Clint Eastwood Goes Down Swinging

The Clint Eastwood movie Million Dollar Baby is a classic. Here's why. On the surface, it's an action film about a woman hoping to triumph in the arena of boxing. That holds attention. There's something naturally gripping about a brutal one-on-one gladiatorial confrontation in the ring, even if you don't like this sport. Yet, the movie is really about the ultimate battle we all fight against our inner demons.

Hilary Swank isn't actually punching her opponent. She is flailing desperately agains...