To hell and back

Rating: 10/10 (8 March 2019)

In this third installment of the saga, Sly is still directing and puts all his heart and soul into it as always. He explores how celebrity impacts a man's life; its euphoric and destructive effects on the personality. Three important matches mark this episode: The first is an exhibition match against wrestler "Thunderlips", embodied by the famous professional wrestler Hulk Hogan. Then follows a mortifying defeat against Clubber Lang, interpreted magnificently by the dark and impressive Mr. T, while Mickey is leaving us. Finally, a reconquest of the world title after mourning Mickey and regaining "the eye of the tiger"! Thanks to Apollo, who becomes his coach, and to his faithful wife Adrian, who shows a strong character here, when she was very shy at the beginning, and encourages Rocky to fight not only in the ring but above all in life! To hell and back: Rocky III is an effective, breathtaking, and motivating story, so much so that it is used as a reference tool in the physical and mental preparation of many people, who have to face a harsh trial in their life. Emmanuèle Bernheim wrote a beautiful book about this topic, simply entitled "Stallone". It narrates the tough obstacle course of a person to whom life throws a lot of hits. Thanks to the inspiration of Sly in general, and Rocky III in particular, the character is able to take the hits, go the distance and win in the end. Personally, I have also used this film for all my exams and most important challenges and setbacks in my life since 1988.
Physically, Stallone inflicted a drastic diet on himself again to lose 20 to 40 pounds through the absorption of ten egg whites and a toast per day. And then regain the same weight, in muscle mass only, during the shooting via the consumption of cereals, fish, high doses of honey coffee and intense physical training. Abnegation, inspiration, writing, preparation, directing and incarnation of Rocky Balboa; Sylvester Stallone is an author and one of the great figures of the contemporary American cinema! Congratulations Rocky and Adrian, we love you: You push us, too, to never give up, always give the best of ourselves and roll with the punches.