 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Rocky
- Review Date: January 10, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 1976
Common Sense Media says
Boxing Best Picture sets underdog-hero standard; drinking.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic underdog boxing tale includes plenty of boxing violence, plus a secondary character smashes up a room with a baseball bat when angry. This same character drinks heavily. Rocky and his girlfriend move in together.
What's the story?
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone ) is a sweet-natured, but not very bright boxer and small-time enforcer for a loan-shark. He has a crush on Adrian (Talia Shire), the painfully shy sister of his friend, Pauly (Burt Young). 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. Rocky shows potential, but has never made a commitment to anything. Mickey (Burgess Meredith) wants to throw him out of the gym because he doesn't take boxing seriously enough. But Apollo's offer gives Rocky a chance to see himself differently. 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. Rocky also finds courage to get closer to Adrian, and to help her value herself for her strengths. Each sees the other as loveable, as no one has before. This, as much as anything, is what allows both of them to bloom.
Is it any good?
Rocky is realistic about his goal. He does not need to win. He just needs to acquit himself with dignity, to show that he is in the same league as the champion. In order to achieve that goal, he will risk giving everything he has, risk even the small pride of an unbroken nose. He develops enough self-respect to risk public disgrace. This is a big issue for teens -- adolescence has been characterized as the years in which everything centers around the prayer, "God, don't let me be embarrassed today." Rocky begins as someone afraid to give his best in case it is not good enough, and becomes someone who suspects that his best is enough to achieve his goals, and is willing to test himself to find out.
It's worth taking a look at Creed as well. Like the hare in the Aesop fable, he underestimates his opponent. He is so sure of himself, and so busy working on the business side of the fight that he comes to the fight unprepared.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the appeal of the underdog character. What other historical or literary characters fit this profile?
What messages did you take away from the movie about violence? What about love? Perseverance?
What cinematic techniques amp up the drama of this story?
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AGE
Great movie for the older crowd
Rocky's a great movie for the older crowd, because theres a lot of cussing, in one sscene they make out, and theres a fight with some blood. But overall great movie
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AGE
Probably PG-13 in today's standards.
Definitely an interesting sports movie that spawned way too many unneccessary sequels, I thought it was pretty good but definetly not 5-star worthy.
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AGE
Great underdog movie!
The at times crude language, small amount of perceived sex and loansharking are not for children under 11, but for 11+ the love story, underdog triumph and boxing action adrenaline rush is addicting. Everytime the Rocky theme is played your heart pumps a little faster. A real original masterpiece of sports writing.
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AGE
Really Good Movie
This is a really good film. While personally I don't think this is the best movie in the saga, it does introduce us to the character of Rocky and how he came to be a professional boxer. Suitable for children 7/8 +.
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AGE
love it..
great movie...i would definately let my kids watch it
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Kid, 10 years old
April 14, 2010
AGE
I think the person who reviewed this movie saw the movie
Lots of talk about violence, violence and blood. One scene of sex. Lots of very common language wh**e and lots more.
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AGE
Pointlessly Violent
It might be the worst film to ever win Best Picture.
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AGE
me and my dad love movies like this and is an awesome movie
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts, misfits and underdogs |
| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | John G. Avildsen |
| Cast: | Burt Young, Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 119 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1976 |
| DVD release date: | February 8, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
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