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Sylvester Stallone, for as big a movie star that he is, has been severely underrated as an actor, director, and writer for as long as he's been around. He may be the most underrated in those areas as he has been constantly overshadowed by minimal character work in huge action blockbusters that litter his career. Rocky is different. Almost every great filmmaker puts a piece of themselves in their movies, be it a place, a person, a time, but Sylvester Stallone and Rocky Balboa feel synonymous in a way that very few directors accomplish. Even beyond this film, their journeys match to a fault, they have a vicarious way of living. That's the first beauty of this film. But inside the film? That's where all the flowers bud and blossom. From the very first scene you learn nearly all there is to learn about Rocky as a character in a short fight scene. Rocky isn't a great boxer, he's not a great listener, he has a soft soul, he's the underdog, but most importantly, he has heart. This film is not a boxing film and I'd be lying if I said it were even a sports film. This is a movie about worth, motivation, dreams, and will. But on top of all that, this is a romance story. There is so much commentary about the value of never giving up on having your moment and of proving yourself worthy. Many characters in cinema feel like their journey began when the cameras start rolling, but Rocky feels lived in as a person, like he has a history, despite us not being told what it is. I love that he initially turns down the fight. He feels nervous but mostly, his respect for Apollo (Carl Weathers) and the sport makes him feel unworthy. This also plays into him eventually losing the final fight which is awfully unconventional for a hero's journey story but is essential for this one. This film isn't about winning or losing, it's about going the distance, literally and metaphorically. The scene with Mickey (Burgess Meredith) at Rocky's house is by far the best. As simple as Rocky is, he sees straight through Mickey's motivations. He doesn't fold to his fake love or phony adoration. He rejects him because he knows he isn't respected and never has been. His outburst is so real and the best Stallone has ever been and may ever be. Eventually though, he heeds Mickey's advice because regardless of intention, he's right. Apollo being the protagonist is what helps sell the story of Rocky because he is the very antithesis of Rocky. He's confident, cocky even. He's an expert fighter, successful, nonchalant but crucially, he has no heart. Paulie (Burt Young) is despicable and vile but for some reason I feel for him. Adrian (Talia Shire) however, is the soul of this film. The relationship she has with Rocky is the perfect example of opposites attracting. Rocky usually just talks at Adrian, not really to her. He doesn't know how. Yet Adrian listens, occasionally giving back, but mostly allowing Rocky to express himself. The conversation between them the night before the fight represents everything this film is leaning on. Stallone insisted on keeping this scene, despite being behind on production. He called it the most important scene...and I agree. The admission of doubt and fear from Rocky only for Adrian to understand and comfort, has always been the heart of this series and it begins right here. It's the most vulnerable we see Rocky. It's the most articulate we see Rocky. It's the most we see Rocky. Beyond the characters, the filmmaking is rough but superb. There is a minute long sequence, without cuts, of Rocky cracking eggs in a glass. In another film this would be boring and unnecessary but here, it feels worth it. The pacing is astonishing with a perfect build to the final moments including a montage scene as iconic and smile-inducing today as it was in 1976. The music is iconic, the characters are iconic, the stairs are iconic. I also love that Joe Frazier makes a cameo in this film. It grounds this world with our own in a subtle way. This movie has been gushed over, talked about, and studied since it came out and it’s not hard to see why. Despite the great lengths this franchise goes, despite how big Sylvester Stallone got, and despite the lack of relevancy of this character in a modern world, this movie is, and will always be, the greatest and most humble example of the underdog story. 10 out of 10 AuthorKritPick has been writing reviews for The Oscar Project since 2022. Check out all his reviews on his main review page.
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