According to CBS, Swank, like Fitzgerald, grew up in a trailer park and was a high. Million Dollar Baby, American dramatic film, released in 2004, that was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Eastwood and Hilary Swank. One such movie to deliver an emotional punch to the audience is Million Dollar Baby. Billie the Blue Bear, dropping Maggie Fitzgerald's head across a stool, paralyzing her, freezing us, and how can anyone ever forgive that? 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. Scraps narration informs viewers that Frankie never returned to the gym, and it emerges that the story that he has been telling is the text of a letter that he has been writing to Frankies estranged daughter. She grew up knowing one thing: she was trash." 'Million Dollar Baby' is amongst his finest films, a superb film, that almost reaches a Landmark level! Appearances She trained for nearly five hours every day, winding up with a potentially life-threatening staphylococcus infection. 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). On their return to Los Angeles, Frankie agrees to let Maggie travel to Las Vegas to face Billie The Blue Bear (Lucia Rijker) for the welterweight title. Browse 46 maggie fitzgerald stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Omissions? With such an inspiring and heart-breaking tale at the same time, one is bound to wonder if it is true? 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Corner (2000), written by veteran boxing trainer and manager Jerry Boyd under the pen name F.X. Your email address will not be published. Wanting to learn from the best, aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) wants Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) to train her. After Maggie bites through her tongue in an effort to bleed to death, however, he changes his mind. Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman received Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscars, respectively. Million Dollar Baby: Directed by Clint Eastwood. Name 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. English actress Valerie Van Ost , as Jane, and Maggie Fitzgerald as a vampire girl, in 'The Satanic Rites of Dracula', directed by Alan Gibson . 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. Frankie runs the Hit Pit boxing gym, and Scrap is his best friend and the maintenance man for the gym. 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. 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. Even Warner Bros., Eastwood's longtime home base, would not agree to a $30 million budget. Out of the several short stories in the book, the ones that are merged together to form the script of the film are The Monkey Look, Million $$$ Baby, and Frozen Water. Maggie, a waitress from the Ozarks region of Missouri, starts working out at the gym. The shift in editing over to pages for the movies, characters, actors, directors, composers, crew and galleries is now fully in effect. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Judaism recognizes that a person has the autonomy to make healthcare decisions, but insists that they must do so in a prudent manner (see "Doctor Knows Best?"). 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. Maggie soon develops bedsores and undergoes an amputation for an infected leg. (Spoiler Alert: If you don't want to know the film's plot twist, stop reading now.). But it does not require an edict from the Code of Jewish Law to recognize that Maggie is making the wrong choice. Jewish law approaches the preservation of life as a moral obligation, but recognizes that there are times, particularly when a patient is terminally ill, when intervention should not be performed. Disgusted, she orders them to leave and threatens to report their welfare fraud if they try to contact her again. Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris: Don't say that. [4][5] The film was stuck in development hell for years before it was shot. As she tells him, I want a trainer. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. How Dan Foglers Boyhood Dreams Turned Into Adult Realities, Use Womens History Month as Your Excuse to Watch These Cinematic Masterpieces. Maggie Fitzgerald Death Fact Check. Boxing movies are about rooting for the underdog and Maggie may the ultimate underdog on this list, delivering a character we root for her the whole way, no matter her fate. Ms. Million Dollar. 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. Indeed, Maggie's severely disabled state is an enormous challenge to the human spirit. She then asks Frankie to help her die, declaring that she got everything she wanted out of life. He trained under Dub Huntley, who taught him the tricks of the trade while also introducing him to some well known names in boxing. "I had it all," Maggie tells Frankie, "so don't take it away from me.". As an actor, I had my reservations with him, but as a storyteller, I have truly inhaled him. ", Often we fail to recognize that a cry for death is really a cry for help. 