she continues to win; Maggie eventually saves up enough of her winnings to buy her mother a house, but her mother berates Maggie for endangering her government aid, claiming that everyone back home is laughing at her. Maggie, a waitress from the Ozarks region of Missouri, starts working out at the gym. 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