“Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up”
- Title: Rocky
- Director: John G. Avildsen
- Release date: 21st November 1976
After seeing Rocky Balboa’s poster hanging on the wall of smooth-talking Tony Manero, I thought it was only right to continue this series with the review of the legendary Rocky.
They say Rome wasn’t built in a day. To create something legendary, it takes time and patience. Well, clearly ‘they’ haven’t met Sylvester Stallone as he was able to write a piece of cinematic history in three and a half days!
Rocky is a sports drama starring the relatively unknown Sylvester Stallone at the time of its release. Inspired by the boxing match between Muhammed Ali and Chuck Wepner, Stallone got to work on writing the screenplay for Rocky, taking on the lead role in the film as he knew that if he didn’t, it would be something which he would always regret. Chosen by heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa agrees to an exhibition match in which he will receive a $150,000 sum. Having never made a success of his boxing career, Rocky takes on the challenge to battle his far superior contender, Creed.
With a slow start, I have to say I enjoyed Rocky much more than I initially thought I would. Although a boxing film on the surface, the film delves much deeper into the complexities of Rocky Balboa’s life as a failed professional athlete who ends up working as a loanshark to make ends meat. However, despite his hardships, he shows that through hard work and dedication you can achieve the impossible. Hopefully, this will inspire me to be more consistent with my posts!
Full of iconic symbols, including the catchy soundtrack and the famous “Rocky Steps”, this film is certainly one which everybody needs to see at least once in their lifetime.
Tia's Not-So-Secret-Diary 