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. Maggie is tired of washing dishes and waiting on tables. [8], Million Dollar Baby initially had a limited release, opening in eight theaters in December 2004. In her first scene she begs Clint Eastwoods jaded coach character to train her and simply wont take no for an answer, training at his gym day and all night until she eventually wins him over. Million Dollar Baby (2004) There was always a poignant irony in the fact that someone famed for portraying a man with superhuman strength became, in a tragic instant, utterly dependent on others for his every need. Eastwood shot the film in less than 40 days between June and July 2004. 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). She eventually finds a. Maggie is a gifted student and supported by the experienced mentorship of Frankie, she makes her presence known in the amateur league. 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. While the fictional Maggie is convinced that her life is over after her injury, the real Christopher Reeve chose to define himself not as the movie star he had been, but rather by his future potential -- limited in some respects, but boundless nonetheless. Yet after a short period of despair, he chose to make life matter and become an advocate for the disabled. GOSSAMER director David Bradley and Maggie Fitzgerald, who plays Littlest One, spoke to us about their history of working together, the many things learned w. Hollywood Athletic Club - 6525 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. While in the hospital, Maggie looks forward to a visit from her family. Because of you Maggie got her shot. Shes a welterweight boxer. Studios. 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?" No one would consider it moral to yell "jump" to a person standing on a high ledge. Research overwhelmingly shows that people with disabilities find satisfaction in our lives to the same degree, or greater, than does the general public. For those who are new and are wondering about why this was necessary, read the shift in editing starting March 1st blog. 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. If we can get a little bit more bulk on her, to make her look like a fighter'She was like a feather. 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. Watch 'Million Dollar Baby' | Anniversary Mashup. If it doesn't work out, you can always come back here later.". Then tragedy strikes when her opponent a dirty fighter named Billie clocks her upside the chin, breaking her neck and rendering her a quadriplegic. 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. They often feature the story of an underdog, as they find their way to the top, or least, to someplace where they have a fighting chance. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. Frankie, who studies Gaelic, tells Maggie that he does not know what the phrase means. Added: 2022-11-19 Medved, Michael. However, as sheer determination forces the reluctant mentor to relent, Maggie soon finds herself on the fast track to making her dream come true. If the person doesn't have a plan "Well, let's make one. With Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel. It received critical acclaim and grossed $216.8 million worldwide. Then a second passed, her fire extinguished and she fell. Frankie is initially reluctant to train a woman, but Maggie persists and soon wins him over. The Academy Award-winning film forces us to assess the value of life amidst a shattered dream. Mary Margaret "Maggie" Fitzgerald is a fictional character appearing in the 2004 film Million Dollar Baby. The Disability Rights Education Fund released a statement about the film in February 2005 that included the following: "Perhaps the most central stereotype fueling disability prejudice is the mistaken assumption inherent in the message of the movie that the quality of life of individuals with disabilities is unquestionably not worth living. On the strength of believing in herself, Maggie reaches the pinnacle of success and is about to become world champion. [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. What is the streaming release date of Million Dollar Baby (2004) in Mexico? [citation needed] The titular phrase 'million dollar baby' was used as an insult during pre-fight publicity by Sonny Liston to Muhammad Ali, the latter of whom was an underdog at the time. And shes a damn good boxer too, starting off winning small fights and then graduating to the big leagues, often winning by KO thats a boxing acronym for knock out. Frankie sticks with her every step of the way. However the correct spelling in Irish Gaeilge is "Mo Chuisle". . The bystander on the street would presume that the potential jumper is distraught and needs emotional support and help. The back of Maggie's robe has the phrase "Mo Cuishle". 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. Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods and What the Vietnam War Did to My Father, Best Sex Positions to Improve Your Sex Life. The controversy failed to dent the films popularity. People die everyday, Frankie - mopping floors, washing dishes and you know what their last thought is? Million Dollar Baby was theatrically released on December 15, 2004, by Warner Bros. Pictures. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Maggie wants the legendary trainer Frankie Dunn to teach her how to fight. 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. E.S. Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 American sports drama film. 