Rocky IV: A Film Which Transcends the Barriers of the Medium
The Rocky franchise of movies starring Sylvester Stallone is now one of the hallmarks
of masculine film, but it wasn't until Rocky IV that the series really made the leap from
genre piece to grand social statement.
The film begins with Rocky's previous rival, and now close friend, Apollo Creed, fighting
a comeback match against a Russian named Ivan Drago. Apollo is killed and now Rocky heads to
Russia for a match of revenge.
This America vs Soviet Union aspect of the movie is what gives it
it's transcendent value, raising it above a mere movie about the underdog winning a boxing match to
a statement about the futility of the cold war, albeit fraught with propagandic undertones.
Characters:
- Rocky Balboa(Sylvester Stallone): "The Italian Stallion", the protagonist, an Italian-American blue collar boxer
- Adrian(Talia Shire): Rocky's wife, she is at first terrified of the prospect of her husband fighting the giant Russian
but, supports him, and is his main source of inspiration
- Apollo Creed(Carl Weathers)>:Rocky's opponent in the original film, and now is training partner and good friend, he is
killed early in the film in an exhibition match against the Russian.
- Ivan Drago(Dolph Lundgren): The Russian boxer, juiced up on steroids, who the USSR chooses to represent them
in their struggle agains the West. He kills Apollo, but eventually loses to Rocky
- Paulie(Burt Young):Rocky's brother-in-law, he comes with Rocky to Russia and provides moral support and comic relief
throughout his arduous training.
Rocky IV Trailer
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