To be fair, Rocky is not really a boxing movie at all. The boxing is a fairly well done backdrop. Rocky is about a man who has thrown away his chances to be something in life, and chosen instead to simply float through it; a man who gets a one in a million chance, and finds something in himself he never knew he had. At the end of the day, 'Rocky' is also a love story, and he could never have reached the final bell without Adrian.
It's debatable which Joker actor has the best Joker laugh...debatable ad nauseum, in fact...but when it comes to the best Penguin squawk, Burgess Meredith is the only right answer...
The reason for all of the Patriotic colors and costumes resembling the Statue of Liberty, is because that 1976 (the year this movie came out) is the bicentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of America.
Not to mention the signing of that Declaration occurred where Rocky was filmed and set - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - at Independence Hall to be exact.
Very unique reaction, Rocky's pouring his heart out, having a moment of reality while explaining himself and you worry about the dog? Imagine if Adrian was more worried about the dog instead of hearing him out lol - That thought crossed my mind when I saw this
The girlfriend Adrian is performed by Talia Shire , Francis Ford Coppola's sister. She also starred in all three "Godfather" films as Michael's sister Costanza.
"You're gonna eat lightnin' and you're gonna crap thunder!" Fun Fact: Sylvester Stallone was inspired to write the screenplay after seeing the Chuck Wepner-Muhammad Ali fight on March 24, 1975, at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio, near Cleveland. The details of that fight is beyond the scope of this comment, but the Creed-Balboa fight parallels that fight in many ways. Lemons To Lemonade Fact: In the film, the poster above the ring before Rocky fights Apollo shows Rocky wearing red shorts with a white stripe when he actually wears white shorts with a red stripe. This was an actual mistake made by the props department that they could not afford to rectify, so Sylvester Stallone came up with the idea for the scene where Rocky points out the mistake himself. The comment about Rocky's robe being too baggy came about the same way - the robe delivered to the set was far too baggy for Stallone, so rather than hope people wouldn't notice, the character himself simply points it out. Guerrilla Filmmaking Fact: Most of the scenes of Rocky jogging through Philadelphia were shot with no permits, no equipment, and no extras. The shot where he runs past the moored boat for example, the crew were simply driving by the docks, and John G. Avildsen saw the boat, and thought it would make a good visual, so he had Sylvester Stallone simply get out of the van and run along the quays, while Avildsen himself filmed from the side door. A similar story concerns the famous shot of Rocky jogging through the food market. As he runs, the stall keepers and the people on the sidewalks can clearly be seen looking at him in bemusement. While this works in the context of the film to suggest they're looking at Rocky, in reality, they had no idea why this man was running up and down the road being filmed from a van. During this scene, the famous shot where the stall owner throws Rocky an orange was completely improvised by the stall owner, who had no idea that a movie was being filmed and that he would be in it.
21:53 "The only reason you want to be his manager is the cash involved and the potential shot at fame. You've been treating him like 2nd class dirt this entire film." That's not true at all. Did you miss the scene at 18:20? Mickey fully admits that he always believed in Rocky and is angry at him for wasting his potential. That's why he treats him like 2nd class dirt. Mickey calling him an untalented bum was just him masking the truth. People often withhold the truth cuz it tends to hurt so much, as it clearly did when Mickey finally told him why. No doubt that Mickey wants a chance to do something great for himself BUT he genuinely wanted Rocky to succeed. 22:40 "Rocky" was a low budget film indeed, but the filmmaking was certainly NOT amateurishly done. It's still considered one of the best films of all time and much of it has to do with how well made it was given its budgetary limitations. And it won top prizes at the Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Film Editing and Best Picture, so it's puzzling to think the filmmaking seems amateurish. Money has NOTHING to do with professionalism or talent. There are big budget movies today that are made by amateurs. "Rocky" also received additional nominations for Best Sound, Best Music, Best Screenplay, and four acting nominations. And the cinematography is STUNNING. The music score is considered one of the best of all time, Stallone's screenplay is considered one of the best scripts ever written, the camera work (especially the use of the Steadicam) is highly influential, the editing was innovative (this film invented the concept of the training montage) in the way the climatic fight was edited, and Stallone's performance is one of the most iconic in film history.
I might have to explain what I meant with "amateurish" because I think you are misunderstanding it. What I meant was, it felt amateurish as in, there were not a lot of money involved, nor were there any big production companies behind this. Stallone practically wrote this film, directed it and starred in it, and he did all this practically by himself. He wrote the script when he was so flat broke he had to sell his dog. He had to knock on doors himself to push it through. And this was his first attempt. He wasn't a big shot Hollywood mogul at the time. He was an amateur, and that is why the story behind this film and how well it did, is so extraordinary. That's what I meant with, it feeling amateurish. It has nothing to do with how well the film was made or how well it did.
I don't think anyone's mentioned it, but Butkiss was Stallone's real life dog. He had to sell him, when he was too poor to take care of him anymore. Stallone finally sold the Rocky script, and was able to buy Butkiss back. Also, the two turtles in the movie, Stallone kept them, and as far as I know, he still has them.
Yes, Stallone wrote the script. He was a unknown actor at the time. The studio loved the script and offered him like $300,000 for the rights, but he turned them down because he wouldn't sell it unless he was allowed to play Rocky. It was a very low budget film. They made it for just a little over one million dollars. It ended up becoming the biggest grossing film of 1976 and won best picture at the oscars. The movie's really not about boxing. It's a personal growth story.
