Million Dollar Baby

About Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar focuses on the story of waitress turned boxer Maggie Fitzgerald, played by Hilary Swank. She joins a gym owned by Frankie Dunn, played by Clint Eastwood, and begs him to train her. He initially rejects her claiming he would never coach a woman as they couldn’t handle such a tough sport. Eventually her persistence pays off, and Frankie agrees to take her on but only to teach her the basics. After her first fight, coincidentally her first win as well, Frankie realizes her potential and decides to be her full time coach. The two quickly develop a close bond, something neither one has ever felt with their own families. With her career flourishing Maggie is set to fight women's welterweight champion, Billie "The Blue Bear" Osterman in Las Vegas.This is when Maggie’s streak of luck is cut short as she sustains a serious injury after getting illegally punched after the bell rings. With Maggie in hospital she asks Frankie for one final favour, a favour that would alter both their future’s forever. 

Million Dollar Baby's Relation To Sport Business

Maggie Fitzgerald is an absolute powerhouse. After being a waitress and deciding to switch careers to professional boxing she received little support from everyone around her. Being in her 30’s and a female led to family, friends and even gym owner Frankie to discourage her dreams. However her resiliency pays off as she quickly becomes one of the most successful female boxers with plenty of wins under her belt. 

Another way this movie connects to the sports business is how it shows an athlete’s journey from amateur to professional. From her first day in the gym to her first fight the viewer is brought in to get a look behind the scenes of what it takes to become a pro. The long hours, to finding her first trainer and manager, and the toll of her career in her personal life shows us that Maggie’s story truly shows what it takes to be a professional boxer. 

Why watch Million Dollar Baby?

Million Dollar Baby tells us of the inspirational journey of Maggie Fitzgerald. Starting off as a waitress in her 30’s to becoming a professional boxer takes a lot of strength and determination. She even faces adversity when she first meets Frankie Dunn as he refuses to train her as he believes she is too feminie to handle such a gritty sport. Luckily she impresses him with her talent and he takes on the role as her trainer. With so much success in such a short amount of time Maggie’s story is super inspirational to viewers, and the reason why it belongs on The Shelf!  

Trailer & Extras