Yes--B E S T P I C T U R E!

Rating: Null/10 (7 December 2000)

One of my all time favorite films. Well deserving of the best picture Oscar, despite what film snobs would say. This film touched the simple theme of redemption, of reclaiming self-respect, at a time when the US was in a similar state of rebuilding its self image after the embarrassments of Vietnam and Watergate. It clearly explains why the movie was a box office smash, how the theme song rang on every radio station, and the image of Rocky reaching the top steps of the Philly Art Museum became a classic image of achievement and victory. Those who disagreed with the Academy's award choice are either too young or were too sheltered to understand the impact this film had at that time in American culture (vs Taxi Driver which was a GREAT film--also a personal favorite--but it had much less impact for most people). Shot on the dark, grey, run-down streets of Philadelphia and chock full of real, gritty dialogue and characters, it shows you the tired and discouraging life of the average man, how he compromises, makes bad decisions, and wastes his "life" in order to survive. Rocky understands he has become just another "bum", and realizes his dreams of becoming a successful boxer are evaporating, as is his self-respect. But later in a flukey stroke of luck, Apollo Creed, the heavyweight champion, decides to find a gimmick to avoid cancelling a scheduled holiday bout. He will give a "no-name" the chance to fight for the title, and he chooses Rocky as his gimmick. Rocky is given his shot at redemption, and in an inspired move by writer Stallone, Rocky has the insight to know he doesn't have the ability to win this fight, but he makes a personal decision about what he can do to prove his own worth. If he can just "go the distance" and can still stand after the fight is over, he realizes he has done something that no other person has ever done (Apollo is undefeated, all other contenders have been KO'd), and for once he will know he isn't "just another bum".

A very loud "BOO/HISS" to Stallone for abandoning this idea later in the Rocky sequels. The story of Rocky was complete and real, the sequels are what have made people cynical of the original story. Had Stallone left it alone it would have stayed a classic in everyone's eyes. Anyway, if you are one of the few people left who hasn't seen this film, go see it immediately! Avoid the sequels!