Great film. The 2nd one is nearly as good and is much the same style. Gritty and realistic. The rest of the movies are typical 80s sequels - fun, but substance free and cartoony. One of those movies where the lead character is just so likeable and relatable that you can’t help but root for him.
Just wanted you to know, your thumbnail shows the pic of the 6th Rocky called Rocky Balboa. Nothing really wrong, might confuse a few. Also, all the Rocky movies are highly recommended to watch and also Creed and Creed 2 were excellent spin off to the Rocky movies in which Stallone is also in.
@@katreacts6843 Like I said, no problem, just thought you would like to know. Hopefully, you get a chance to watch all the Rocky movies. The second and third one especially. Also, Stallone himself directed them himself as well as the 4th and 6th. The 5th one was back to the original director and was the least liked by fans and critics. Rocky 5 is still good though. All Rocky movies have a different style to them all. Rocky 2 is like the original and the 3rd (my most favorite), is faster paced. The forth looks really different and the fifth tries to go back to original, still shorter but it does continue with a good story. Then you have Rocky Balboa or Rocky 6 that make all the movies come together with the original message, you don't have to win 1st place in order to win. Part of one of the best monologs in the movie, and it's worth "going the distance" for these movies is: "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!!!". It's gold.
You misunderstood Mickey. He always loved and cared for Rocky. He was just so disappointed in him about the choices he made in his life. He didn’t come to him only because he wanted profit for himself. He knew Rocky needed him and he really wanted to help him.
But like Rocky said himself; "I came to you about 10 years ago when I needed your help. You never helped me, you didn't care." And when Mickey responds with; "You should have asked," Rocky responds with; "I asked but you never heard nothing." So it sort of comes across as Mickey never really wanting anything to do with Rocky, even though he might at some point have seen something in him.
@@katreacts6843 Look, nobody is perfect, just because Rocky "asked" and Mickey "never heard nothing" doesn't mean he was treating Rocky like dirt. He was probably pissed at him even then for wasting his talent and working with Gazzo instead of focusing on his boxing. 18:30 you can clearly see real Mickey. He's so angry at Rocky for wasting his life and not achieving what he believes Rocky could. He wouldn't be angry if he didn't care. He 100% cares about him.
@@bartUsiek10 caring and actually being there and help are two different things. Mickey clearly cares, otherwise he wouldn't treat Rocky this shitty, but the fact still remains that he treated him shitty, and never helped him (Rocky's own words). The final straw was when he gave his locker away, basically saying "I've given up, you'll never amount to anything." And then, the moment Rocky actually gets recognition, then Mickey is all talk and ready to step up and be there for him. That's not how it works, unfortunately. Rocky was the bigger man in the situation, actually giving in to this and allowing Mickey to eventually be his coach.
@@katreacts6843 But it wasn't Mickeys job to save Rocky. He's not his father. It was on Rocky to get his life in order, Miceky couldn't do it for him. Also I STRONGLY disagree that he treated Rocky "shitty". He definitely treated him harshly but also fairly. It was pointless for Mickey to bend over backwards to help Rocky when Rocky wouldn't help himself in the first place. And when Rocky got the chance Mickey was there for him because he knew he needs him. They needed each other in fact. It's not like, as you said, Rocky "was the bigger man in the situation". Rocky needed Mickey more than Mickey needed Rocky. You need to trust me on this one, I've watched all those movies countless times. Mickeys intentions were always good and maybe he haven't always show it but as I said nobody is perfect. He definitely wasn't some opportunistic leech that only showed up because he wanted some fame and money from Rocky. That would be a very bad read of his character.
I always recommend Cinderella Man (2005), an amazing story about a real boxer, set during the Great Depression, starring Russell Crowe, Renee Zelwegger, and Paul Giamatti. If you like stories about protagonists who refuse to give up, this is a good one.
That's Burgess Meredith. He was in lots of movies in the '70s, including "Foul Play", "Burnt Offerings" & "The Day Of The Locust". He was the Penguin on the '60s "Batman" series, starred in several episodes of the original "Twilight Zone" & was even in a version of Steinbeck's "Of Mice & Men" (1939).
Yes, the heavyweight champion of the world is really the champion of the entire world. There have been many champions from many many different countries and the fights are fought all over the globe.
This was a love story. Sly was broke, they offered him 350 K for the film rights to his story, he turned them down and demanded to play Rocky, the studio wanted James Caan or a few other guys, but they relented with one or two stipulations, it had to be finished in one month and it had to be low budget (1 Million dollars). It grossed 117 million worldwide. (Big hit) Rocky won Best Film at the 1976 Oscars. By the way, the reason Apollo was dressed as George Washington was that 1976 was our 200th Birthday, (Bicentennial) and we celebrated the whole year. That is what gave Sly the idea, plus a certain boxing match with Muhammed Ali and a underdog fighter.
When Mick calls Rocky a "tomato", that's short for tomato can. It's in reference to how people would get better at shooting by using a can as target practice. He's saying Rocky wasn't going to be anything more than target practice for other fighters to hit.
You are right that this movie was a low budget production. It had a budget of 1.1 Million dollar. It garnered worldwide 225 Million, won 3 academy Awards-Best picture, Director, and Film editing. Rocky 1&2 are the best of the franchise. 3 4 & 5 are still good to watch, Rocky Balboa & the 2 Creed films bring the series back to high marks. Another good Stallone film is Rambo: First Blood(1972). I will apologize in advance as it will take you out of your comfort zone, however the last 20 minutes is Stallone at his most stellar. As compensation may I recommend the following movies- Cactus Flower(1969)), Butterflies are Free(1972) and Overboard(1987)
It's so interesting that you mentioned the ubiquitous nature of the Murcan flag in Murca. I never realized that it is everywhere all the time until one of my German friends was visiting me and remarked on it. Now, it's cartoonish to me. You should consider watching Rocky II & III at least. They're so good. These characters really get under your skin the more time you spend with them. Enjoyed your reaction as always.
I think the flags became ubiquitous after WW2, when all the veterans were still in the habit of putting out flags, and their children (the Boomers) just assumed that was a normal thing that every country did.
"Rocky" was released during America's 200 year anniversary, The Bicentennial. That's why there are so many flags depicted in "Rocky". Over the decades the popularity of displaying American flags in America comes & goes, so whether or not you see many of them, depends on when you grew up in America, or when you visited it. In many countries, their flag may be a relatively recent creation, that bears little resemblance to their previous flag, so the people barely recognize it, much less display it. Although the US is a relatively new country, the basic design of it's flag has remained the same. Also, being a Capitalist country, the flag is often used or even exploited for marketing purposes, aside from general "feel good about your country" propaganda, which ends up making it a common icon.
"Rocky" was released during America's 200 year anniversary, The Bicentennial. That's why there are so many flags depicted in "Rocky". Over the decades the popularity of displaying American flags in America comes & goes, so whether or not you see many of them, depends on when you grew up in America, or when you visited it. In many countries, their flag may be a relatively recent creation, that bears little resemblance to their previous flag, so the people barely recognize it, much less display it. Although the US is a relatively new country, the basic design of it's flag has remained the same. Also, being a Capitalist country, the flag is often used or even exploited for marketing purposes, aside from general "feel good about your country" propaganda, which ends up making it a common icon.
Oh lord! Florida is the flag-loving state of the country. lol That is NOT how most of the country is. lol I've lived in 6 states and don't see flags except during major holidays or sporting events. Nothing compares to Florida. NOT a good representation of the "normal" parts of USA.
Nice reactions to the original Rocky, Kat!!!🎬👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽The budget starts to go up with each entry in the film series. It wasn't really until the mid 1960's where you saw TV shows switching over from black & white to color. People didn't have a reason to buy a color TV until the programming switched over. NBC was really the first network to switch over to color. After that sales incresed for color TV's. Some examples of 60's TV shows that switched over to color after being in black & white their first season are "Lost in Space" and "I Dream of Jeannie".
Seems meant to be, I was watching videos on Philadelphia and Pennsylvania as well as neighboring New Jersey since I am contemplating a future move to the Northeast USA... and then you do this, Kat! 😁 There is a statue of Rocky on those steps made famous by this movie in Philadelphia. Some facts about color TV: •The first color TV system was by CBS, approved in 1950, implemented in 1951, but those broadcast signals those sets were incompatible with the black-and-white sets already in use since as early as 1939. •The color TV system that would become the standard in the USA, referred to as NTSC after the committee that approved it, was developed by RCA, who owned competing network NBC (and had one of its' plants across from Philly in Camden, N J - a luxury apartment complex today there), WAS compatible with black-and-white sets (that RCA ALSO had developed in the 1930s), and replaced the CBS system by the end of 1953. •By 1958, half of all US households owned a TV set, but as late as 1964, only 4% had a color TV - they cost over $US5000 in today's money! •As one kind of mentioned already, NBC became color full-time by 1966, about a year after CBS and four years after the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) started NTSC color broadcasts of their own. "The following program is brought to you in living color, on NBC." •It would not be until 1972 that more than half of US households had a color TV set. •In 1967, German company Telefunken developed a color system of their own that worked better with 50Hz power grids, had slightly improved resolution (576i VS. NTSC's 480i), albeit with 4.97 less frames per second so less fluid, and would be implemented through Western Europe and eventually Oceania and parts of Africa and South/Southeast Asia: the PAL (Phase Alternating Line) system. In the words of Paul McCartney, "Happy birthday America. Sorry we (England) lost."
That's likely true. I also figured that Butkis may not have been good at doing what the movie required him to do. It's hard to get an untrained dog to do specific things at specific times at specific places.
@@timroebuck3458 Yes, I was aware that Butkus was Stallone's dog. I should have mentioned that. That's why I was figuring Butkus wasn't trained to do movies and may have had some trouble staying focused with all the people and activity around the set. I have no proof of that. It's just my speculation.
you are really adorable.. i always like your point of view.. and it's rare to react to something we don't have much hope for... and then in the end, find something special.. thanks, Kat... one of your best vids.. hope you watch number 2
That thing in his mouth it to prevent his teeth being knocked out, its called a mouth guard and any sport that might involve a smack in the mouth will have players wearing one.
The first tv program in color was 1951. (color tv wasn't available until 1954) All TV programs were in color by 1966 The amount of homes with color tv passed 50% in 1972
It's a bit off topic for Rocky, but I've been wanting to request that you react to "Cloak and Dagger" from 1984. It's an absurd romp and wonderfully '80s!
@@katreacts6843 Flag displaying became a big thing during the post ww2 communist witch hunts of the McCarthy era. Had to wear your support of capitalism on your sleeve, lest people think you wanted a better America for everyone... 😐
@@LordVolkov I honestly think it's fascinating. I was born and raised in Iceland, and now live in the UK. Neither of those countries display their flags as much, and I haven't seen it in those countries that I've traveled to except America. But it's not a negative thing, it's just something that makes America the land that it is, it's part of it's culture I guess :)
@@katreacts6843 If you knew the history of the American National Anthem, the American flag and American history in general, you'd fully understand American patriotism and it wouldn't seem so silly anymore as it does to many European outsiders. America is one of the youngest nations in the world but its history throughout is steeped in so much pain, sacrifice and tragedy and yet hope and perseverance prevailed in the end. If you want to understand the mentality more, please watch this short video. This is actually a VERY VERY VERY popular video to react to on YT, especially with non-Americans. You'll find hundreds of reactions to it with millions of views. It's a very powerful, poignant and educational video. It's called "The Star Spangled Banner As You've Never Heard It!": ruclips.net/video/YaxGNQE5ZLA/видео.html
This is my favorite movie. Seen it over 100 times and have memorabilia including the poster. The version you are watching is not the original that people watched in theatres in 1976. What is shown now is the 20th-anniversary version after it was picked up by Ted Turner. The changes did not change the story. Stallone has tried to make it seem as if he was an unknown actor. He had played in a few well-known films and was a regular on Kojack. He may not have been well off but was far from destitute and his father had money. John G. Avildsen won the best director Oscar.
This movie was made back when romance was alive and well. All the women were playing hard to get and all the guys had to give chase,that's how it was back then.
"He didn't win?" Boxing is complicated if neither boxer knocks the other out (knock-out/KO) or injures them enough that they cannot fight (technical knock-out/TKO). At the end of the final round, judge's points are tabulated and a winner declared. Points are scored for many things, but mainly solid hits to the face and torso and knocking your opponent off his feet. Rocky's tactic of letting his opponent wear himself out punching his face is... not great 🤕 but he backs it up with an a lot of power and stamina. I think the Rocky movies get better as they go along, till 4, then have a sharp decline until Creed.
Points are scored for winning the round. If you win a round you get 10 points and if you lose it you get 9. So if you win all the rounds in 10 round fight you win the fight 100-90. And who wins the fight is subjective. Fighter with more punches in a round doesn't necessarily win that round. Also knocking your opponent off his feet doesn't give you a point, it means your opponent loses a point. So if you win the round and your opponent goes down once you win that round 10-8 instead of 10-9.
Many #metoo people cringe, when they see Adrian in Rocky's apartment for the first time, because they've been in raised in the genderless society, but in 1976, until genderless & #metoo culture became dominant, that's how the "Game of Love" was played. Women were expected to at least feign reservations or resistance, so they wouldn't get a reputation of having "easy" virtue, and men were expected to seemingly push or otherwise persuade the women, otherwise, they both go home alone, never get married or have babies. The change to genderless & #metoo culture hasn't helped reverse the negative birthrates, which many developed countries now have. ...I guess treating romantic interaction as a formally negotiated contract, may take the romance out of it?
Yes because I had never watched any of the Rocky films so I had no idea how the posters are for each film. So when I googled "Rocky poster" then this came up and I just thought it was it.
You are harsh as hell on Rocky and the first date. Give the man a break, he is as nervous as she is so he goes with what he knows. She got some words in, not many but some. Just curious, how's the view from that high horse you seem to be sitting upon? I can't watch this anymore. GL with you channel and life. I hate reactions of people that see things in todays eyes cause they don't bother to think about how things were, for better or worse. If men stopped chasing women, shit ton of people were never had been born. He took a shot and it paid off. Fuck it, I am not going to bother anymore. You just rub me the wrong way. Not everyone is for everyone. We are just to different. I was born in 70, I know how things were, you don't so maybe I am at the same fault as I said you were on the whole outlook of things. Be well.
U really need to relax , it’s a movie. It’s like so much feminism coming from you. Rocky was so nice to this woman trying to marry her. You really over react smh
To be fair, Rocky is not really a boxing movie at all. The boxing is a fairly well done backdrop.
Rocky is about a man who has thrown away his chances to be something in life, and chosen instead to simply float through it; a man who gets a one in a million chance, and finds something in himself he never knew he had.
At the end of the day, 'Rocky' is also a love story, and he could never have reached the final bell without Adrian.
One of the best cinematic love stories (that just happens to have some boxing).
Fun fact: In the 60s Mickey played a Batman villain, he played Penguin.
It's debatable which Joker actor has the best Joker laugh...debatable ad nauseum, in fact...but when it comes to the best Penguin squawk, Burgess Meredith is the only right answer...
dont forget his old time war film where he prepares the soldiers to see british people treating black people like humans.
The reason for all of the Patriotic colors and costumes resembling the Statue of Liberty, is because that 1976 (the year this movie came out) is the bicentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of America.
Not to mention the signing of that Declaration occurred where Rocky was filmed and set - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - at Independence Hall to be exact.
Very unique reaction, Rocky's pouring his heart out, having a moment of reality while explaining himself and you worry about the dog? Imagine if Adrian was more worried about the dog instead of hearing him out lol - That thought crossed my mind when I saw this
The girlfriend Adrian is performed by Talia Shire , Francis Ford Coppola's sister. She also starred in all three "Godfather" films as Michael's sister Costanza.
Maybe this fact slipped by you, but some people talk when they're nervous... or in Adrian's case don't talk at all when they're nervous
"You're gonna eat lightnin' and you're gonna crap thunder!"
Fun Fact: Sylvester Stallone was inspired to write the screenplay after seeing the Chuck Wepner-Muhammad Ali fight on March 24, 1975, at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio, near Cleveland. The details of that fight is beyond the scope of this comment, but the Creed-Balboa fight parallels that fight in many ways.
Lemons To Lemonade Fact: In the film, the poster above the ring before Rocky fights Apollo shows Rocky wearing red shorts with a white stripe when he actually wears white shorts with a red stripe. This was an actual mistake made by the props department that they could not afford to rectify, so Sylvester Stallone came up with the idea for the scene where Rocky points out the mistake himself. The comment about Rocky's robe being too baggy came about the same way - the robe delivered to the set was far too baggy for Stallone, so rather than hope people wouldn't notice, the character himself simply points it out.
Guerrilla Filmmaking Fact: Most of the scenes of Rocky jogging through Philadelphia were shot with no permits, no equipment, and no extras. The shot where he runs past the moored boat for example, the crew were simply driving by the docks, and John G. Avildsen saw the boat, and thought it would make a good visual, so he had Sylvester Stallone simply get out of the van and run along the quays, while Avildsen himself filmed from the side door. A similar story concerns the famous shot of Rocky jogging through the food market. As he runs, the stall keepers and the people on the sidewalks can clearly be seen looking at him in bemusement. While this works in the context of the film to suggest they're looking at Rocky, in reality, they had no idea why this man was running up and down the road being filmed from a van. During this scene, the famous shot where the stall owner throws Rocky an orange was completely improvised by the stall owner, who had no idea that a movie was being filmed and that he would be in it.
This is actually not a boxing movie, it's a romance movie.
21:53 "The only reason you want to be his manager is the cash involved and the potential shot at fame. You've been treating him like 2nd class dirt this entire film."
That's not true at all. Did you miss the scene at 18:20? Mickey fully admits that he always believed in Rocky and is angry at him for wasting his potential. That's why he treats him like 2nd class dirt. Mickey calling him an untalented bum was just him masking the truth. People often withhold the truth cuz it tends to hurt so much, as it clearly did when Mickey finally told him why. No doubt that Mickey wants a chance to do something great for himself BUT he genuinely wanted Rocky to succeed.
22:40 "Rocky" was a low budget film indeed, but the filmmaking was certainly NOT amateurishly done. It's still considered one of the best films of all time and much of it has to do with how well made it was given its budgetary limitations. And it won top prizes at the Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Film Editing and Best Picture, so it's puzzling to think the filmmaking seems amateurish. Money has NOTHING to do with professionalism or talent. There are big budget movies today that are made by amateurs. "Rocky" also received additional nominations for Best Sound, Best Music, Best Screenplay, and four acting nominations. And the cinematography is STUNNING. The music score is considered one of the best of all time, Stallone's screenplay is considered one of the best scripts ever written, the camera work (especially the use of the Steadicam) is highly influential, the editing was innovative (this film invented the concept of the training montage) in the way the climatic fight was edited, and Stallone's performance is one of the most iconic in film history.
THANK YOU FOR THAT COMMENT. Not going to lie 21:53 part annoyed ma quite a bit...
I might have to explain what I meant with "amateurish" because I think you are misunderstanding it. What I meant was, it felt amateurish as in, there were not a lot of money involved, nor were there any big production companies behind this. Stallone practically wrote this film, directed it and starred in it, and he did all this practically by himself. He wrote the script when he was so flat broke he had to sell his dog. He had to knock on doors himself to push it through. And this was his first attempt. He wasn't a big shot Hollywood mogul at the time. He was an amateur, and that is why the story behind this film and how well it did, is so extraordinary. That's what I meant with, it feeling amateurish. It has nothing to do with how well the film was made or how well it did.
@@katreacts6843 Stallone didn't direct that movie, John G. Avildsen did.
@@bartUsiek10 not the point but point taken. So he didn't direct it, that still doesn't undermine just how much of an underdog story this truly is.
I don't think anyone's mentioned it, but Butkiss was Stallone's real life dog. He had to sell him, when he was too poor to take care of him anymore. Stallone finally sold the Rocky script, and was able to buy Butkiss back. Also, the two turtles in the movie, Stallone kept them, and as far as I know, he still has them.
Sylvester always says this is not a boxing movie, its a love story.
Yes, Stallone wrote the script. He was a unknown actor at the time. The studio loved the script and offered him like $300,000 for the rights, but he turned them down because he wouldn't sell it unless he was allowed to play Rocky.
It was a very low budget film. They made it for just a little over one million dollars. It ended up becoming the biggest grossing film of 1976 and won best picture at the oscars.
The movie's really not about boxing. It's a personal growth story.
Rocky is a love story not a boxing movie
Great film. The 2nd one is nearly as good and is much the same style. Gritty and realistic. The rest of the movies are typical 80s sequels - fun, but substance free and cartoony. One of those movies where the lead character is just so likeable and relatable that you can’t help but root for him.
You say at the end that it’s a boxing movie. It’s definitely not. It’s a love story with a little bit of boxing in it.
Butkus is Stallone's real life dog!
The dog was Stalone's real dog. He also kept the turtles after filming and as of 2020 they were still alive and are in Creed 1 and Creed 2.
its the ones who say they dont like boxing that are the best ones to react to it. they never expect a love story.
IMO Rocky Balboa is the greatest movie character of all time.
agree
Just wanted you to know, your thumbnail shows the pic of the 6th Rocky called Rocky Balboa. Nothing really wrong, might confuse a few. Also, all the Rocky movies are highly recommended to watch and also Creed and Creed 2 were excellent spin off to the Rocky movies in which Stallone is also in.
I also did a double take on the thumbnail.
Absolutely, decided to check ONLY after seeing 1976......
Jon Jones ...Why? Rocky Balboa (2006) is a legit good movie. At least better than 4 snd 5.
Thanks! I just googled Rocky and this was the poster that came up :)
@@katreacts6843 Like I said, no problem, just thought you would like to know. Hopefully, you get a chance to watch all the Rocky movies. The second and third one especially. Also, Stallone himself directed them himself as well as the 4th and 6th. The 5th one was back to the original director and was the least liked by fans and critics. Rocky 5 is still good though. All Rocky movies have a different style to them all. Rocky 2 is like the original and the 3rd (my most favorite), is faster paced. The forth looks really different and the fifth tries to go back to original, still shorter but it does continue with a good story. Then you have Rocky Balboa or Rocky 6 that make all the movies come together with the original message, you don't have to win 1st place in order to win.
Part of one of the best monologs in the movie, and it's worth "going the distance" for these movies is:
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!!!". It's gold.
John G. Avildsen was no amateur. Nor was cinematographer James Crabe, or Bill Conti who scored the film.
You misunderstood Mickey. He always loved and cared for Rocky. He was just so disappointed in him about the choices he made in his life. He didn’t come to him only because he wanted profit for himself. He knew Rocky needed him and he really wanted to help him.
But like Rocky said himself; "I came to you about 10 years ago when I needed your help. You never helped me, you didn't care." And when Mickey responds with; "You should have asked," Rocky responds with; "I asked but you never heard nothing." So it sort of comes across as Mickey never really wanting anything to do with Rocky, even though he might at some point have seen something in him.
@@katreacts6843 Look, nobody is perfect, just because Rocky "asked" and Mickey "never heard nothing" doesn't mean he was treating Rocky like dirt. He was probably pissed at him even then for wasting his talent and working with Gazzo instead of focusing on his boxing. 18:30 you can clearly see real Mickey. He's so angry at Rocky for wasting his life and not achieving what he believes Rocky could. He wouldn't be angry if he didn't care. He 100% cares about him.
@@bartUsiek10 caring and actually being there and help are two different things. Mickey clearly cares, otherwise he wouldn't treat Rocky this shitty, but the fact still remains that he treated him shitty, and never helped him (Rocky's own words). The final straw was when he gave his locker away, basically saying "I've given up, you'll never amount to anything." And then, the moment Rocky actually gets recognition, then Mickey is all talk and ready to step up and be there for him. That's not how it works, unfortunately. Rocky was the bigger man in the situation, actually giving in to this and allowing Mickey to eventually be his coach.
@@katreacts6843 But it wasn't Mickeys job to save Rocky. He's not his father. It was on Rocky to get his life in order, Miceky couldn't do it for him. Also I STRONGLY disagree that he treated Rocky "shitty". He definitely treated him harshly but also fairly. It was pointless for Mickey to bend over backwards to help Rocky when Rocky wouldn't help himself in the first place.
And when Rocky got the chance Mickey was there for him because he knew he needs him. They needed each other in fact. It's not like, as you said, Rocky "was the bigger man in the situation". Rocky needed Mickey more than Mickey needed Rocky.
You need to trust me on this one, I've watched all those movies countless times. Mickeys intentions were always good and maybe he haven't always show it but as I said nobody is perfect. He definitely wasn't some opportunistic leech that only showed up because he wanted some fame and money from Rocky. That would be a very bad read of his character.
Best Picture Winner
I always recommend Cinderella Man (2005), an amazing story about a real boxer, set during the Great Depression, starring Russell Crowe, Renee Zelwegger, and Paul Giamatti. If you like stories about protagonists who refuse to give up, this is a good one.
Renee Zellweger isn’t that attractive
Butkus thought It was cold and too early to run and he wasn't training to get his face beaten in so please don't let the heat out as you leave.
Adrian is the heart and soul of these movies!
Rocky's trainer Mickey is also the old man pops from the Grumpy Old Men movies just so you know because I know you loved pops
That's Burgess Meredith.
He was in lots of movies in the '70s,
including "Foul Play", "Burnt Offerings"
& "The Day Of The Locust".
He was the Penguin on the '60s
"Batman" series, starred in several
episodes of the original "Twilight Zone"
& was even in a version of Steinbeck's
"Of Mice & Men" (1939).
Oh, I loved Pops! He was my favorite in Grumpy Old Men! :D
Yes, the heavyweight champion of the world is really the champion of the entire world. There have been many champions from many many different countries and the fights are fought all over the globe.
Lady, you need to turn the volume up, I couldn't hear you over the movie.
This was a love story. Sly was broke, they offered him 350 K for the film rights to his story, he turned them down and demanded to play Rocky, the studio wanted James Caan or a few other guys, but they relented with one or two stipulations, it had to be finished in one month and it had to be low budget (1 Million dollars). It grossed 117 million worldwide. (Big hit) Rocky won Best Film at the 1976 Oscars. By the way, the reason Apollo was dressed as George Washington was that 1976 was our 200th Birthday, (Bicentennial) and we celebrated the whole year. That is what gave Sly the idea, plus a certain boxing match with Muhammed Ali and a underdog fighter.
The fight was judged on points by the judges. Creed won on points since no one was knocked out.
When Mick calls Rocky a "tomato", that's short for tomato can. It's in reference to how people would get better at shooting by using a can as target practice. He's saying Rocky wasn't going to be anything more than target practice for other fighters to hit.
You are right that this movie was a low budget production. It had a budget of 1.1 Million dollar. It garnered worldwide 225 Million, won 3 academy Awards-Best picture, Director, and Film editing. Rocky 1&2 are the best of the franchise. 3 4 & 5 are still good to watch, Rocky Balboa & the 2 Creed films bring the series back to high marks. Another good Stallone film is Rambo: First Blood(1972). I will apologize in advance as it will take you out of your comfort zone, however the last 20 minutes is Stallone at his most stellar. As compensation may I recommend the following movies- Cactus Flower(1969)), Butterflies are Free(1972) and Overboard(1987)
It's so interesting that you mentioned the ubiquitous nature of the Murcan flag in Murca. I never realized that it is everywhere all the time until one of my German friends was visiting me and remarked on it. Now, it's cartoonish to me.