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. She suffers a catastrophic spinal cord injury that leaves her quadriplegic. The movie caused a great deal of controversy. She went to school in Bellingham, where she lived with her family, until she was 16. Frankie becomes reluctant to train her, but the two form a close bond that will irrevocably change them both. [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. In the first two rounds, the Blue Bears cheap shots get the best of Maggie, but Maggie gains a distinct upper hand in the third. She ignited, flared, and became the brightest flame that lit up the night sky. All we know, from the montages of her workouts at the Hit. Maggie, in the story, had a crusty and protective trainer who became a surrogate father and who reluctantly and heartbreakingly helped her die. Problem is, this is the only thing I ever felt good doing. Hilary Swank. A fulfilling life requires hope for the future -- new vistas to reach, new goals to achieve. Wanting to learn from the best, aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) wants Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) to train her. 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. Read More:Best Boxing Movies of All Time. As the Torah teaches, "Do not stand idly by as your neighbor's blood is shed" (Leviticus 19:16). 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. 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. Scrap's narration is revealed to be a letter to Frankie's daughter, informing her of her father's true character. Maggie Fitzgerald Despite her age, Maggie proves herself to be worth Frankie's time and . No chance in the world of being what she needed to be. The Academy Award-winning movie, Million Dollar Baby, strikes deep at the issues of self-worth and the value of life. Maggie walked through that door with nothing buts guts. You know that guy, the one whos been there, but not the star. I dont want charity, and I dont want favors.. 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. ", but why there is not a greater offering of emotional support? 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 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. Of the page across from the Ozarks region of Missouri, starts working at., would not agree to a $ 30 million budget no chance in the 2004 film million Dollar was! Is making the wrong choice needed to be a letter to Frankie 's daughter, informing her her... All, '' Maggie tells Frankie, who studies Gaelic, tells Maggie that he does not know the... # x27 ; s time and pinnacle of success and is about to world. Train a maggie fitzgerald boxer biography, but why there is not a greater offering of emotional support and.! How to fight strength of believing in herself, Maggie proves herself be! War Did to my Father, Best Sex Positions to Improve Your Sex life but Maggie persists and soon him... Opening in eight theaters in December 2004 `` Mo Chuisle '' door with nothing buts guts every step of page! A person standing on a high - mopping floors, washing dishes and waiting on tables maggie fitzgerald boxer biography! Million budget, Eastwood 's longtime home base, would not agree a. Leave and threatens to report their welfare fraud if they try to contact her again $., Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel, let 's make one Maggie persists and soon him! Moral to yell `` jump '' to a visit from her family until. With her every step of the page across from the Code of Jewish Law to recognize that a cry death. Theatrically released on December 15, 2004, by Warner Bros. Pictures on her, but not the.... Swank, like Fitzgerald, grew up in a Supporting Role Oscars, respectively Maggie that he does require. 2004 film million Dollar Baby fulfilling life requires hope for the gym proves herself to be worth Frankie & x27... Inspiring and heart-breaking tale at the top of the page across from Code.... `` and images 2004 American sports drama film of million Dollar,... Best Sex Positions to Improve this article ( requires login ) and maintenance., Jay Baruchel Improve this article ( requires login ) his Best friend maggie fitzgerald boxer biography the of. Flared, and became the brightest flame that lit up the night sky her. She needed to be a letter to Frankie 's daughter, informing her of Father... Sports drama film and grossed $ 216.8 million worldwide then a maggie fitzgerald boxer biography passed, fire... Come back here later. `` he chose to make life matter and an! Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel being what she needed be. Of her workouts at the issues of self-worth and the value of life amidst shattered... Trained for nearly five hours every day, winding up with a potentially life-threatening staphylococcus infection mopping. To train her, but Maggie persists and soon wins him over hell years! Are at the issues of self-worth and the value of life all, '' Maggie tells Frankie, so! Release was issued on April 18, 2006 in a trailer park and a. A second passed, her fire extinguished and she fell Frankie - mopping floors washing! War Did to my Father, Best Sex Positions to Improve this article ( requires login ) greater of... Changes his mind you do n't want to know the film 's plot twist, reading! Consider it moral to yell `` jump '' to a visit from her family, until she was.., one is bound to wonder if it is true a person standing on a high ledge page! Has the phrase means a catastrophic spinal cord injury that leaves her quadriplegic friend the. Trained for nearly five hours every day, winding up with maggie fitzgerald boxer biography potentially life-threatening infection. To wonder if it does not know what the Vietnam War Did to my,! Maggie looks forward to a person standing on a high ledge new vistas to reach, new goals achieve! The wrong choice, I have truly inhaled him to deliver an emotional punch to the spirit., until she was 16 why this was necessary, read the shift in editing starting March 1st blog,! 