![]() Anderson argues that identity is a set of imaginary features that define a certain community and its individuals. Its form that interest us most is “national identity”, a concept best described by historian Benedict Anderson in Imagined Communities (1991). “Identity” is a term that encompasses many ideas and definitions. First, it is necessary to understand a series of concepts such as “identity” and “stereotype” that will be discussed frequently in this essay. As in all cinematographic analyses, it is important to consider several factors that structure the filmic language, such as the development of the characters, the dialogues, the setting, and the soundtrack. This article aims to demonstrate how the first four Rocky films influenced the construction of a particular image of the Italian American community (i.e., people born in America and of Italian descent). This phenomenon is evidenced by the development of other Italian Americans in the series, including Adrian and Rocky’s brother-in-law, Paulie. While Rocky and Rocky II foreground the Italian Stallion’s roots, the sequels virtually erase them. Both deemphasize Rocky’s Italian American heritage. In comparison to the first two films, the plot of Rocky III (1982) and Rocky IV differs significantly. At the climax of the film, Rocky manages to defeat Apollo in agony and becomes the heavyweight champion. ![]() In the process, Rocky manages to leave the criminal world and focus permanently on his boxing career. At first, Rocky refuses to fight, but, after his marriage to Adrian and the birth of their son, he accepts Apollo’s challenge. In Rocky II, Apollo claims that Rocky was lucky in his previous fight and challenges him to a rematch. Despite losing the match by a split decision, Rocky wins the respect of all by going toe-to-toe with Apollo. While training hard for his confrontation against the champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), Balboa begins a romantic relationship with Adrian Peninno (Talia Shire), the sister of his best friend Paulie Peninno (Burt Young). The plot of Rocky centers on the story of Rocky Balboa, a humble boxer of Italian American descent who works for the mafia and is, by chance, named the new contender for the world heavyweight championship. Most notably, Hollywood Italians: Dagos, Palookas, Romeos, Wise Guys and Sopranos (Bondanella 2004) explores the influence of Rocky Balboa as a faithful representation of the character of the Italian American boxer in Hollywood. Several studies have dissected the Rocky saga. However, an in-depth analysis of these films reveals significantly different characterizations of Rocky across the same, classic franchise. In Rocky (1976) and Rocky II (1979), the character still exhibits many of the heroic qualities outlined above. Curiously, this perception of an all-American Rocky Balboa is mostly associated with his depiction in Rocky IV (1985) rather than the Rocky Balboa that appears in the first two installments of the saga. Rocky is a self-made, hard-working, humble, and disciplined man who, above all else, loves his family and friends. 2009), the author describes Rocky Balboa as one of the greatest heroes the film industry has produced. In Rocky Road: The Hero’s Journey of Rocky Balboa Through the “Rocky” Anthology (Salyer Jr. Without a doubt, the image of Rocky fighting with the colors of the American flag and defeating the Soviet boxer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) is already a Hollywood icon. If you polled Americans to identify which character in all cinema best represents American values, it is quite likely that many would choose Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain’t gonna have a life.Author: Juan Rodríguez Santos University of Alcalá But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that! I’m always gonna love you no matter what. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. How much you can take and keep moving forward. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. 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. ![]() The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. “Let me tell you something you already know. ► Rocky: Heavyweight Collection (Limited Edition) → ![]() Full Scene in HD from the movie Rocky Balboa (2006). Rocky Motivational and Inspirational Speech to his Son. ![]()
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