Rocky IV (1985)
Rocky IV finds Rocky Balboa at the height of his fame, living a comfortable life as the heavyweight champion of the world. While enjoying success and stability with his wife Adrian and son, Rocky is soon drawn into an international conflict that transforms boxing into a symbolic battleground between nations.
The story begins with the arrival of Ivan Drago, a massive and intimidating boxer from the Soviet Union. Drago is portrayed as a product of state-sponsored training, backed by advanced technology, scientists, and political pressure. His presence is meant to showcase Soviet superiority during the Cold War, and he challenges American boxing as weak and outdated.
Apollo Creed, Rocky’s former rival and close friend, feels threatened by Drago’s arrival. Longing to reclaim his pride and prove that American spirit still matters, Apollo insists on fighting Drago in an exhibition match. Despite Rocky’s concerns, Apollo pushes forward, confident that his experience and charisma will carry him through.
The match ends in tragedy. Drago brutally overwhelms Apollo, killing him in the ring. His cold response—“If he dies, he dies”—shocks the world and devastates Rocky, who feels responsible for failing to stop the fight. Apollo’s death becomes the emotional turning point of the film.
Consumed by guilt and grief, Rocky challenges Drago to a fight in the Soviet Union. Giving up his championship and support from the boxing establishment, Rocky travels to a remote Russian village to train in isolation. His preparation is raw and primitive—chopping wood, running through snow, and lifting heavy stones—contrasting sharply with Drago’s sterile, machine-assisted training.
The final fight takes place on Christmas Day in Moscow. Drago dominates early rounds, using his size and power to punish Rocky. However, Rocky absorbs the blows and continues forward, slowly wearing Drago down. As the fight progresses, Drago begins to question his handlers and fights for himself rather than for the state.
Rocky ultimately defeats Drago by knockout, accomplishing what no one believed possible. The Soviet crowd, initially hostile, begins cheering for Rocky, recognizing his courage and perseverance. In his victory speech, Rocky speaks about change and mutual respect, symbolically easing Cold War tensions.
Rocky IV ends with Rocky honoring Apollo’s memory, having transformed personal loss into a global statement of resilience. The film blends sports drama with political allegory, emphasizing that determination and heart can overcome power, technology, and ideology. It remains one of the most iconic entries in the Rocky franchise, defined by emotion, spectacle, and mythic heroism.
