Movie Poster

’Cause I was thinking, it really don’t matter if I lose this fight. It really don’t matter if this guy opens my head either. ‘Cause all I wanna do is go the distance.

# Review

This is one of the most iconic sports movies ever made. Sylvester Stallone plays Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer in Philadelphia who gets a once-in-a-life time opportunity to fight for the championship against the undefeated Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).

It’d be a misconception to assume that Rocky is a boxing film, as the fight scenes make up only a very small percentage of the film. Rocky is more a life film, about someone facing and overcoming their obstacles in life. Stallone’s Rocky is one of the most iconic film characters for a reason. Rocky is crass and talks like he constantly has a mouth full, but he’s also brave and genuine.

The film features an amazing soundtrack by Bill Conti and it has one of the best training montages to date. I’ve been reading about the history of the movie and it’s incredible how everything worked despite the shortfalls, such as the budget. For instance, the scene where Rocky goes jogging is largely unplanned and features reactions from everyday people. Stallone was brilliant as Rocky and the supporting characters, such as the shy Adrian (Talia Shire) and the charismatic Apollo all serve as foils for Stallone.

# Conclusion

A passionate film about life.

# Overall rating: 8.3

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