Review of Rocky (1976) by Kai82 — 12 Oct 2020

It is the quintessential underdog movie and started a legacy. Even people that have never seen the movie know who Rocky is. Every day many people still run up the “Rocky Stairs” at the Museum of Art in Philadelphia and raise their arms like Rocky did in the movie.

It is the charm of this underdog story with relatable characters and great pictures. For the story: Heavyweight champion Apollo Creed played by Carl Weathers can not fight for the title because his challenger injured his hand.

Because it is too late to get a new professional challenger they decided to give an amateur the once in lifetime chance to fight for the championship. Because of Rocky's nickname “The Italian Stallion” he is picked by Apollo Creed without even caring.

It is Sylvester Stallone's best role as he plays the relatable and sympathetic everyman that has a hard life and struggles. There is the heartwarming lovestory between him and Adrianna Pennino played by Talia Shire.

There is the struggle with his trainer Mickey Goldmill played by Burgess Meredith that knows Rocky's potential but also says that he wasted it. Finally it is Rocky's iron hard training as he will do everything to use his chance and trains like never before that wins many over.

The final fight is as dramatic as intense as Apollo Creed expected an easy opponent and thought he would win before he even get sweaty. He gets someone who is filled to the brim with willpower and determination.

The ending is pure bittersweet awesome. All things mentioned above create an unforgettable experience. The Rocky series is still strong and entered pop culture history long ago. It is the blueprint for underdog stories that always touch something inside of us.

Overall this is an all time classic and rightfully so. A must see even if you don't like boxing. Bonus knowledge: There is a real live fight that inspired this movie. Muhammad Ali fought against Chuck Wepner whose nickname was “The Bayonne Bleeder” in 1975.

Everyone expected a fast knockout but Chuck gave the performance of his live and even knocked down Ali. The fight got even to round 15 when Ali won. Sylvester Stallone saw this fight and was impressed by this man.

The rest is history as he wrote the script to Rocky.