I watched Rocky IV and I liked it. 3.5/5
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Rocky IV, released in 1985, is an action-packed sports drama that takes the beloved Rocky Balboa character to new heights. While the film is known for its iconic training montages and intense boxing matches, it falls short in terms of character development and narrative depth, making it a mixed bag of entertainment and clichés.
One of the strengths of Rocky IV is its intense and adrenaline-fueled boxing sequences. The film showcases some of the most memorable fights in the Rocky franchise, with Sylvester Stallone delivering a physically demanding and captivating performance as the resilient boxer. The boxing scenes are well choreographed and visually engaging, immersing the audience in the brutal world of professional boxing.
Furthermore, Rocky IV captures the political tensions of the time by pitting Rocky against Ivan Drago, a formidable Soviet boxer played by Dolph Lundgren. The Cold War backdrop adds an extra layer of rivalry and drama to the story, as Rocky becomes a symbol of American resilience and determination in the face of a seemingly unbeatable opponent. The film effectively explores the ideological clash between the two fighters and the larger implications of their match.
However, Rocky IV suffers from a lack of character development and depth. The narrative revolves primarily around the physical showdown between Rocky and Drago, leaving little room for exploring the inner struggles and growth of the characters. Supporting characters like Rocky’s wife Adrian and his trainer Mickey are given limited screen time and fail to make a significant impact on the overall story. As a result, the emotional resonance that was present in the earlier Rocky films is diminished.
In addition, the film relies heavily on patriotic and nationalistic themes, often bordering on clichéd and jingoistic territory. The portrayal of the Soviet boxer as a ruthless and cold-hearted villain, while Rocky embodies the all-American hero, feels overly simplistic and lacks nuance. The film’s attempt to create a symbolic representation of the US-Soviet rivalry may resonate with some viewers, but it can also come across as heavy-handed and simplistic.
Another weakness of Rocky IV is its overreliance on montages and music to convey the passage of time and build tension. While the training montages set to catchy ’80s music are iconic and memorable, they can also feel excessive and repetitive. The film seems to rely more on these montages than on meaningful character interactions or plot development. As a result, the pacing can become uneven, with the film sometimes feeling rushed or lacking in substance.
Despite its flaws, Rocky IV remains an entertaining and crowd-pleasing film. The intense boxing matches, memorable training montages, and politically charged storyline contribute to its appeal. The film’s visual style, complete with its ’80s aesthetic and iconic soundtrack, adds to its overall entertainment value.
In conclusion, Rocky IV delivers on its promise of thrilling boxing action and captures the zeitgeist of the Cold War era. While it lacks the character development and narrative depth of its predecessors, it compensates with intense boxing sequences and a politically charged storyline. The film’s patriotic themes and reliance on montages can be seen as both strengths and weaknesses, depending on one’s perspective. With its mix of entertainment and clichés, Rocky IV earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 rating.