Cast
View All
Sylvester Stallone
as Robert "Rocky" Balboa
Dolph Lundgren
as Ivan Drago
Carl Weathers
as Apollo Creed
Talia Shire
as Adrianna "Adrian" Balboa
Burt Young
as Paulie Pennino
Brigitte Nielsen
as Ludmilla Vobet Drago
Tony Burton
as Tony "Duke" Evers
Michael Pataki
as Nicoli Koloff
Stu Nahan
as Commentator #1
R.J. Adams
as Sports Announcer
Al Bandiero
as American Commentator #2
Dominic Barto
as Russian Government Official
Danial Brown
as Rocky Jr.'s Friend
James Brown
as The Godfather of Soul
Rose Mary Campos
as Maid
Crew
Director
- Sylvester Stallone
Writer
- Sylvester Stallone
Producer
- Robert Chartoff
- Irwin Winkler
Reviews
The Movie Mob
**The greatest Rocky movie? I think it could be.**
It's hard to pick a favorite Rocky movie, but Rocky IV definitely makes its case for first place. The epic showdown with Ivan Drago drips with emotion, heart, and motivation in ways the other movies can't match. Add the restless conflict between USA and Russia at the time, and it just doesn't get better. Getting the final fight perfect was so crucial that Sylvester Stallone recommended actually boxing and ended up in the hospital after getting knocked out by Dolph Lundgren. Ivan Drago is, without a doubt, the franchise's best villain. The development of Rocky and Apollo's relationship in Rocky IV is a beautiful credit to excellent writing and four movies worth of growth. The added Christmas spirit gives the film more character. If you had to watch only one Rocky, I would say pick this one, but it's only as great as it is because it stands on the shoulders of the movies that came before.
Sep 16, 2022
GenerationofSwine
I liked it and then I didn't like it and now I like it again. I have a serious love/hate relationship with this one.
The hate comes from Rocky and Rocky II and a little bit, just a little from Rocky III. This was a film focused more on the fight than the Rocky story and, just like Rocky III, and, honestly, I miss the heartfelt Rocky family part of the franchise.
Mickey, Creed, Adrian, Paulie, they were the real heart behind what made the Rocky movies great and.... this focused more on the fight.
However, it was inspirational and that is what you ultimately sit down to watch a Rocky movie for. You want to see the little guy, the under dog struggle and work hard and give it his best win or lose... and the best part about the Rocky franchise is that he doesn't always win, you see him hurt, you see him lose, and you see him get back up and fight.
And that is what Rocky IV delivers.
Jan 12, 2023
Nathan
Unfortunately, Rocky IV is the first film in the series that has disappointed me.
This film had major tonal conflicts. For starters, the film is trying to have a very tragic story that motivates Rocky with the death of Apollo Creed, but at the same time has goofy scenes of a robot housewife. I did not like the ungroundedness that began to take shape here. This film also drew the least amount of emotion from me. I felt that Apollo Creed’s character regressed in this film, with him underestimating Ivan Drago the same way he underestimated Rocky in the original film. He no longer had the humble wisdom that he portrayed in Rocky III and was all about the spectacle and show. Additionally, I thought this opponent was the weakest of the series. This is probably due to the main connection between the two boxers being the death of Apollo, and that aspect fell flat for me. The final fight was the least exciting of the series, mainly due to the lack of buildup.
The acting is pretty similar to the third film, with Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, and Carl Weathers all doing an excellent job. But the same complaint I had in Rocky III remains in this film, with the main antagonist being extremely corny and poorly acted. The silent, stoic figure of Drago was intimidating but lacked any emotional connection that the previous antagonists had.
I would like to note that this film had a little too much 80s music for my liking. I really enjoyed the track "Eye of the Tiger," like in the third film, but I felt that there were not enough of the classic Rocky themes that really boosted the training segments.
Overall, I still enjoyed this film, even with all of its flaws.
Score: 57% |
Verdict: Decent
Mar 3, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Rocky IV examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Sylvester Stallone brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1985, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Rocky IV took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $31.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 247 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rocky IV shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Stop Train 349, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Rocky IV offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like That Joyous Eve... and Pushed to the Limit explore similar territory, Rocky IV stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 21, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Budget: $31,000,000
- Revenue: $300,473,716
Where to Watch
