Step into the emotionally charged and hard-hitting world of Million Dollar Baby (2004), the Academy Award-winning drama directed by Clint Eastwood. Starring Eastwood alongside Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman, this powerful film tells the story of an underdog female boxer and the unexpected bond she forms with her hardened trainer.
Think you remember every emotional twist, training moment, and life-changing decision? Test your knowledge with our 10-question trivia challenge and see if you can go the full twelve rounds. Only true fans of this cinematic masterpiece will score a perfect 10!
Million Dollar Baby (2004) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who directed Million Dollar Baby (2004)?
Correct Answer: Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood directed Million Dollar Baby, showcasing his signature restrained and thoughtful storytelling style. In addition to directing, Eastwood also stars in the film and composed part of the musical score. His work on the film earned him an Academy Award for Best Director.
- Who plays the role of aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald?
Correct Answer: Hilary Swank
Hilary Swank delivers a transformative performance as Maggie Fitzgerald, an underdog boxer determined to rise above her circumstances. Swank’s dedication to the role, including rigorous physical training, earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress — her second Oscar win.
- Which actor portrays Frankie Dunn, Maggie’s trainer?
Correct Answer: Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood stars as Frankie Dunn, a grizzled and emotionally distant boxing trainer who reluctantly agrees to train Maggie. Through their relationship, Frankie is forced to confront his own regrets and fears. Eastwood’s subtle and moving performance is central to the film’s emotional weight.
- What is the name of the gym owned by Frankie Dunn?
Correct Answer: Hit Pit Gym
Frankie runs the Hit Pit Gym, a modest boxing gym in Los Angeles where young fighters train. The gym serves as a symbolic backdrop for the film, representing both the physical and emotional struggles of its characters. It’s also where much of Maggie’s transformation takes place.
- What is Maggie’s nickname in the boxing world?
Correct Answer: Mo Cuishle
Frankie gives Maggie the nickname “Mo Cuishle,” a Gaelic phrase. The meaning behind the name is revealed later in the film, adding emotional significance to their bond. The nickname becomes a symbol of their surrogate father-daughter relationship.
- What injury does Maggie suffer during her championship fight?
Correct Answer: Spinal cord injury
During her championship fight, Maggie suffers a devastating spinal cord injury when her opponent lands a cheap shot after the bell, causing her to fall and break her neck on a stool. This tragic accident leaves her paralyzed from the neck down and changes the course of the story, shifting the focus to the value of life, autonomy, and mercy.
- Who plays the role of Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris, the gym’s caretaker?
Correct Answer: Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman portrays Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris, a former boxer and Frankie’s longtime friend who now works as a caretaker and mentor at the Hit Pit Gym. Freeman’s calm, wise, and compassionate presence provides the film’s narrative voice and emotional anchor. His performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
- How many Academy Awards did Million Dollar Baby win?
Correct Answer: 4
Million Dollar Baby won four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director (Clint Eastwood), Best Actress (Hilary Swank), and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman). The film was praised for its storytelling, performances, and emotional depth, solidifying its place as one of the great modern dramas.
- What is the primary theme of Million Dollar Baby?
Correct Answer: Perseverance, sacrifice, and the value of life
The film explores profound themes of perseverance in the face of adversity, the sacrifices people make for those they love, and the complex ethical questions surrounding life and death. At its heart, Million Dollar Baby is about the bonds we form, the choices we face, and what it means to live and die with dignity.
- What does “Mo Cuishle” mean in Gaelic, as revealed in the film?
Correct Answer: My darling
“Mo Cuishle” is an affectionate Gaelic term meaning “My darling” or “My pulse.” Frankie reveals the translation to Maggie near the end of the film, underscoring the deep emotional connection and love he feels for her. This revelation is one of the film’s most poignant moments.
