Rocky: An American Icon

What defines an American hero? Are their traits objective or subjective? It is certainly a question can field many different answers; are grandiose characters whose impact can reach far and wide, or they someone as local as a parent or a teacher? In Rocky, director John G. Avildsen attempts to answer his question through the titular character, Rocky Balboa - also known as the "Italian Stallion." Portrayed by now critically acclaimed actor Sylvester Stallone, Rocky is initially shown to the viewer as a small time fighter who is also a less-than spectacular loan shark living in the city of brotherly love, trying to make end's meet. As the film goes through its 119 minute run-time, however, the viewer quickly learn exactly what Avildsen's vision of an American hero really embodies.

As stated before, Rocky is a very simple man; he boxes low end fighters and is a second-rate loan shark. He also has an affinity for Adrian, the introverted sister of his friend Paulie, who - no matter what Rocky says to her - never utters a single word. At first glance, he doesn't really carry a lot of the traits that one would expect an American hero to embody; however, things quickly begin to change for Rocky. With the bicentennial of the United States on the way, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed takes notice in Rocky, and selects him for a fight to celebrate America's 200-year anniversary; much unbeknownst to Rocky being the fact that Apollo chooses him simply to put on a show, and expects the fight to go no longer than the 3rd round, labeling him an "underdog."

As the date grows closer to the big fight, support for Rocky appears to be on an incline. The public - and Apollo - begin to take notice of Rocky's belief that the fight is for real, and not a pure spectacle as Apollo intends. Despite his growing support and coverage in the media, however, feelings of doubt begin to creep in as Rocky admits to Adrian - his now girlfriend - that he believes that just cannot beat Apollo, and that fighting him is futile; however, Adrian convinces Rocky to go through with the fight with a new goal: to "go the distance," and survive through all 15 rounds.

As the fight goes through its motions, Apollo's corner quickly begins to take notice of Rocky's determination and drive to keep the fight going. Because of this, Apollo goes full force on Rocky, eventually beating him so badly that Rocky can barely get up; however, the crowd erupts in loud ovation to Rocky, and he manages to reach his goal of going the distance against the heavyweight champion. Rocky immediately calls out for Adrian, and the two embrace each other, with the camera fading out on Rocky.

Now, what does all of this contribute to Director John Avildsen's vision of an American hero? From the events of Rocky, one can clearly see that his idea of the American hero is not one who achieves everything and is invincible; rather, it is one who does not give up or give in, regardless of the situation or consequence. Throughout the entire film, Rocky is always portrayed as an underdog, whether it be his pursuit of Adrian as a love interest, his quest to become a world famous boxer, or his grit and determination to show the world his worth in the ring against the heavyweight champion on the nation's bicentennial - but he perseveres. He always perseveres.