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Sylvester Stallone Reveals Why Rocky Is “Not a Sports Film”

Published 04/23/2023, 10:30 AM EDT

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‘Rocky Balboa’, the underdog boxer from the mean streets of Philadelphia, has captured the hearts of audiences for over four decades. The character, immortalized by Sylvester Stallone in the 1976 film Rocky, has become a cultural icon and a symbol of perseverance and determination. While many view the film as a classic sports movie about boxing, Stallone recently revealed in an interview with his daughters that the heart of the film is actually a love story.

Stallone’s masterpiece is one that many have cherished. However, it was not an easy path for ‘Sly’ to turn Rocky into the mega-franchise it is today. He has often anecdotes about the production, such as how he was only paid $20,000 for the screenplay and how he had to sell his dog to make ends meet before the film’s release. He also talked about the film’s lasting impact and how it has inspired generations of fans to pursue their dreams.

The overlooked love story of Rocky Balboa

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In the interview, Stallone delves into the themes and symbolism behind the film. He also explains how boxing and racing are two things people are obsessed with in life. He then reveals that the character of Rocky is not just a tough guy, but a relatable person who has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Through his struggles and triumphs, Rocky’s story is one of love and redemption.

It’s not a sports film. Rocky is a love story about a guy who’s a broken-down fighter. That’s all it is, but boxing. I realize people are obsessed with two things in life: racing and boxing. In every aspect, oh, you gotta race to beat the club where you get your tax return. Race, race, race, race. You got your final son. It’s always going somewhere. And I thought, okay, what’s the other thing that everyone relates to symbolically? Fighting,” he said.

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The interview is a personal look at one of Hollywood’s most beloved films. Moreover, this prompted ‘Sly’ to even share the video on social media. His decision to share it on his Instagram story shows how much the film and the character of Rocky still mean to him. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of a well-told love story. Stallone’s revelation about the heart of Rocky as a love story is a reminder that the best films are not just about action or spectacle but about the human experience.

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It is a story of hope, perseverance, and the power of love to transform even the most broken people. Moreover, as the film continues to inspire new generations of fans, its legacy as a classic love story is sure to endure for many years to come. What are your thoughts on Rocky movies? Which aspect of the story inspired you the most? Share it with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Sylvester Stallone’s Earnings From ‘Rocky’ & ‘Creed’ Movies

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Written by:

Sahil Sood

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Sahil Sood is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports, who specializes in covering live events and core sports. Sahil holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and has authored over 1300 articles at EssentiallySports. His coverage of Sylvester Stallone's training with Earnie Shavers was widely praised for its depth and insight.
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Edited by:

Shibu Immanuel