Feat. Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa), Brugess Meredith (Mickey), Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed), Talia Shire (Adrian), and Burt Young (Paulie)
MGM, 1976.
In the movie, "Rocky," directed by John G. Advildsen, we explore the themes of living the "American Dream" and the idea of underdogs in certain situations. Rocky, who was a low-life boxer, hasn't won many big-time victories. He's a relatively older man boxing these younger athletes that won't give him a chance. He lives with his pet turtles and goldfish, with no other human companion, categorizing him as lonely. However, Rocky gets a chance to prove himself on a national level. He's given the opportunity to fight the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Apollo Creed. Here is where Advildsen shows the theme of the American Dream and being an underdog. Apollo is an African-American male boxer who is popular in a part of American culture. He is making a lot of money pursuing a career of choice, proving that the American Dream is very possible. Apollo can also be viewed as an underdog, in a way, considering that during this time period, blacks weren't the "superior race." However, in this case, Rocky is seen as our obvious underdog. He’s never fought professionally with a higher status and he’s also challenging an undefeated champion. From an outside point of view, it may seem that all odds are against him. He fought through a life of mediocrity and this is easily overlooked by his opponent. Apollo’s original contender had encountered a last minute injury, forcing him to back out of the fight. This made Apollo find another challenger. Him, being an undefeated champion, knew no one had a chance to take the title away from him. He suggested that his manager finds a local, unpopular fighter to “get the people going.” He said “Look. It's the name man...The Italian Stallion. The media will eat it up. Now, who discovered America? An Italian, right. What would be better than to get it on with one of its descendents?” Apollo chooses an underdog to gain the popularity of his followers and viewers of the fight. \
This movie does not only display clear themes of such a topic like the American Dream and the idea of underdogs, but it also thoroughly goes into depth and great heights to explain these themes. Throughout the movie, we, as viewers, see how Advilsen explores these themes, and the depiction is almost uncanny. The film itself has come off to me (and many others) as a "classic and timeless" movie. However, the themes of the American Dream and being/ challenging an underdog can be explained in different ways. Therefore, I believe the film should be recommended to those of a more "mature" mentality. The scenes aren't particularly graphic (compared to some 21st century films) but it does showcase stage fights and bodily wounds (i.e. blood, bruises, cuts, and sweat) making this film not-so appropriate for those with sensitivity to explicit content. The movie was published in 1976, categorizing it as an "older film." If these types of films do not usually capture your attention, then this movie might not either. Although the action in this film may not engage a specific audience, if you enjoy the aesthetics and screenwriting of a classic film just as I do, then Rocky should be added onto your list of must-see movies.
This movie does not only display clear themes of such a topic like the American Dream and the idea of underdogs, but it also thoroughly goes into depth and great heights to explain these themes. Throughout the movie, we, as viewers, see how Advilsen explores these themes, and the depiction is almost uncanny. The film itself has come off to me (and many others) as a "classic and timeless" movie. However, the themes of the American Dream and being/ challenging an underdog can be explained in different ways. Therefore, I believe the film should be recommended to those of a more "mature" mentality. The scenes aren't particularly graphic (compared to some 21st century films) but it does showcase stage fights and bodily wounds (i.e. blood, bruises, cuts, and sweat) making this film not-so appropriate for those with sensitivity to explicit content. The movie was published in 1976, categorizing it as an "older film." If these types of films do not usually capture your attention, then this movie might not either. Although the action in this film may not engage a specific audience, if you enjoy the aesthetics and screenwriting of a classic film just as I do, then Rocky should be added onto your list of must-see movies.
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