Whatever makes you cry and fell hope - this film will do this to you!

Rating: Null/10 (28 May 2000)

After more than twenty years after its release, no other film reached the success and touched so many hearts as Rocky. A genuine B movie that costed one million dollars turned out to be one of the most beautiful and inspiring things ever placed on the screens, Rocky is the result of the effort and determination of Sylvester Stallone, who wrote the story and played the humble and simple-minded boxer who is willing to risk his own life to go the distance for self-respect. Burt Reynolds was in talks to play Rocky, and in spite of me consider myself Burt Reynolds's biggest fan in the whole world, Sylvester Stallone was the only actor who could give life to that character, because Rocky is in a certain way Stallone's own history. At the time, Stallone worked in films of third category and suddenly,after the risk he took to star in Rocky, he became one of the greatest Hollywood's stars.This touching, old-fashioned film tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a guy who really never had any chance in his life.Rocky is a small-time boxer, he fights in clubs and also lives in a poor neighborhood. Everyone humiliates Rocky, including Mickey (Burgess Meredith, in a terrific performance), his trainer : "you've got heart but you fight like a goddamn ape!", Mickey yells at Rocky. Then something happens. Rocky has his life turned upside down when, for some reason of the destiny, the indestructible heavy weight champion of the world Apollo Creed chooses the "Italian Stallion" for an exhibition fight, that actually should be just a show for Apollo. But for Rocky, the fight is not just a show, but the last chance that he has to show to the world that any loser has the chance to conquer redemption. In the day of the fight, the arrogant Apollo is surprised by the small-time boxer who not only goes the whole distance with the champion ,but also teaches a lesson Apollo will never forget. Rocky is one of the greatest films of the century - excellent performances, a superb direction by John G. Avildsen, an involving and touching story and beautiful moments that will stay in your hearts forever - who can forget Rocky's running up the steps of the museum of Philadelphia and Bill Conti's unforgettable song, or even the scene in which Mickey (Burgess Meredith), the old trainer who never gave a chance to Rocky, lowly asks for forgiveness. When you feel sad or without hopes, watch this film. Something will change inside of you.