Million Dollar Baby - (Clint Eastwood;2004;USA) - ****
When a boxing trainer loses his prize fighter, he agrees to train an ambitious woman.
Paul Haggis wrote an excellent screenplay that packs a lot of power. Eastwood doesn't turn in an amazing direction, but he carries the story very nicely, especially with the lighting. Although I do not think this is the best of 2004 anymore, this is still an excellent film. Aside for a few things like the comic relief character of Danger, the film stays away from cliches, especially with the unexpected twist. Eastwood and Swank deserved their nominations, and Swank deserved to win. Second best to Unforgiven as far as Eastwood's films go.
In top 100 Favorites

2004
01. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
02. Closer
03. Million Dollar Baby
04. Kill Bill vol.2
05. Collateral
06. Sideways
07. The Aviator
08. The Passion of the Christ
09. The Woodsman
10. Finding Neverland