Review of Rocky (1976) by Dean C — 22 Sep 2013

1976 was a very competitive year at the Oscars, especially in the Best Picture category, and many, many people still consider Rocky's win over Network and Scorsese's nihilistic masterpiece an injustice of sorts. Maybe it was, but it would be a graver injustice to suggest that Rocky is just a lightweight, feel-good, simple-minded film. Rocky has a big heart, and yes, it is a feel-good movie, one of the best actually, at a time when in studios releases were drenched in violence, corruption and general bleakness.

Technically, Rocky is awesome. Oscars for John Avildsen (Best Director) and Richard Halsey, Scott Conrad (Best Film Editing) indicate as much. I love the cinematography by James Crabe, and I don't care that it wasn't even nominated. Maybe they thought they were pushing it enough as it was or something. Sylvester Stallone's script is simple but substantial, with great dialogue and believable characters. Casting is impeccable. Everyone's a winner, and talking about injustices how about Burgess Meredith not winning Best Supporting Actor? Talia Shire is another highlight and the scene where she's ice-skating while Rocky accompanies her on foot is among the cutest, most awkward courting scenes I've ever watched. And 'Gonna Fly Now' is the ultimate built-up tune.

But Rocky's most enduring quality is the most obvious one, the rags to riches story, the underdog be given the chance to rise. It struck big with audiences all over the world and it still does. It looks plain, and unsophisticated, which it is, like its main characters, and like most of us. It is a story about self-respect, and continuous struggle in life and its subplots. In this way Rocky's relevance will never fade away.