This is a really good film. Rocky has a chance to think of himself as someone who can hold his own with the world champion, and once he has that image of himself, it is just a matter of taking the steps to get there. However, he is informed five weeks from the fight date that his scheduled opponent is unable to compete due to an injured hand. All rights reserved. Though he drinks and smokes and has a difficult time verbalizing his thoughts, he cares about the people around him and gives them good advice. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. Susan Sarandon auditioned for the role but was deemed too pretty for the character. A small-time boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight a heavy-weight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect. We won't share this comment without your permission. [48][49] Frank Rich liked the film, calling it "almost 100 per cent schmaltz," but favoring it over the cynicism that was prevalent in movies at that time, although he referred to the plot as "gimmicky" and the script "heavy-handed". 124 of 158 people found this review helpful. [44] It was the highest-grossing film released in 1976 in the United States and Canada[45] and the second highest-grossing film of 1977 behind Star Wars.[46]. Paulie becomes jealous of Rocky's success, but Rocky placates him by agreeing to advertise the meat packing business for which Paulie works, as part of the upcoming fight. Eventually, Rumar and Kubik secured a meeting with Winkler-Chartoff productions. He doesn't want to win; he just wants to survive and feel good about himself. What messages did you take away from the movie about violence? It's about Rocky and his desire to get by in the world without being a bum. [28], The musical score for Rocky was composed by Bill Conti, who previously composed a score for director John G. Avildsen's W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings (1975) that was ultimately rejected by the studio. The musical premiered in Hamburg, Germany in October 2012. As the final round bell sounds, with both fighters locked in each other's arms, they promise to each other that there will be no rematch. Tony Burton appeared as Apollo Creed's trainer, Tony "Duke" Evers, a role he would reprise in the entire Rocky series, though he is not given an official name until Rocky II. During the 49th Academy Awards ceremony in 1977, Ali and Stallone staged a brief comic confrontation to show Ali was not offended by the film. For the series, see, 1976 American sports drama directed by John G. Avildsen, AFI's 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains, AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition), "Sylvester Stallone on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carlson", "Inside the Actors Studio with Sylvester Stallone", "Chuck Wepner finally recognized for 'Rocky' fame", "Marciano's career mark unique but flawed? Rocky is considered to be one of the greatest sports films ever made and was ranked as the second-best in the genre, after Raging Bull, by the American Film Institute in 2008. [32][33] A soundtrack album was released on November 12, 1976 by United Artists Records. When heavyweight champ Apollo Creed's (Carl Weathers) upcoming fight is cancelled, he and his promoters decide to give an unknown a shot at the title, and pick Rocky. Real-life boxer Ken Norton was initially sought for the role of Apollo Creed, but he pulled out and the role was ultimately given to Carl Weathers. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends.