Review of Rocky (1976) by Brad S — 13 Oct 2014

Its easy to forget that Rocky won the best picture in 1975 - which initially was kind of surprising to me. Movies about underdog athletes don't usually resonate with Oscar voters. But watching Rocky this time around I realized something - this isn't a sports movie.

This is a movie about a self proclaimed 'nobody' finding love. Rocky before it is anything else is a love story. Sure there is the boxing, Apollo Creed, the emotional music and Mickey the trainer all of the stuff that makes for a good sports movie.

But this movie is about Rocky and Adrienne - two of the least likely lovers in all of Hollywood. And that's what makes this movie Oscar worthy. There are nuances in this movie that you just don't always see in other places.

For example when Mickey offers to manage Rocky. Mickey is desperate to bring meaning to his own life, Rocky is angry that he's been overlooked for so many years; angry that Mickey only wants to be a part of his life now that he's fighting a big fight.

But there's that moment of quiet reconciliation when Rocky chases Mickey into the street - a reconciliation between two 'nobodies.' I loved that scene and that's why its hard not to love Rocky.

He gives voice to the "nobody" in all of us - and reminds us that we are indeed a somebody.