You should consider watching Rocky II & III at least. They're so good. These characters really get under your skin the more time you spend with them.
Enjoyed your reaction as always.
I think the flags became ubiquitous after WW2, when all the veterans were still in the habit of putting out flags, and their children (the Boomers) just assumed that was a normal thing that every country did.
"Rocky" was released during America's 200 year anniversary, The Bicentennial. That's why there are so many flags depicted in "Rocky". Over the decades the popularity of displaying American flags in America comes & goes, so whether or not you see many of them, depends on when you grew up in America, or when you visited it. In many countries, their flag may be a relatively recent creation, that bears little resemblance to their previous flag, so the people barely recognize it, much less display it. Although the US is a relatively new country, the basic design of it's flag has remained the same. Also, being a Capitalist country, the flag is often used or even exploited for marketing purposes, aside from general "feel good about your country" propaganda, which ends up making it a common icon.
"Rocky" was released during America's 200 year anniversary, The Bicentennial. That's why there are so many flags depicted in "Rocky". Over the decades the popularity of displaying American flags in America comes & goes, so whether or not you see many of them, depends on when you grew up in America, or when you visited it. In many countries, their flag may be a relatively recent creation, that bears little resemblance to their previous flag, so the people barely recognize it, much less display it. Although the US is a relatively new country, the basic design of it's flag has remained the same. Also, being a Capitalist country, the flag is often used or even exploited for marketing purposes, aside from general "feel good about your country" propaganda, which ends up making it a common icon.
"Cinderella Man" Great movie that no-one does, plus Renee Zellweger is a babe!!!!
Oh lord! Florida is the flag-loving state of the country. lol That is NOT how most of the country is. lol I've lived in 6 states and don't see flags except during major holidays or sporting events. Nothing compares to Florida. NOT a good representation of the "normal" parts of USA.
Nice reactions to the original Rocky, Kat!!!🎬👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽The budget starts to go up with each entry in the film series. It wasn't really until the mid 1960's where you saw TV shows switching over from black & white to color. People didn't have a reason to buy a color TV until the programming switched over. NBC was really the first network to switch over to color. After that sales incresed for color TV's. Some examples of 60's TV shows that switched over to color after being in black & white their first season are "Lost in Space" and "I Dream of Jeannie".
Also the Beverly Hill Billys and Gilligan's Island.
@@Mrsunny649
I think "Beverly Hillbillies" was in b&w
for several seasons before it switched to color.
Seems meant to be, I was watching videos on Philadelphia and Pennsylvania as well as neighboring New Jersey since I am contemplating a future move to the Northeast USA... and then you do this, Kat! 😁
There is a statue of Rocky on those steps made famous by this movie in Philadelphia.
Some facts about color TV:
•The first color TV system was by CBS, approved in 1950, implemented in 1951, but those broadcast signals those sets were incompatible with the black-and-white sets already in use since as early as 1939.
•The color TV system that would become the standard in the USA, referred to as NTSC after the committee that approved it, was developed by RCA, who owned competing network NBC (and had one of its' plants across from Philly in Camden, N J - a luxury apartment complex today there), WAS compatible with black-and-white sets (that RCA ALSO had developed in the 1930s), and replaced the CBS system by the end of 1953.
•By 1958, half of all US households owned a TV set, but as late as 1964, only 4% had a color TV - they cost over $US5000 in today's money!
•As one kind of mentioned already, NBC became color full-time by 1966, about a year after CBS and four years after the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) started NTSC color broadcasts of their own. "The following program is brought to you in living color, on NBC."
•It would not be until 1972 that more than half of US households had a color TV set.
•In 1967, German company Telefunken developed a color system of their own that worked better with 50Hz power grids, had slightly improved resolution (576i VS. NTSC's 480i), albeit with 4.97 less frames per second so less fluid, and would be implemented through Western Europe and eventually Oceania and parts of Africa and South/Southeast Asia: the PAL (Phase Alternating Line) system.
In the words of Paul McCartney, "Happy birthday America. Sorry we (England) lost."
Dogs like Butkus don't have the stamina for the kind of running Rocky does.
That's likely true. I also figured that Butkis may not have been good at doing what the movie required him to do. It's hard to get an untrained dog to do specific things at specific times at specific places.
Butkus was Sylvester Stalone's dog in real life.
@@timroebuck3458 Yes, I was aware that Butkus was Stallone's dog. I should have mentioned that. That's why I was figuring Butkus wasn't trained to do movies and may have had some trouble staying focused with all the people and activity around the set. I have no proof of that. It's just my speculation.
This series has themes of dealing with life struggles. I hope you watch at least the next two or three.
Just a bit of background, a boxing round is three minutes long, so that was depicting two guys just beating the shit out of each other for 45 minutes
you are really adorable.. i always like your point of view.. and it's rare to react to something we don't have much hope for... and then in the end, find something special.. thanks, Kat... one of your best vids.. hope you watch number 2
That thing in his mouth it to prevent his teeth being knocked out, its called a mouth guard and any sport that might involve a smack in the mouth will have players wearing one.
