“Life is not about how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you get hit, and keep moving forward”
These lines need no name. We know it’s the famous line from a movie that’s not only about boxing, but more about life. The directing, acting, dialogues, screenplay, music, editing, location, and the spirit, this movie has got everything what an audience need and aspire for. This movie brought a new star to Hollywood, helping him build his carrier through this movie. The writer saw the Muhammad Ali- Chuck Wepner fight on March 24, 1975, which inspired the foundation idea of this movie. That night he went home, and after a few days, and 20 hours he had written the script. He then attempted to sell the script to various studios, with the hopes of playing the lead role by himself. Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff were interested and offered the writer $350,000 for the rights, but he refused to sell unless he played the lead character and eventually, it was agreed. This was the turning point of the writer’s life and his best decision as he later came to be known as Sylvester Stallone. The movie he wrote was Rocky (1976).
Rocky is a 1976 American sports film directed by John G. Avildsen, written and starring Sylvester Stallone. It’s a story of a big dreamer Rocky Balboa who dreams of winning the World Heavyweight Boxing Championship one day. The movie is not just a story of a boxer but it’s a story of life which has got many inspirational life lessons for its viewers.
Believe in yourself
The making of the movie is also a part of it. How did the writer come across the story? Who inspired him? How did the director land up getting the story? This movie is not just about the story on the sc reen, it is also a story of Sylvester Stallone and how he believed in his script and knew who ever played the part of Rocky, will turn up to be a big star. Rocky is Sylvester’s story too. How he refused the money and only sold the script if he plays the lead.
In the same way we should believe in our work and in ourselves, after all it is us, we are our first inspiration. The future belongs to those who believe in themselves.
Know what you are capable of
Rocky is a hardworking and capable boxer. He knows he is capable of being in the big league and winning it too. He doesn’t just acknowledge that fact but also works towards it. Rocky trains with a 1920s-era ex-bantamweight fighter and gym owner, Mickey Goldmill to bring out the best in him and work with his fitness till his best. Rocky knows what he is capable of and therefore tells his girlfriend Adrian that he cannot win with Apollo Creed and therefore wants to go the distance and survive till the 15th round in the ring. And that’s what he does.
Sometimes others bring out the best in you
Rocky is not just about Balboa. It’s also about his girlfriend Adrian too. She is a shy and a quite girl and Rocky is the one who brings her out of her shell, and later she begins to gain in confidence. Also, she helps Rocky to be more of him. The movie shows how sometimes others bring out the best in us. Rocky and Adrian help each other to come out of their shell and be at their best selves.
Also Rocky is not Rocky all by himself, it’s the efforts of his coach, friends and family who are there for him to help him out with his training.
Fall and get up
Rocky teaches us a very important lesson of life. In his famous quote he says, “Let me tell you something you already know. The world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and 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 how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.
This is a life story. In life we will come across many difficulties which we have to face by being brave and confident. If there are obstructions, we have to face and remove it, if there are problems, we have to remove it. Whatever it is we just can’t stop at a moment and quit, because if we do we are going to stay as a failure for our entire life.
Sometimes winning is not everything
Winning is only half of it, having fun is the other half. Rocky speaks of many things about winning but most importantly he speaks about being in the ring and giving the best. His preference is not just about winning. Before facing Apollo Creed he tells Adrian that he plans on boxing in the ring till the end. When the match ends, he is severely injured. His nose is broken, eyes are swollen, and he is exhausted. The match’s decision is still not come and he doesn’t bother, he just keeps on calling out for Adrian. Proving, ultimately you need to give your best and be with the loved ones that are all that really matters.
Rocky is not just a movie about a boxer and his life. The life lessons above are the major part of this movie and why it is loved by all. Rocky loses the fight against Apollo Creed but he has no regrets neither does the audience. Life is about the wins and losses but that’s not the only way to measure it. We love the fact that someone rises from a scratch and succeed in whatever they dreamed of, that’s more than enough for anyone. We must take these lessons with us and remember what Rocky said about getting up when we fall or fail.
The Italian Stallion.
Here’s a little Something.
