Rocky

The first Rocky is the film that started it all, but in reality it was just a very small film that managed to be a cinematic representation of the story of Chuck Wepner, who almost went the distance with Muhammad Ali, and Sylvester Stallone himself who so believed in himself he essentially became a movie star/leading man through his own sheer will. Well his own sheer will and the fantastic screenplay he wrote that was so highly sought afterwards he was able to negotiate for himself to star in the project, which would sound nonsensical in most circumstances. Stallone though so believed in himself though that he managed to star in the film and lead to everlasting fame. The film was a true underdog story for Stallone, right down to his Oscar nominations yet not wins much like how Rocky did not win the belt, yet his dream was certainly achieved. The film of course works so well beyond just that extra undercurrent that does seem to grant all the more substance to the film. It's a great story written brilliantly by Stallone. The fight itself is great of course, but what's so marvelous is everything in and around it. There is the sweet love story between Rocky and Adrian which one could call one of the all time greats in that regard. There's the portrait of the working class part of Philadelphia that is realized with both the right amount of grit and character, I have particularly affection for good natured loan shark played by Joe Spinell. It's notable how much it gives to even the most minor character, and roles that in most sports movie would be unremarkable. Apollo Creed is the all time great opponent in any sports film as he's not a villain, but a fully realized man that as written, along with Carl Weathers's brilliant performance, could've frankly had his own film. The heart of the film though is Rocky which offers a balance between inspiration and darkness actually as it doesn't hold back in depicting his anger in the world, particularly in his contentions relationship with his eventual manager Mickey played by Burgess Meredith, yet this makes the power of his final personal victory all the more powerful. Although some film snobs of today turn their noses at its Oscar win, due to the films it beat, the film stands as a profound cinematic effort that has stood the test of time, and also has perhaps the most invigorating film score ever written.
5/5