Rocky #KayshaCarrasquillo

Kaysha Carrasquillo

10.12.16
Into to Film Studies

Rocky

What is the American Dream? 

When people think about the American Dream they think of a land of freedom where there are no rules to stop them from doing what they dream of doing; they are able to accomplish their goals and dreams no matter what anyone says. It's all about taking risks to get where they want to be, even if they don't accomplish it, it's still a step forward because we all make mistakes, and we can't let what others say stop us. There's always a come up even if you come from nothing, and I think that's the message that the film Rocky gives. 

Rocky Balboa, who comes from a poor neighborhood in Philadelphia; Although he doesn't come from much he still puts himself in the ring to keep moving forward with his dream to let people know the name of Rocky. Throughout this film there are had many people that just dragged Rocky's name through the dirt, and by that I mean they talked down on Rocky because they thought he was nothing but a bum, only because he was different from others. Rocky had the face of a strong man but was truly a sensitive lover; he had a soft spot for people and especially for animals. This film taught me that no matter what people say or think about you, it doesn't change who you are. Yes, Rocky turned down his first offer to fight Apollo Creed but then he changed his answer and put his all into this fight. He took the chance that all the people that talked down on him would never have taken. Those people wouldn't have lasted 15 rounds in the ring with Apollo, and even though Rocky didn't win he still lasted not one round but all 15. No matter what anyone says that's a loss that in reality was an accomplishment for Rocky's career; this film taught me that not every loss is a loss, some losses can change you for the better for a lifetime. 

 A part in this film that brought out the soft, sensitive side of Rocky was the romance between him and Adrian. They were complete opposites that were attracted to each other and although they did their best at hiding and resisting what they had; they always knew the love was there. Also the love he had for his animals. This showed that Rocky was loving and wasn't a person that was just obsessive over achieving his goal; he also had a normal loving side to him. Rocky wasn't going to let this one fight affect who he was. During the movie it seemed like Rocky had some regrets over his past, he would look at an old picture of himself, and I feel like all these moments led him to go for this fight, and do the best that he could to show what Rocky is capable of and how is name will get out there . 

After hearing so much about this film, and now actually seeing it for myself, it just showed and taught me the overall message of the American Dream because before seeing this movie I honestly didn't know anything about it. But now I know that it's all about us as the people taking on opportunities and achieving them without having anyone holding us back from what we want to do in life, and I wouldn't have learned that without the film Rocky.