A Must-See American Classic

Rating: 9/10 (17 September 2017)

Rocky (1976) is a story about a 30 year-old boxer in Philadelphia who is struggling to make a career of boxing, but finds himself with a chance of a lifetime to turn that around by fighting a match against the heavyweight champion. Rocky will show you that anything is possible and dreams can be achieved no matter what. The film begins with Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) fighting and winning a match at a private boxing club. After the fight and throughout the film, you will follow Rocky through the streets of Philadelphia, getting to know his lovable and humble character.
Because Rocky cannot make a living with boxing, he has to find other ways to make money, which he does by collecting money for a loan shark. During his many walks, he makes frequent stops in a pet store to see Adrian (Talia Shire), a very shy woman who he eventually dates. Adrian begins to like Rocky and becomes a strong supporter for him. Rocky has a complicated relationship with boxing trainer, Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith). Mickey tells Rocky he needs to consider retirement, adding to the obstacles of success Rocky already feels he has in front of him. An opportunity arises as the current heavyweight champion Apollo Creed's (Carl Weathers) opponent for a New Year's Day match can no longer fight and he is looking for an opponent from the city of Philadelphia. After consideration, Rocky accepts the opportunity and Mickey trains him.
Director, John Avildsen, uses great lighting and camera angles to make you feel like you are in the midst of city of Philadelphia. As Rocky is out and about the city, Avildsen using darker lighting to portray Rocky living in a poor area and not having much money or possessions. The streets are usually unpopulated with cars and often have people loitering outside. Throughout the film, long shot camera angles are taken of Rocky making you feel like he is fighting the world alone. It is best shown when Rocky is running the day before the fight and runs to the top of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps with his arms up and "Gonna Fly Now" playing in the background.
When the fight begins the next night, take-in the artistic work of Avildsen and Stallone. Avildsen use of sound and camera angles has you feeling like you are setting ringside. Stallone has written the first of seven memorable Rocky movies, but this one will always be the classic. It is a "must see" and in the end, you will find yourself in the middle of the "City of Brotherly Love" rooting for the underdog, the Italian Stallion.