The Best Sequel Since Rocky II.

Rating: 10/10 (17 February 2008)

Whilst I hold Rocky I and Rocky II as the best in the saga Rocky V for me easily sweeps third spot. People expected something different to what this movie actually produced and I get the feeling some people would have rather had a cheesy boxing film like Rocky III and Rocky IV and have Rocky take on an ultimately unbelievable opponent. Well sorry, not here. I like this heart filled and story oriented film, unlike Rocky III and Rocky IV this film isn't primarily about boxing, it's about Rocky trying to pass on his legacy to a young boxer who eventually stabs him in the back.
In training this young boxer Rocky neglects his family and starts to forget what means the most to him. Perhaps he feels that Tommy Gunn is the only way to bring the money and the flash lifestyle back to him and his family, but by the end of the film you will know that the only thing which ever mattered to Rocky was his family and his own self respect. This trumps Rocky III and Rocky IV in the fact that it had an emotional impact, which both of those films lacked. Mickey's and Apollo's deaths were played out within two or three scenes before Rocky is back with the cheesy music preparing to take on an unbelievable opponent in those films, you practically forget that those characters died. Where as in Rocky V after losing his money and then being convinced by Adrian not to fight (remember this line "I don't care about the money, it's you" or something similar?) that scene right there had an emotional impact. That impact played out for several scenes including the epic flashback scene in the old gym with Mick, which was probably the second most emotional scene in the entire saga after Rocky reading to Adrian whilst she is in a coma. With Rocky low on his chips, he trains an upcoming fighter who quickly replicates Rocky's style and hunger in the ring however eventually shows that he doesn't have Rocky's heart when he leaves Rocky for a selfish promoter weho promises Tommy fame. The film deals with what was a big issue in boxing and that is corruption.
With a damaged brain and haunted by visions of his previous fights Rocky is in no shape to fight but the ruthless Tommy Gunn persists and eventually knocks down Rocky's closest friend Paulie, to which Rocky can take no more, demanding Gunn meets him outside for the biggest and most emotional fight in the saga.
Easily laying Gunn down in the first round Rocky claims his anguish at what Gunn had done to him stating that he and Gunn were suppose to be like "Brothers", hurt; Rocky makes his way back but Gunn isn't finished he sneaks up behind Rocky and attacks him cheaply in the street. Rocky dazed and confused takes Gunn's best punches, each one triggering flash backs to the powerful Russian beating Rocky. Eventually Rocky is put to the floor and Gunn cockily strides off with his promoter.
BUT Rocky isn't down yet, his last inspiration comes in the form of a vision of Mickey who proclaims "He's no machine, I didn't hear no bell! GET UP YOU SON OF A B|TCH! COS MICKEY LOVES YA", no Rocky fan can deny that this line sends a tingling down their spine and a sparkle in their eye as Rocky rises and shouts to Gunn "Hey Tommy! I didn't hear no bell! One more round", Gunn obliges whilst his promoter who doesn't believe Gunn has what it takes to beat Rocky in a street fight shouts "You lose you're finished!". So this is it Rocky and Gunn exchange blows before Adrian and Robert arrive at street side to offer their support, when it looks like Rocky is losing their cries of support spur him on. Add to this the awesome music and you really have an epic battle.
Eventually Rocky starts to feel Gunn getting tired and unloads everything he has on him and knocks him into a police van which then leads to Gunn being arrested. Rocky's family run to comfort him. Rocky's feeling of betrayal and woe is quickly removed with the chants from around the street and the blessing of his friend the Father of the local church. Rocky walks away smiling, the journey is complete, he started out with nothing, he proved his self worth, he's found what matters to him, his family and his pride. The ending sets up nicely for the "they lived happily ever after" type finale.
Rocky isn't about boxing, it's about a man proving his self worth in the world. Rocky III and Rocky IV detracted from this premise, but Rocky V returns to it. With the emotionless and storyless boxing films which are Rocky III and Rocky IV, Rocky V easily ranks above them for me.
It's sad to see Stallone criticise this film so much. I thought he'd be one of a few who realise what makes this film so good but he seems to back down to the media and the critics of this film by branding it as garbage. Maybe these critics would have been more satisfied with Rocky v Ivan Drago II or Rocky v Clubber Lang and Thunderlips for Rocky V. For me, and some other fans, Rocky V came full circle, the emotion is there, the story is there and Rocky pretty much nails his character again. After Rocky III and Rocky IV I thought it lost because in those he doesn't act like the good willed, street wise guy who comes out with these bashful sayings like "I see like a beetle or something" instead he talks like John Rambo and is perfectly polished. He tries such bashful lines in Rocky Balboa but they totally fail:
Rocky: "Jamaica?....European."
That's pityful, and cringeworthy.