How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Million Dollar Baby.
Quote #1
SCRAP: Sometimes, there's just nothing you can do. Cut's too wide, too close to the bone. Maybe you got a severed vein, or you just can't get the coagulant deep enough. There are all kinds of combinations you come up against down in the different layers of meat. And Frankie knew how to work every one.
Frankie's got mad skills when it comes to patching up boxers. When it comes to mending the busted relationship with his daughter, however, that's a different story.
Quote #2
SCRAP: Frankie liked to say that boxing is an unnatural act, that everything in boxing is backwards: sometimes the best way to deliver a punch is to step back… But step back too far—you ain't fighting at all.
Here, our venerable narrator questions Frankie's strength. As managers go, he's awfully cautious. Just ask Big Willie.
Quote #3
SCRAP: Some people would say the most important thing a fighter can have is heart. Frankie'd say: show me a fighter who was nothing but heart and I'll show you a man waiting for a beating.
In other words, it takes more than just strength of character to win at a sport where lots and lots (and lots) of punching is required. You also need solid fighting skills and smarts.