Next Thursday, November 21 is Rocky Balboa’s 47th birthday and it is the ideal time to remember the most valuable lessons we can learn from him.
On November 21, 1976, the world was introduced to South Philly boxer, Rocky Balboa. Nearly five decades later, the endearing character created by Sylvester Stallone continues to resonate with hundreds of fans who identify with his tale of determination, hard work and unwavering perseverance.
In this sports film, director John G. Avildsen chronicles the life of Rocky Balboa, an underdog, southpaw fighter who is challenged to an unlikely match by heavyweight champion Apollo Creed.
Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, the original feature was a risk for the producers. It was shot in 28 days, had a budget of just $1 million and featured a cast of mostly unknown actors, including Sylvester Stallone.
Against all odds, Rocky grossed over $5,000 on opening night. It was an all-time record and eventually reached more than $200 million, leading both local and international box offices.
Shortly after its release, Rocky swept the Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Editing. In addition, Balboa would become the Italian-American hero of the 1980s and almost every decade.
Since then, Rocky has appeared in a total of eight films, six about his own career and two about his protégé, Adonis Creed, the illegitimate son of his legendary rival and friend, Apollo Creed. In all, the franchise has grossed more than $1 billion to date.
Balboa has come a long and significant way. Certainly longer than most movie characters of the 1970s and 1980s. On the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the “Italian Stallion” we take the opportunity to review the life lessons he has passed on to us.
1. Winning is not everything
“I was nobody. But that don’t matter either, you know? ‘Cause I was thinkin’, it really don’t matter if I lose this fight. It really don’t matter if this guy opens my head, either. ‘Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody’s ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I’m still standin’, I’m gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren’t just another bum from the neighborhood.”
– Rocky addressing Adrian (Rocky (1976))
Those who saw this boxing saga some time ago may have forgotten that in the first installment, Rocky Balboa loses the fight against the flamboyant Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).
It is Creed, the veteran and the favorite of the night, who emerges victorious after the close and surprising showdown. As expected, the world champion is a powerful attacker and strives to tear the challenger to shreds. But the Philadelphia southpaw remains vigorous and holds his own until the fifteenth round.
Although the outcome in the ring does not favor Balboa, history teaches us that sometimes true victory is about giving it your all.
Rocky is astute enough to understand that he has little chance of beating an acclaimed titan; his goal, however, is to put up a great fight and go down with honor. Ultimately, what the protagonist seeks is to push himself, exceed his own limits and reach his full potential.
In this sense, the film emphasizes the journey, the process and self-improvement. The first Rocky installment is one of the few sports dramas that understands the value of “defeat” on the road to success.
2. Find mentors you can really learn from
“You’re Gonna Eat Lightnin’ And You’re Gonna Crap Thunder!”
– Mickey training Rocky (Rocky II (1979))
We all need someone to help us grow and move forward in life. Remember that during the first three installments of the series, Rocky is mentored by retired boxer Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith).
As Rocky’s manager, Goldmill plays an invaluable role in the fighter’s success. With his “tough love” attitude, the legendary trainer pushes Balboa to the extreme of his abilities and succeeds in turning him into a true boxer, teaching him discipline, determination and faith in his own abilities.
Rocky and Mickey form a powerful duo. And the fact is, Rocky has an unwavering fighting ability, while Mickey shares clear strategies for dominating the ring; in a way, the film highlights the profound impact a mentor can have on an apprentice’s life and growth.
Even as Rocky reaches an advanced age and in turn becomes Adonis Creed’s mentor, it’s easy to see that Mickey’s influence continues to stay with him.
3. Believing in yourself
“Maybe the only thing I can do is just take everything he’s got. But to beat me, he’s going to have to kill me. And to kill me, he’s gonna have to have the heart to stand in front of me. And to do that, he’s got to be willing to die himself. I don’t know if he’s ready to do that.”
– Rocky addressing Adrian (Rocky IV (1985))
Throughout this boxing saga, we learn that any man can make it on his own, as long as he believes in himself and has the will to fight for what he wants.
The story of the “Italian Stallion” not only celebrates the American dream, but also celebrates the immeasurable power of the human spirit. All Rocky movies inspire us to believe in inner strength and personal potential.
In this case, the underdog who rises through dedication, drive and positive mindset teaches us that trusting oneself is crucial to managing emotional challenges and achieving our goals in life.
Time and time again, Rocky shows us that beyond background, personal demons and adversity, impetus and self-belief can make all the difference in conquering a better future.
4. Heart matters
“All those beatings you took in the ring, I took them with you! I know how you feel! I know when somebody like Tommy comes along, you feel alive. But he’s not you, he doesn’t have your heart! All those fighters you beat, you beat them with heart, not muscle. That’s what Mickey knew, that’s why Mickey and you were special.”
– Adrian addressing Rocky (Rocky V (1990))
Balboa is one of the most inspirational movie characters of all time and in a way, he represents some neighborhood club boxers who possess more courage than technique, and more heart than strategy.
We know that the “Italian Stallion” has always had the guts to fight, but his strength comes not only from his muscles, but from his heart and his affections.
Remember that in the original Rocky, our protagonist is a boxer who fights against all odds. He is not a technically superior fighter, nor is he an exceptional talent. Nevertheless, Balboa has two powerful driving forces: hunger for victory and fire in his heart.
5. Never give up
“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”
– Rocky addressing his son (Rocky Balboa (2006))
Probably the most iconic lesson of the legendary boxing films with Sylvester Stallone is: never give up. The Philadelphia boxer is a clear example of perseverance and shows fans why they have to keep fighting even when they are down, broken or exhausted.
Rocky reflects the struggle of an ordinary man who overcomes the obstacles that stand in his way and goes on to achieve his dreams. In this regard, Balboa deals with everything from defeats in the ring to the death of his best friend and his wife.
No matter how hopeless the outlook, Rocky refuses to give up, even when life seems impossible. His tale convincingly demonstrates that anyone can achieve their goals as long as they have willpower, persistence, grit and heart.
Here’s to Rocky!
There’s no doubt that we can all learn a thing or two from Rocky Balboa.
Through his personal journey from the streets of Philadelphia to the top of the boxing world, the “Italian Stallion” has taught us valuable lessons about love, sport and self-belief.
Perhaps the best legacy of the Rocky saga is that, 47 years after its release, the film continues to urge viewers to be better people and to fight bravely for their ambitions.
There’s a reason Rocky has been rated as one of the best sports movies ever and the second best boxing movie ever, after Raging Bull, according to the American Film Institute (AFI)!
Images: 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS.