A great movie. It's about trying to find meaning in life.

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 2015)

If you are expecting a tired worn retread of the Rocky formula, you will be pleasantly surprised, possibly even elated. This is a wonderful movie. It's about an elderly man who is living out the remainder of his life. All of his props - the money, the fame, the glory, the excitement, the action, and most importantly, his family - are gone. He's by himself. He has nothing to do with boxing, hasn't been to Micky's Gym in years; he's in quiet retirement, content to have his memories. Then someone enters his life: Apollo Creed's illegitimate son, Adonis. The movie is about him too. He is a young man in search of an identity. He doesn't want to be identified with his father. The two form a relationship, almost that of father and son, and bring meaning to each other's lives. This plot may sound corny or contrived, given that the context of the story is boxing, which is depicted in all of its ugliness and brutality. But the plot is sound and each scene intense and dramatic. Although ostensibly a sports movie, it's not about sports. It's about the human condition and about trying to find meaning in life. This is a great movie. This movie also contains Sylvester Stallone's finest performance in years, maybe in his entire career.