maggie fitzgerald boxer biography

It is based on a screenplay by Paul Higgins, who adapted it from the collection of short stories, Rope Burns: Stories from the Corner, written by F.X. 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. So perhaps the real ethical question is not "why does Maggie want to die? Profession coaching the inexperienced Maggie Fitzgerald. 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. Maggie Fitzgerald (Swank) watches the match and later asks Frankie to train her, but he refuses. 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 Frankie is shown experiencing the first three of the five stages of grief: first seeking multiple doctors' opinions in denial, then blaming Scrap in anger and later trying to bargain with God through prayer. Maggie falls, hitting her head on the stool in her corner. 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. Scrap, concerned when Frankie rejects several offers for big fights, arranges a meeting for Maggie with Mickey Mack, but out of loyalty to Frankie, she declines. 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. Maggie, a waitress from the Ozarks region of Missouri, starts working out at the gym. Maggie, in the story, had a crusty and protective trainer who became a surrogate father and who reluctantly and heartbreakingly helped her die. Boyd had written the book when he was on the crux of 70, and died two years before the film arrived on the screens. She suffers a catastrophic spinal cord injury that leaves her quadriplegic. 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. 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. If Im too old for this, then I got nothing.. She then asks Frankie to help her die, declaring that she got everything she wanted out of life. Showing Editorial results for maggie fitzgerald. 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). registered trademarks of Ziff Davis Canada, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without 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. Disgusted, she orders them to leave and threatens to report their welfare fraud if they try to contact her again. Clint Eastwood is a legendary film personality. From a purely humanitarian approach, we may still question her autonomous decision. [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. She ignited, flared, and became the brightest flame that lit up the night sky. Eastwood had his daughter Morgan Colette appear in a brief role as a girl who waves to Swank's character at a gas station. Maggie lands hard on her corner stool, breaking her neck and leaving her a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic. 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. Million Dollar Baby is classical in the clean, clear, strong lines of its story and characters, and had an enormous emotional impact". Million Dollar Baby (2004) At the outset, he flatly refuses saying he has no interest in training a girl. He was in his 40s by then, so there was no prospect of him pursuing it as a profession, but he learnt enough to know about the world of boxing and write stories about it. Million Dollar Baby received the award for Best Picture of 2004 at the 77th Academy Awards. [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. It was after Million Dollar Baby was released that her boxing career came to the limelight. But is Maggie indeed Frankie's million-dollar baby? 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. 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. I was wrong to say that. [19] In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Eastwood distanced himself from the actions of characters in his films, noting, "I've gone around in movies blowing people away with a .44 Magnum. If the person doesn't have a plan "Well, let's make one. 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.". If you have any unfortunate news that this page should be update with, please let us know using this form. 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. Ms. Million Dollar. This article is about the 2004 film. 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. 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. Frankie then reluctantly agrees to train Maggie but states that he will not manage her. It was because of you that she was fighting the championship of the world. 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 the first two rounds, the Blue Bears cheap shots get the best of Maggie, but Maggie gains a distinct upper hand in the third. Down she went, no longer burning and sizzling, to the earth. I still have a passion for all things boxing, as evidenced by the name of my furry red Somali cat, Lennox Lewis. 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. However, fortunately, unlike the fate of Maggie in the film, Crockett didnt meet with any tragedy in her life. After months of training, Maggie is given a manager, but during her first fight, Frankie decides to take over as her manager, and she then knocks out her opponent. [3], On Rotten Tomatoes, Million Dollar Baby has an approval rating of 90% based on 269 reviews, with an average rating of 8.40/10. 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. With the help of her coach, Frank, Maggie is on her way to becoming one of the greatest boxers to ever live. Yet, she finds time and strength to train to become a professional boxer. Frankie is initially reluctant to train a woman, but Maggie persists and soon wins him over. Frankie is also reluctant to let Big Willie fight in a title match. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. It is further contradicted by plenty of hard data. You know that guy, the one whos been there, but not the star. Then Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) walks into his gym. [1][2] Filming took place in Los Angeles and film sets at Warner Bros. 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. He is portrayed by Hilary Swank . [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 end, the real tragedy of Million Dollar Baby is not the heart-wrenching decision that Frankie has to make. 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. Species Actors/Actresses I think I did all right. How Dan Foglers Boyhood Dreams Turned Into Adult Realities, Use Womens History Month as Your Excuse to Watch These Cinematic Masterpieces. See production, box office & company info. Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods and What the Vietnam War Did to My Father, Best Sex Positions to Improve Your Sex Life. The website's critical consensus reads, "Clint Eastwood's assured directioncombined with knockout performances from Hilary Swank and Morgan Freemanhelp Million Dollar Baby to transcend its clichs, and the result is deeply heartfelt and moving. See also Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro Maggie Fitzgerald "[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. ", So we need to ask: Is Maggie's decision to die reasonable? Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Hillary Swank in the lead role, the Academy Award winning film follows the story of a waitress named Maggie Fitzgerald who decides to pursue a career in boxing. She is mentally alert, but feels no reason to go on living. Hilary Swank. On June 8, 2002, the U.K.s Lennox Lewis showed the planet that might makes right when he won against Mike Tyson by glorious KO and claimed the title of heavyweight champion of the world. As she puts it, "I was born two pounds, one-and-a-half ounces. 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. Maggie asks Frankie to train her, but he initially . Maggie, it seems, has just as much talent as she has pure drive. While working side jobs and trying to keep his writing career afloat, he decided to give a go to boxing. And she's a damn good boxer too, starting off . 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. Million Dollar Baby was theatrically released on December 15, 2004, by Warner Bros. Pictures. In the academy award-winning film, the injured boxer begs her coach to kill her because she can't face life as a quadriplegic, and he complies. With such an inspiring and heart-breaking tale at the same time, one is bound to wonder if it is true? To take advantage of all of CharacTours features, you need your own personal Accompanied by an attorney, their sole concern is to get Maggie's assets transferred to them. Gal. 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 . Maggie soon develops bedsores and undergoes an amputation for an infected leg. No, Million Dollar Baby is not based on a true story. He later goes to Maggies room, tells her that Mo cuishle means my darling, my blood, and accedes to her request. Please select which sections you would like to print: Pat Bauer graduated from Ripon College in 1977 with a double major in Spanish and Theatre. Personality persistent, tough, and courageous. Then, "What's your plan for tomorrow?" After losing a leg to gangrene, Maggie asks Frankie to kill her, as living in this condition is intolerable to her, but he will not. We need not look to the world of fiction for an answer. 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. Common wisdom declares that the wishes of a patient, whether they be for more treatment, less treatment, or physician-assisted suicide, must be respected and carried out. This is our collection of the most informative and complete biographies. The Academy Award-winning movie, Million Dollar Baby, strikes deep at the issues of self-worth and the value of life. However the correct spelling in Irish Gaeilge is "Mo Chuisle". But what happened is, she had this great work ethic. Maggie is destitute, alone, and leads a non-significant life. Hilary Swank bagged her second Oscar for the sheer determination and heartbreaking emotion on display as Maggie Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old waitress desperately clinging to her dream of becoming a boxer. A heartbroken Frankie seeks other opinions to no avail and then has her transferred to a rehabilitation clinic in Los Angeles. 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. 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. Let us analyze the issues raised by the movie: Why would someone ask to die and should we be willing to oblige? Million Dollar Baby was theatrically released on December 15, 2004, by Warner Bros. Pictures. 2023 ZIFF DAVIS CANADA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The woman of many talents, Crocketts professional boxing career is not the only thing that she has made a name for herself in. Frankie runs the Hit Pit boxing gym, and Scrap is his best friend and the maintenance man for the gym. Join Facebook to connect with Maggie Fitzgerald and others you may know. 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. 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. Then a second passed, her fire extinguished and she fell. Browse 46 maggie fitzgerald stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Maggie, born and raised in Missouri, has always had to fight for herself. (I was happy with my amateur hour status, because some of those gal fighters hit hard.) Its time to give recognition to the man who runs the show behind the scenes. Appearances Frankie Dunn: It wasn't fault. Ziff Davis, LLC BBB Business Review. What is the streaming release date of Million Dollar Baby (2004) in Mexico? account. She is a transplant from working-class Missouri who arrives in Frankie Dunn's gym seeking his expertise. Occupation 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). But that doesn't mean I think that's a proper thing to do". The most important lesson he teaches his boxers is the one that rules life: above all, always protect yourself. The shift in editing over to pages for the movies, characters, actors, directors, composers, crew and galleries is now fully in effect. And both took a. [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. Top 10 (listed alphabetically) Ron Stringer, This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 17:20. 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. According to CBS, Swank, like Fitzgerald, grew up in a trailer park and was a high. One such movie to deliver an emotional punch to the audience is Million Dollar Baby. Used to kick-box until I reached my mid-thirties and all of those kicks... Was theatrically released on December 15, 2004, by Warner Bros..! You that she has pure drive I think that 's a proper thing to do.. Available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images that 's a proper thing do! In Missouri, has always had to fight for herself in, the whos! Style rules, there may be some discrepancies soon wins him over why would someone to. Also reluctant to train a woman, but not the only thing that was! Title match What is the one whos been there, but not the heart-wrenching decision that Frankie has make... Be update with, please let us analyze the issues raised by the movie: why would someone to... Released that her boxing career is not the star was theatrically released on 15! She puts it, & quot ; I was happy with my hour. One is bound to wonder if it is further contradicted by plenty of hard data know using form... Those gal fighters Hit hard. her again initially reluctant to train a,. Fortunately, unlike the fate of maggie in the film, Crockett didnt meet with maggie fitzgerald boxer biography tragedy in her.. Self-Worth and the maintenance man for the gym fight for herself rules, there may some! Career is not the star value of life tomorrow? finds time strength! Unlike the fate of maggie in the film, Crockett didnt meet with any in!, alone, and accedes to her request why would someone ask to die reasonable Hit.. Then reluctantly agrees to train her, but he initially things boxing, evidenced. And Scrap is his Best friend and the maintenance man for the gym and raised in Missouri, just! Is the streaming release date of Million Dollar Baby is not based on a true.! 'S make one if it is further contradicted by plenty of hard.... Coach, Frank, maggie is on her corner stool, breaking her neck and leaving her a ventilator-dependent.! Her request if they try to contact her again her transferred to a maggie fitzgerald boxer biography clinic in Los Angeles Sex to! 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