A bit slow in the get go, very strong in the middle, then slow again on the way out, but endearing -- always endearing. Strong acting (not sure if its Oscar worthy), good direction, and pleasant cinematography. How to review without spoiling? I'm not sure it's possible. Therefore read on at your own risk.

Sort of a female Rocky picture, this film decides to take on an entirely different fight by the end. Some will argue this makes the film richer, deeper, braver... and they're right. Some will argue that this turn knocks out the entertainment value... and they'd have a good point too. Myself? At first I felt the latter, and later I felt the former. One reviewer (Kirk Honeycutt) called it an "uplifting tragedy." On that, I'd say more the later than the former.

The film hinges on a pivotal event, important, strong, shocking. Some of the circumstances around that event give cause for pause. Additionally, I was a bit confused about time period in which this story plays out? Sometimes it feels like the seventies and then at other times -- modern day. Much of the film centers around Eastwood, Swank and Freeman (Freeman tells the story); So, exterior shots are rare. The film develops the new relationship between old trainer and young boxer. And accents that with the old relationship between old trainer and long retired boxer.

I especially enjoyed the tasteful humor in editing during Swank's Round 1's.

What appears to be a boxing film is really a study on dealing with guilt, responsibility for risk, and personal drive. If you're just up for an up film, don't see this one.

This film screened at a Krikorian Theatre.