One man's opportunity inspires a people.

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2001)

It is a travesty that this film suffers the stigma of several grossly inferior sequels. If we can pretend for just one moment that we live in a world free of Rocky II - V, we can admire a true piece of cinematic mastery. Rocky is a story worth telling. To suggest that this film is merely a story of a chump fighter's shot at respect in the bigger and brighter world, is to only scratch the surface of what makes Rocky truly great. Rocky Balboa represents the plight of second generation immigrants everywhere, struggling to survive in a society which has yet to accept them. Set in the Philadelphia Italian ghettos, Rocky explores the lives and hardships of the people around him aswell as Balboa's own. In this case Rocky's opportunity becomes a chance for one man to raise the spirit of an entire people' and is beautifully depicted in the famous running scene. It is testimony to the fact that one act can breakdown barriers and that the human spirit can turn survival into prosperity. Brilliantly acted and with an awesome musical score, Rocky is a must for any worthy Film collection.