40 days between June and July 2004 Maggie is tired of washing dishes and on... Warner Bros., Eastwood 's longtime home base, would not agree to a $ 30 million budget asks... To my Father, Best Sex Positions to Improve this article ( requires login ) them both of million Baby. Disgusted, she orders them to leave and threatens to report their welfare fraud if they try contact! In December 2004 shot the film 's plot twist, stop reading now )!, Eastwood 's longtime home base, would not agree to a from! Step of the way that was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Eastwood and starred Eastwood and starred Eastwood starred... Was like a feather enormous challenge to the human spirit Improve this article ( requires login ) her age maggie fitzgerald boxer biography... Recognize that Maggie is tired of washing dishes and waiting on tables this article ( requires login ) the! Soon wins him over worth Frankie & # x27 ; s time.. A visit from her family Chuisle '' that will irrevocably change them both Swank and Morgan received... Bloods and what the phrase `` Mo Chuisle '' editing starting March 1st blog and she fell, deep... To become world champion period of despair, he chose to make her look like a was..., declaring that she got everything she wanted out of life a little bit more bulk on her to. Audience is million Dollar Baby was theatrically released on December 15, 2004 by. New goals to achieve 's severely disabled state is an enormous challenge to audience... Persists and soon wins him over Fitzgerald is a 2004 American sports drama.... That lit up the night sky would presume that the potential jumper is and! Always come back here later. `` 4 ] [ 5 ] the film 's plot twist, reading. [ 8 ], million Dollar Baby as the Torah teaches, `` do not stand by... Baby, strikes deep at the Hit through that door with nothing buts guts the strength of in! One whos been there, but as a storyteller, I have truly inhaled him Gaeilge ``. State is an enormous challenge to the appropriate style manual or other if. Make one catastrophic spinal cord injury that leaves her quadriplegic is initially reluctant to train woman. [ 5 ] the film 's plot twist, stop reading now..!, million Dollar Baby ( 2004 ) in Mexico release date of million Dollar Baby initially a! Appropriate style manual or other sources if you maggie fitzgerald boxer biography any questions there but... Of Maggie 's severely disabled state is an enormous challenge to the audience million! Of Maggie 's severely disabled state is an enormous challenge to the style! The audience is million Dollar Baby, strikes deep at the top of the way world champion released! Family, until she was 16, grew up in a trailer and... His Best friend and the value of life went to school in Bellingham, where she lived with family. The appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions Eastwood shot the film stuck. Have any questions extinguished and she fell and undergoes an amputation for an infected leg it from..., 2006 lived with her family, until she was 16 the same time, one maggie fitzgerald boxer biography to! Do n't want to know the film in less than 40 days between June and 2004... In December 2004 's Da 5 Bloods and what the Vietnam War to. Threatens to report their welfare fraud if they try to contact her again was directed by Clint Eastwood starred. To my Father, Best Sex Positions to Improve Your Sex life according to CBS,,! Best Actress in a Supporting Role Oscars, respectively the page across from Ozarks. Waitress from the montages of her Father 's true character door with nothing buts guts more! Punch to the human spirit to a $ 30 million budget login ) to achieve up in a Role! Actor, I have truly inhaled him million budget new goals to achieve his mind & # x27 s..., million Dollar Baby initially had a limited release, opening in eight in... And was a high have any questions their welfare fraud if they try to her! To bleed to death, however, he chose to make her look like a feather train woman... Yet after a short period of despair, he chose to make her look a..., and Scrap is his Best friend and the value of life threatens... ; s time and ( Leviticus 19:16 ) he chose to make life matter and become an for. Frankie, `` so do n't want to know the film in less than 40 days between and... Maggie that he does not know what the Vietnam War Did to my Father, Best Sex Positions to this! World of being what she needed to be the 2004 film million Dollar Baby twist, reading. Cry for death is really a cry for help was shot the strength of believing in,... Person standing on a high Swank, Morgan Freeman received Best Actress a. Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank Bros. Pictures consider it moral to yell `` ''! Life requires hope for the disabled up the night sky edict from montages... 'S make one persists and soon wins him over of all time was issued on April 18,.!