Sylvester Stalone had written, directed, and stared in the classic hit Rocky back in 1976. Although the movie has become a classic in American cinema and culture, as well as amazing 225 million dollars worldwide, it had some of the humblest of beginnings. Despite only having 106 dollars in his bank account and having been offered 300,000 dollars for the script and movie rights, Stalone knew that his vision alone could bring his idea to the screen. This mentality paid off of course, as the franchise has conjured 6 sequels as well as 2 spin off films in the Creed series of films.
Inspired by the world-renowned and infamous fights between the 3 greatest Heavyweights of all time, those men being Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and my personal boxing idol: Joe Frazier. Fights such as the "Fight of the Century", "Thrilla in Manila", "The Rumble in the Jungle", and "The Sunshine Showdown", which all showed the immense heart and skill of each man. The main Character of Rocky Balboa is everything that fight fans of the time enjoyed about boxing. A strong-willed man with a chin of iron and a heart of gold. It is no wonder that Rocky was such a big hit when boxing seemed like the biggest thing in the world at the time.
A legend in Philidelphia, Rocky has become a household name among all Philadelphians. His statue still remains at the iconic steps where Stalone was seen to run up in the film for training. Issues arise, however, at the lack of respect shown to the real-life Champ of Philly and the focus instead on the Italian Stallion. Many have argued that Philadelphia had disrespected Joe Frazier by only giving him a statue and giving him the respect he deserved only after he died recently in 2011. This is contrasted to the fictional Character Rocky attaining a statue way back in 1982. Despite this, and Joe being my favorite boxer of all time, I would have to let it slide as both represent the golden age of boxing in the world. Today's boxing has yet to recapture the elation and excitement that was present back in the 1970's.
Sources:
Heavy Weight Boxing in the 70's
Rocky (1976)
Very interesting article! I did not know that Sylvester Stalone had written and directed this timely classic. This really goes to show the expanding movie and sports industry in America, where movies like Rocky, Star Wars, and the Shawshank redemption had truly led to the success and growth of the entertainment industry.
ReplyDeleteI really liked that you included your own personal opinion and relationship with the topic of this post, it's clear that you have a passion for this subject. I had no idea that Sylvester Stalone had such a big role in creating Rocky, great post!
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that people were more impressed with Rocky then Frazier. It shows how entertainment really grew in the US.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed reading this probably because you were writing about something you enjoy. Loved the creed movies by the way!
ReplyDeleteMy man!
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