Creed (2015)
Creed (directed by Ryan Coogler) is a powerful continuation of the Rocky legacy, blending heartfelt drama, intense boxing action, and a fresh new protagonist. The film follows Adonis “Donnie” Johnson, the illegitimate son of the late boxing champion Apollo Creed, as he struggles to build his own identity while honoring the father he never knew.
The story begins with young Adonis living in a Los Angeles juvenile detention center, constantly getting into fights. He is eventually adopted by Mary Anne Creed, Apollo’s widow, who gives him love, stability, and a chance at a better life. Despite growing up in privilege, Donnie grows restless. Driven by a deep, personal need to prove himself, he quits his corporate job and pursues his dream of becoming a professional boxer—something Mary Anne strongly opposes, fearing history will repeat itself.
Donnie travels to Philadelphia, hoping to find the one man who can guide him: Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Rocky, now older and running his modest restaurant Adrian’s, is reluctant at first. He’s retired, grieving the loss of his wife Adrian and best friend Paulie, and wants to avoid the pain of losing another fighter. Donnie’s persistence, passion, and resemblance—both physical and emotional—to Apollo eventually persuade Rocky to train him.
Under Rocky’s guidance, Donnie begins intense training, learning discipline, footwork, and emotional control. Rocky becomes not only his coach but a surrogate father figure. Donnie also forms a relationship with Bianca, a talented musician facing progressive hearing loss, who supports his journey and becomes his emotional anchor.
Donnie’s identity becomes a major theme in the film. He refuses to use the “Creed” name at first, determined to succeed on his own. But his talent attracts attention, and when the boxing world discovers he’s Apollo’s son, he’s offered a once-in-a-lifetime fight: a championship match against “Pretty” Ricky Conlan, the world light-heavyweight champion, who needs one last fight before going to prison.
Amid preparations, Rocky is diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Devastated and ready to give up, he initially refuses treatment. Donnie becomes the one pushing him forward, insisting that they fight their battles together—inside and outside the ring. Their bond deepens as they train harder than ever, both determined to rise from their struggles.
The climactic fight in Liverpool is intense and emotional. Donnie takes heavy punishment but refuses to quit, fueled by his desire to prove he isn’t just Apollo’s shadow. In the final round, after being knocked down, he rises with extraordinary determination—earning the respect of Conlan, the crowd, and the entire boxing world. Though Donnie loses by split decision, he wins something more important: recognition as a true fighter with his own name and legacy.
The film ends with Donnie and Rocky climbing the famous Philadelphia steps together, symbolizing their resilience, hope, and the beginning of a new chapter. Creed revitalizes the franchise with heart, authenticity, and powerful storytelling.
