Rocky
It’s a magical film in its own way.
If we look simply at the actual screen time devoted to it, the main subject is fundamentally the love story rather than the boxing career. And this love story is very unusual, because it feels unique in film history, extremely realistic and yet somehow fairy-tale-like at the same time.
Until the very end, it’s never entirely clear what Rocky sees in this shy, seemingly plain girl; perhaps just a deep sense of comfort and calm, a kind of security that makes him feel at ease, but it’s not something tied to any single specific moment.
And at the same time, Rocky himself is a fascinating character, a bit of a goof but sharp, very talented yet far from being a great boxer.
When chance and luck finally give him an opportunity, though, he pours in more than everything he has, driven by sheer willpower, in a thrilling fight that’s impossible not to get caught up in.