Tim Savidge - Rocky

Tim Savidge

Review of Rocky

The “American Dream” has, since the beginning of the 20^th century, emboldened so many people of all backgrounds to strive for success in the “land of opportunity.” American is the only place where people can feed off of opportunity freely and prove all of the naysayers wrong. There is perhaps nothing more inspiring than the achievement of a dream once thought to be impossible, and this feeling is brought to life in the film Rocky. Sylvester Stallone portrays Rocky Balboa as a dedicated, persevering, well-mannered man who proves to the world that the there is no such thing as impossible. The inspiration and emotions and stirred up by Rocky, as well as having a cast of characters that anyone can relate to, make it a must-see classic for people of all ages.

The inspiration generated by the plot of Rocky makes it a unique film that embodies the American Dream. Throughout the movie, the plot develops into a rags-to-riches story that reaches out to all audiences, showing them that anything is possible. Sylvester Stallone introduced Apollo Creed (played by Carl Weathers) into the movie jst when Rocky was at his lowest as a poster boy of the American Dream. Creed’s hope that he will be giving the “opportunity of a lifetime” to Rocky gives any viewers the same hope, as well as the hope that they two will be given the same opportunity. The scene of Rocky running the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art while “Gonna Fly Now” plays in the background gives anyone the feeling that nothing is impossible. Yet this scene contradicts itself, because it is impossible not to feel the waves of motivation and inspiration that it creates. The chants of “Rocky! Rocky!” as he fights Apollo Creed continue to resound in any watcher’s ears as they are inspired by Rocky’s persistence. Rocky, the Italian Stallion, who refers to himself as a “nobody,” who works as a debt collector, who was told by his father that he better learn to use his body because he doesn’t have much brains, becomes the perfect character to demonstrate that there is always hope of achieving the American Dream. The entire film is focused around the premise that anyone can make their dreams a reality, a premise that qualifies this movie as a must-see classic.

Yet there is more behind the story of Rocky than the idea that anything is possible. Stallone plays a character that teaches everyone to never give up. When introduced to the idea of fighting Apollo Creed, Rocky realizes what he would be up against and declines. But then, as he is explained to that this would be the opportunity of a lifetime, Rocky conjures all of his thoughts about what matters to him, and decides that he has no reason to give up. He accepts the challenge, and moves on to prove himself. Inspired by his Adrian (Talia Shire) his own story, and the frustration of Mickey (Burgess Meredith), his trainer, Rocky goes on to train like he never has before. On his first attempt, he fails to climb the steps of the Art Museum, but with persistence and hard work, he finally makes it to the top towards the end of his training. This “never give up” mentality makes the plot much more realistic and delivers the same sensation to the audience. But perhaps there is no better example of this then during Rocky’s fight with Apollo. After being taunted and beat up, stays strong. With every hit he takes, Rocky demonstrates both his physical and mental strength and determination. And in the end, he reaches his goal of “going the distance,” surviving 15 rounds against the world champion. No other film delivers this same feeling of inspiration to the audience, making Rocky a unique classic that should be watched by everyone.

While the emotions that Rocky provoke make it a film like none other, the characters make it so realistic and encouraging. The movie focuses on every characters rather than the boxing itself. In a review by James Berardinelli, it is noted that “What makes Rocky special is that it concentrates on characters, not sports.” Berardinelli goes on to discuss that the film is so classic because of the strong relationships between the audience and the characters. Rocky does not have the qualities of the typical national hero, but he defies odds in a way that anyone else can: with hard work. He isn’t very bright, is a little self-centered, and doesn’t have the dream to become something more. But as the movie progresses, he falls in love with Adrian, and develops motivation from the idea that he is being given a huge opportunity. Many viewers may easily see themselves as the hero that Rocky was, making this film a classic. Moreover, the audience can develop a love/hate relationship with Apollo Creed that they may often have with other people in power or aristocracy. While he may begin as the good guy, giving a poor Philadelphia boy the chance to win the heavyweight boxing crown, he soon develops into an arrogant champion only looking to have fun. Portraying himself as both George Washington and Uncle Sam, he connects to the millions that are going to watch the match through patriotism. Any American watching the film can also relate to this feeling, while anyone else can understand the idea of the American Dream through this scene. Creed goes on to taunt Rocky, but Rocky is not fazed. At this point, all viewers want to see is Rocky defeating the conceited Creed, and this attachment to Rocky makes the movie much more memorable. The attachment to the main character, as well as the relationships viewers feel with the others help to define Rocky as a classic.

No other film creates the same level of inspiration that Rocky does. Through a story like none before, it demonstrates that it is important to never give up, that everything is possible, and the idea that some things are more important than winning. Several scenes are perfect representations of these ideas, while the characters make it realistic and loveable. Focusing on the performances by the actors as well as the emotions created by the characters, rottentomatoes.com gives it a 91% on the tomato meter, which is no surprise. The film was welcomed by critics, and went on to win “Best Film” at the Academy Awards. Rocky is without a doubt a heart-warming, dramatic classic that will inspire anyone. It is a constant reminder that our Apollo Creed, our American Dream, is somewhere waiting for us; that no matter what happens, there is always an Adrian there for us; and that even when we can’t even get our gloves up to protect our faces, we have to keep striving on.

Works Cited:

Berardinelli, James. “Rocky: A Film Review.” http://www.reelviews.net/movies/r/rocky.html

Rotten Tomatoes. “Rocky (1976).” http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1017776-rocky/