Rocky IV (1985)
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After his friend is devastated by a Soviet powerhouse, Rocky Balboa must face the man responsible in a high-stakes match in the heart of the Soviet Union.
The story
In 1985, Soviet Army Captain Ivan Drago arrives in the United States, showcasing his immense power as a champion boxer. When the legendary Apollo Creed challenges Drago to an exhibition match, Rocky Balboa agrees to help train his friend. However, the fight takes a tragic turn when Drago's overwhelming strength leaves Apollo critically injured. Seeking to avenge his friend, Rocky decides to challenge Drago himself. This leads to an unsanctioned 15-round fight scheduled for Christmas Day in Moscow. Rocky must endure grueling training in the Siberian wilderness while preparing to face the formidable Soviet champion in a clash of ideologies and physical endurance.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Following a devastating exhibition match where the Soviet champion Ivan Drago leaves Apollo Creed critically injured, Rocky Balboa accepts a challenge to fight Drago himself. The match is set for Christmas Day in Moscow. While Drago utilizes high-tech equipment and steroids, Rocky trains in a remote Siberian cabin using traditional methods. The fight begins in Moscow, where Rocky faces a hostile crowd and a powerful opponent. After a grueling 15 rounds, the crowd begins to cheer for Rocky as he manages to hold his ground. In the final round, Rocky lands a series of blows that KOs Drago, avenging Apollo's death. Following the victory, Rocky delivers a speech to the Soviet crowd, highlighting the mutual respect gained during the fight and the potential for change between the two nations.
- First release year
- 1985
- Runtime (minutes)
- 91
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Sylvester Stallone
- Writers
- Sylvester Stallone · writer
- Cast and characters
- Sylvester Stallone · Robert "Rocky" Balboa; Talia Shire · Adrian Pennino Balboa; Burt Young · Paulie Pennino; Carl Weathers · Apollo Creed; Brigitte Nielsen · Ludmilla Vobet Drago; Dolph Lundgren · Captain Ivan Drago; Tony Burton · Tony "Duke" Evers; Michael Pataki · Nicolai Koloff
- Genres
- sports drama
- Themes
- Cold War; Individualism; Nationalism
- Tone and mood
- heroic; intense
- Premise and plot tags
- sports; boxing; revenge; Cold War
- Source material / true-story basis
- Novelization
- Franchise connections
- Rocky
- Reception
- Initially panned by critics for its predictable screenplay, the film later gained a cult following and was praised for its training montages and its status as a pop culture icon.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 39% · scale: percentage · review count: 51; Metacritic · score: 40 · scale: 100 · review count: 13
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Raspberry Award · Worst Director · 6th · Win; Golden Raspberry Award · Worst Supporting Actress · 6th · Win; Golden Raspberry Award · Worst Musical Score · 6th · Win
- Production trivia
- Stallone was admitted to intensive care after a real punch during filming.; The film was the first in the series not to feature a score by Bill Conti.; Paulie's robot was a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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