Rocky

Rocky is a true classic in every sense of the word. It’s been more than ten years since I saw Rocky the first and probably first couple times, but this time around it was far more impactful. Although most of the first title in the series is very slow moving it sets up the character so genuinely. You grow to know Rocky as a friend, and he’s shown to be a shining beacon of light and hope in the desolate nothing of Philly in the 70s. What doesn’t immediately stand out, but shows it’s face quietly so many times is this movie’s incredible shot composition. Each shot tells a story or presents a message that connects you deeper and deeper with the story. The big fight of the movie happens in the last twelve minutes, and by that point you don’t truly care if Rocky wins or loses, you just want to see him go the distance, like he himself does. This film, at its essence, is a love story. Not only is it the story of Adrian and Rocky, but of America’s love of the underdog. Even the smallest nobodies with not much of a story and personality can inspire hope. It was a pleasure to watch this one again. 9.0/10