In 1976, Sylvester Stallone starred in “Rocky”, a movie about a struggling boxer who worked the streets of Philadelphia. When an opportunity arises to fight the heavyweight champion of the world, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), Rocky Balboa trains harder than ever, becoming the fighter he knew he could be. This is a movie that changed how sports were portrayed on the big screen. It features many storylines that all come together to create one of the most memorable movies ever made.
In this article, I will be breaking down “Rocky” and what makes it such a special movie. Even though this would become a movie franchise with multiple releases, I am just going to break down the first movie of the series. From the storyline to Sylvester Stallone’s real-life story, there are so many parts that make this movie so special.
With a low budget, an unknown star, and an incredible storyline that would shape the sports movie industry forever, let’s dive into what makes this movie so memorable.
How Stallone Became Rocky
Before his stardom with this lead role, Sylvester Stallone was a struggling actor, only able to find small roles. As he was finding small roles, he was improving his script writing and throwing scripts around, but none were taken seriously. However, Stallone would set his eyes upon a story that was based on real-life boxer Chuck Wepner, who would go the distance, lasting 15 rounds against Muhammad Ali.
After searching and searching, Stallone finally found a studio that agreed to direct his movie, United Artists. However, they searched for other actors to star as Rocky Balboa, but Stallone refused. United Artists offered Stallone, broke at the time, $350,000 for the screenplay, but Stallone trusted his gut and kept the movie in his name, even with just $100 to his name. After much discussion, they would finally agree to let Stallone star in his film with a budget of just $1 million. With a salary of $35,000, Stallone and Rocky Balboa would become an instant hit.
Even though “Rocky” is about a boxer chasing his dream and getting his chance, this movie is so much more than just a boxing movie. With character development, romance, and drive, “Rocky” delivers one of the best stories of a nobody fighting his way to the top.
Rocky and Adrian’s Quiet Love Story
During the movie, Rocky will be seen in his run-down apartment with his animals. He has two turtles, Cuff and Link. He will visit the animal store, which is where Adrian works. She is the sister of Rocky’s best friend, Pauly, and soon becomes the love interest of Rocky. She complements Rocky well, as she is shy and often nervous, but Rocky loves to talk and engage in conversation.
Rocky and Adrian would start seeing each other more often after their first date: ice skating on Thanksgiving. From there, these two would become a match made in heaven. Throughout the series, Rocky and Adrian’s relationship grows stronger, even through tough trials and obstacles.
Rocky and Mick: A Tough Love Bond
The southpaw was fighting low ranked, underground fights just to make some extra cash. He goes to a gym called “Mighty Mick’s Gym”, ran by trainer and former boxer Mickey Goldmill. However, after a younger boxer started training at Mickey’s gym, Rocky’s locker was given to the new boxer, leaving Rocky without a place to train.
This angers Rocky and he confront Mick about the situation. Mick famously mocks Rocky and his lifestyle saying he was a bum and had the potential to be a great fighter.
After being approached about the fight, Mick visits Rocky at his home and Rocky upset and angry. He delivers a powerful message, letting Mick know the struggles and the doubt Rocky has dealt with over the years. Mick urges Rocky to let him help, but Rocky refuses, until chasing Mick out the door the change his mind.
Underdog vs. Champion
The Italian Stallion would be approached for a fight against Apollo Creed because of his nickname, as well as the underdog symbol that Rocky represents. Rocky agrees and starts to train and notoriously drinks six eggs as soon as he wakes up. He runs throughout Philadelphia, practices punching on raw meat at a packing company, Pauly works, and continues to train with Mick at Mick’s gym. Some of the best moments in the movie, as well as the movies that are later released, are the training scenes, showing the hard work and dedication Rocky shows.
The night before the fight, Rocky famously states that he isn’t trying to win the fight; he is going to go the distance, something that nobody has ever done against Apollo Creed. He goes to the boxing ring and takes in the moment before the biggest fight of his life.
Apollo Creed didn’t feel the need to train as if this were a regular fight; he saw this fight as an “exhibition”, meaning this fight had no real meaning besides giving the fans something to watch and to earn a profit. However, Apollo Creed would soon realise the kind of fighter Rocky Balboa is. It is worth noting that Rocky Balboa is what is considered a “southpaw”, meaning he is left-handed. This could cause some fighters stress due to the unorthodox fighting style, potentially throwing a right-handed fighter off their guard.
As the fight progressed, Apollo Creed soon realised Rocky had a powerful punch, but also had the stamina to fight long, something Creed did not train for. As Creed was losing strength and becoming more tired, Rocky stood tall and strong, even though he had taken a beating due to the power of Creed.
In the 15th and final round, Rocky was able to stay on his feet, take the beating, and go the distance. Even though he lost by a split decision, Rocky and the audience were amazed and in awe of the stellar performance they witnessed.
The Timeless Impact
Rocky Balboa has become an icon in the movie industry. Sylvester Stallone would continue to star as the boxer for five more movies. It seemed as if the franchise had seen its final days on the big screen until Michael B. Jordan starred as Apollo Creed’s son in a spin-off series from Rocky, titled “Creed”. Rocky would appear in the first two movies, training Creed’s son.
There are many sports movies since the release of Rocky that have this “underdog” storyline, and there will be many more. This movie was ahead of its time and is still making an impact to this day.
From young kids striving to be the underdog or adults needing to find an edge to win, this movie serves as a reminder that no matter the circumstances, the trials and errors, or the mistakes made in life, you can always fight back and become your own champion.