The first tv program in color was 1951. (color tv wasn't available until 1954)
All TV programs were in color by 1966
The amount of homes with color tv passed 50% in 1972
In 1976 all films looked amateurish compared to now … please read the story of how this film got made .. it was academy nominee
It's about time that you watched a REAL MAN'S movie Kat
It's a bit off topic for Rocky, but I've been wanting to request that you react to "Cloak and Dagger" from 1984. It's an absurd romp and wonderfully '80s!
What's wrong with taking pride in our country? Florida has a lot of vets and patriots.
Nothing wrong with it, I was just pointing out the uniquely American way of doing it. By displaying the flag everywhere.
@@katreacts6843 Flag displaying became a big thing during the post ww2 communist witch hunts of the McCarthy era. Had to wear your support of capitalism on your sleeve, lest people think you wanted a better America for everyone... 😐
@@LordVolkov I honestly think it's fascinating. I was born and raised in Iceland, and now live in the UK. Neither of those countries display their flags as much, and I haven't seen it in those countries that I've traveled to except America. But it's not a negative thing, it's just something that makes America the land that it is, it's part of it's culture I guess :)
@@katreacts6843 no Brasil se mostra muito a bandeira!
@@katreacts6843 If you knew the history of the American National Anthem, the American flag and American history in general, you'd fully understand American patriotism and it wouldn't seem so silly anymore as it does to many European outsiders. America is one of the youngest nations in the world but its history throughout is steeped in so much pain, sacrifice and tragedy and yet hope and perseverance prevailed in the end.
If you want to understand the mentality more, please watch this short video. This is actually a VERY VERY VERY popular video to react to on YT, especially with non-Americans. You'll find hundreds of reactions to it with millions of views. It's a very powerful, poignant and educational video. It's called "The Star Spangled Banner As You've Never Heard It!":
ruclips.net/video/YaxGNQE5ZLA/видео.html
This is my favorite movie. Seen it over 100 times and have memorabilia including the poster. The version you are watching is not the original that people watched in theatres in 1976. What is shown now is the 20th-anniversary version after it was picked up by Ted Turner. The changes did not change the story. Stallone has tried to make it seem as if he was an unknown actor. He had played in a few well-known films and was a regular on Kojack. He may not have been well off but was far from destitute and his father had money. John G. Avildsen won the best director Oscar.
each Rocky gets better, except for maybe part 5, lol!
Is it ironic that the dog Buttkiss last appearance in the movie, is when they go to the slaughter house? LoL, weird.
I’m a boxer and yes you have to be very fit I train 6 days a week.
This movie was made back when romance was alive and well.
All the women were playing hard to get and all the guys had to give chase,that's how it was back then.
"He didn't win?"
Boxing is complicated if neither boxer knocks the other out (knock-out/KO) or injures them enough that they cannot fight (technical knock-out/TKO). At the end of the final round, judge's points are tabulated and a winner declared. Points are scored for many things, but mainly solid hits to the face and torso and knocking your opponent off his feet.
Rocky's tactic of letting his opponent wear himself out punching his face is... not great 🤕 but he backs it up with an a lot of power and stamina.
I think the Rocky movies get better as they go along, till 4, then have a sharp decline until Creed.
Points are scored for winning the round. If you win a round you get 10 points and if you lose it you get 9. So if you win all the rounds in 10 round fight you win the fight 100-90. And who wins the fight is subjective. Fighter with more punches in a round doesn't necessarily win that round. Also knocking your opponent off his feet doesn't give you a point, it means your opponent loses a point. So if you win the round and your opponent goes down once you win that round 10-8 instead of 10-9.
Many #metoo people cringe, when they see Adrian in Rocky's apartment for the first time, because they've been in raised in the genderless society, but in 1976, until genderless & #metoo culture became dominant, that's how the "Game of Love" was played. Women were expected to at least feign reservations or resistance, so they wouldn't get a reputation of having "easy" virtue, and men were expected to seemingly push or otherwise persuade the women, otherwise, they both go home alone, never get married or have babies. The change to genderless & #metoo culture hasn't helped reverse the negative birthrates, which many developed countries now have. ...I guess treating romantic interaction as a formally negotiated contract, may take the romance out of it?
The 2nd one is superior in terms of story I think
Rocky is the human punching bag, lol
Please try scent of a woman
Now there's a movie with a great speech by Al Pacino towards the end of the movie.
@@scottjo63 indeed there is also a real great F movie from a true story with a touching great speech at the end of the movie PATCH ADAMS
@@lonelystranger7643 I've reacted to Patch Adams, it's in my 90s playlist :D
Please do the next two sequels Kat?
Tomara que vc continue a série!
Adrian une personne "plate et ennuyeuse" ?
J'en connaîs une autre...
why did you use an image from a different film in the thumbnail?
Rocky and Rocky balboa are different movies
Yes because I had never watched any of the Rocky films so I had no idea how the posters are for each film. So when I googled "Rocky poster" then this came up and I just thought it was it.
You are harsh as hell on Rocky and the first date. Give the man a break, he is as nervous as she is so he goes with what he knows. She got some words in, not many but some. Just curious, how's the view from that high horse you seem to be sitting upon? I can't watch this anymore. GL with you channel and life. I hate reactions of people that see things in todays eyes cause they don't bother to think about how things were, for better or worse. If men stopped chasing women, shit ton of people were never had been born. He took a shot and it paid off. Fuck it, I am not going to bother anymore. You just rub me the wrong way. Not everyone is for everyone. We are just to different. I was born in 70, I know how things were, you don't so maybe I am at the same fault as I said you were on the whole outlook of things. Be well.
U really need to relax , it’s a movie. It’s like so much feminism coming from you. Rocky was so nice to this woman trying to marry her. You really over react smh