It's the movie that tells the story of the underdog who fought his way to the top while keeping jimself grounded and true to himself - this day November 21st, 1976 saw the release of "Rocky" in cinemas - a film written and starring a then unknown "Sylvester Stallone" in the titular role of a poor yet kind man named Rocky Balboa who worked for a loan shark and fought low-level fights in clubs before making it big by being challenged and fighting boxing champion Apollo Creed in an exhibition match. The story also revolves around Rocky meeting people who would become important in his life - including his love interest and future wife Adrian and his trainer and mentor Mickey Goldmill.
To say the film is a literal Hollywood success story is nothing short of an understatement - Rocky went on to win three Oscar wrds - including Best Picture and Best Director in John G. Avildsen. The film would spawn six sequels and spin-offs, with Stallone becoming a big star and going on to getting other acclaimed roles in cinema history - including playing John Rambo in the Rambo action films. Rocky's legacy endures in that it taps into what the humble human spirit can do when faced with the odds, fighting with determination and going the distance to prove that you have what it takes to rise to the challenge and do your best. I could say more about the film, but it would be better to watch some nostalgic revisits and reviews, including a pretty awesome one done recently by Cinemassacre and AVGN man himself, James Rolfe!
"Gonna Fly Now" is definitely playing in fans' hearts now. Happy 40th Anniversary, Rocky!
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