Million Dollar Baby

Margaret 'Maggie' Fitzgerald, a determined waitress from a small town in Missouri, dreams of becoming a professional boxer. She arrives at the Hit Pit boxing gym in Los Angeles, seeking guidance to achieve her aspirations.

At first, Frankie Dunn, the gym's boxing trainer, harshly dismisses Maggie's ambitions, stating that he doesn't train girls. Maggie's resolve is tested, but she remains committed to proving herself.

Despite being initially dismissed, Maggie dedicates herself to rigorous training at the gym. With Eddie 'Scrap-Iron' Dupris narrating her journey, Maggie's determination begins to catch the attention of Frankie.

Eventually, Frankie agrees to train Maggie with the stipulation that he will only teach her the fundamentals before finding her a manager. He emphasizes the importance of self-defense in the boxing ring.

As Maggie prepares for her first fight, Frankie is reluctant to coach her but ultimately steps in at the last moment. His guidance leads her to a triumphant victory that cements their developing bond.

Maggie's raw talent continues to shine as she rapidly ascends the women’s welterweight boxing division, often achieving first-round knockouts. Her success deepens the connection between her and Frankie.

Frankie struggles with his strained relationship with his own daughter, contrasting with his growing fatherly bond with Maggie. This dynamic adds emotional complexity to Frankie's character.

With encouragement from Scrap, Frankie finally agrees to let Maggie fight a top-ranked opponent in the UK. He introduces her with a Gaelic nickname that excites the crowd, marking a pivotal moment in her career.

Despite Maggie's success, her dysfunctional family proves to be unsupportive, more focused on her financial gains than her well-being. This realization is a heartbreaking moment for Maggie.

Maggie faces off against Billie 'The Blue Bear' in a title fight in Las Vegas. During the closely contested match, tragedy strikes when Billie lands an illegal blow, resulting in Maggie's catastrophic fall.

In the wake of the fight, Maggie learns she is paralyzed from the neck down, leading to a tumultuous recovery journey. Frankie grapples with the emotional weight of her prognosis and the impact on their relationship.

While Maggie recuperates, her family's visit highlights their ulterior motives as they seek to control her assets. This betrayal leaves her heartbroken and further isolates her in her difficult time.

Despite her family's abandonment, Frankie remains a steadfast presence in Maggie's life. He reads to her and encourages her to pursue her dreams, reinforcing their strong emotional bond.

As Maggie faces her new reality filled with challenges and painful surgeries, she confides in Frankie her wish to end her life to preserve her memory as a boxer. This request deeply unsettles Frankie.

In a poignant moment, Frankie faces the moral complexities of Maggie's request. Ultimately, he makes the agonizing decision to honor her wish, epitomizing the tragic depth of their relationship.