MILLION DOLLAR BABY

If most films are about redemption, than Ckint Eastwoo'd new film not only involves redemption, but also salvation. It is only incidently a boxing movie. With the exzception of the monkey movies, there's always been a spiritual and moral element to his work, especially in UNFORGIVEN and MYSTIC RIVER. He takes those concerns further here in a way that is both disturbing and deeply moving. The minimalism of "the Man with No Name" has found its way into Eastwood's directing style. That style combined with his concerns make him something of the Robert Bresson of contemporary American cinema. In several scenes you can see that he is underplaying a melodramatic moment. This is no ROCKY.

And the performances are as good as you've heard, particularly Eastwood's who plays off hhis iconic status. Morgan Freelman is his usual excellent self, but his character is too familiar as the wise old black man who provides the moral fulclrum. He is the narrator, and there'stoo much voice-over.

One further comment, a commendation to the film critics who have avoided talking about what goes on in the last act of the film.

I'm still coming to grips with this film, and I'm sure I' ll blog on. But noone who takes film seriously (and perhaps life itself) ought not to