Customer Reviews

Rocky IV (Bilingual)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

ROCKY IV, billed as East meets West, is a pretty good action film from the 1980s. That doesn't mean it's a good Rocky movie as far as dramatic or Oscar worthy issues go, but it is one of those films you think of when you think of classic 1980s movies.

This time around, Rocky must fight Ivan Drago, a fighter from the USSR. Not only that, he must fight Drago in Russia itself for the climactic fight.

Ivan Drago comes to fight for the pride of Russia. He has an intense training schedule, and his charecteriation is over-the-top, catoonish, more fantasy than reality. Drago is unstoppable it appears. Apollo fights him (in attempts to regain something of a career) and is killed. So when Rocky decides to fight him, he must fight for not only his own national pride, but for his life and the honour of his friend as well.

The film very much focuses the differing contrast between Russia and America. Prime examples of this is the opening sequences for the two main fights that occur in the film.

The first fight features Apollo Creed, reprised again by Carl Weathers, against Drago. Now Creed is pretty desperate to get back into the spotlight, and he takes an exhibition match against Drago to help propel his fighting career and to get his name out there again among the fans. To start the fight, Drago is alone on the stage in an underground area. The stage is then raised up from the lower pit into the ground floor of the arena. Then James Brown (the king of soul) begins to sing an over-the-top number called "Living in America", and Apollo Creed enters the arena from high above. The whole sequence is an exercise in how gaudy and excessive Americans can get. There are backup singers, dancers, big lights, and Apollo in his rather tacky red, white, and blue themed suit with a large hat. The whole sequence leaves one with a bad taste of the worst of Las Vegas. Very tacky.

Now, contrast that too the fight in Russia, where every one is reserved, and the fight is before Russian national leaders who are in attendance, as wella s the general crowd. A large billboard or flag is unfurled with Drago's image, but everyone is respectiful. It's a totally different atmosphere.

The second is the training. Drago is treated like a machine. All of his training is closely monitored via machinery and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment. Rocky, on the other hand, trains naturally in the Russian mountains. The training montage in this film is probably my favorite of the six Rocky films, as Drago's training is just so over the top compared to Rocky's. Then we get the immortal scene in which Rocky climbs a mountain ridge, and in an impressive panoramic shot of him high up on this mountain change he yells "DRAGO!!!!!", like he's ready to fight right then and there.

I can understand why people who are fans of the first two films (which are quite similar enough to be regard as two halves, almost) express disappointment in ROCKY III and IV. III is classic 1980s cheese, especially the fight with "Thunderlips" Hulk Hogan. Still, there is some dramatic tension in III (most of these scenes, tellingly enough, involve Burgess Meredith as Mickey).

IV, however, is so far removed from the gritty street drama of the first two films as to be unrecognizable. The characters are not nearly as narrowly defined as they are here. There's a lot of character and heart in ROCKY. In ROCKY IV, Stallone changes Rocky from being a very real, good hearted guy to being little more than the latest action movie hero. The characterization isn't nearly as strong in this movie as in the other Rocky films, and they're much more simplified. It also has the whole aging question where Rocky questions if he's too old to fight (strangely enough this question has been debated by Rocky since the very first film). And the robot that Paulie gets is really over the top. Who the hell wrote that into the script, Stallone?

The worst part about ROCKY IV is the very end. Even though Drago is apparently unstoppable, a superhuman god, and even killed Apollo pretty easily, somehow he beats the hell out of Rocky but Rocky still comes out victorious.

And then we get to the most heinous, ridiculous moment in Stallone's career. The "We can change" speech.

Now remember, ROCKY IV came out in 1985, when Russina/US relationships were at a breaking point. There was trouble on the international front. And then we get this piece of tripe.

During the course of the fight, the Russian people go from actively hostile toward Rocky to chanting his name. Rather ridiculous, given the political climate of the time, but whatever. Then the Russian leaders give Rocky a standing ovation. Then we get to the most sentimental tripe Stallone ever had the bad graces to write.

Basically, Rocky says that he's changed, and so did the Russians in their attitude toward him. Then, in one big feel good moment, he yells "We can all change!" Yeah, like a single fight between Rocky and Drago will change international politics forever.

As gaudy and tacky as the Las Vegas intro of Apollo Creed is in comparison to the Russian fight at the end of the movie, the same analogy could be said of ROCKY IV in comparison to ROCKY. ROCKY deserves an Oscar. ROCKY IV is nothing but an action flick with cartoon fighters.

That being said, don't think I don't like the movie. It's a great movie. Lots of fun, very 1980s. Watching it just takes you back to earlier times in your life. It's not nearly dramatically compelling or nearly good as the original ROCKY. But then again, it doesn't have to be. It's a much different film from the first. It can get cheesy at times, but it's one of those essential movies anyone who grew up in the 1980s must see.

Rocky 4 is a better movie than Rocky 3.there is more depth to the
story.The villain is a much greater threat and there is more at
stake.the is a second antagonist which Rocky must fight,but you will
have to watch the movie to understand.the setting for the movie is also
a positive.it is set in Russia in 1985.the movie also has a moral which
the three previous ones do not.this movie focuses much more om the
training for the final fight than actual fight itself.the fight scenes
are well done,but there is less realism.by that,i mean no man could
take any where near the punishment endured by Rocky and remain alive
for the duration.other than that,the movie is well done.though not as
good as Rocky 2,it is a close second to the original.A fine addition to
the series. 4/5

Having lived through the period of time when, as a child, I worried about nuclear war, I really enjoyed this Rocky installment. Russia and America were at a stalemate for so many years, this movie did an excellent job of showing that people are just people, no matter what form of government they live under. Don't get me wrong, the movie was a bit corny, but the mere fact that Stallone pulled this off is amazing. He made Rocky movie that aimed as high as demonstrating the tension of the Cold War and the simplicity of what it might take to end that war. Stallone and Reagan may have made my fear of nuclear weapons go away. Thanks, gentlemen!

After Apollo Creed is killed in the ring by a massive new Russian boxer (Dolph Lundgren), Rocky steps up to the plate (ring) and serves the Russian a case of the Philadelphia two-step (you hit me two times, I hit you one). The Russian gets so wore out from beating on Rocky that he just about collapses. That's when Rocky releases a few nuclear bombs of his own! Great action and training sequences in this one; a really cool sports car and music video too.

Buy this movie, it is worth every penny!

See ya next review.

www.therunninggirl.com

rocky 4 is the best rocky it came out among coldwar tension between the us and the soviet union in it apollo creed comes out of retirement and is killed by drago the giant monster out of the soviet union who seems to be unbeatable (but u later see him taking steroids) angered by his friends death rocky vows revenge and comes out of retirement then they basically trade how they train rocky goes to russia and trains in the cold primitively while drago gets used to fame and trains on all modern equipment and as u know allready rocky somehow pulls it off defeating the steroid using monster and winning over even the soiviet audience this movie has some great music and moments and great pro america us vs them feeling and it captures what rocky and heart stand for even more than the original

I'll say it: "Rocky IV" is one of the top five movies of all time. Too bad for those of you who think only a film with subtitles can have that honor. I love more "dramatic" films just as much as the next guy but there's something about Rocky IV that is just PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll never forget watching this movie, as a little girl in Miami, at the movie theatre. I've never experienced such an incredible movie going experience (other than at "The Passion of the Christ" but that was a whole different thing). The theatre that day was so crowded, that my family and I had to sit in the front. My sister and I had taken our Cabbage Patch Dolls with us. In the last scene, where Rocky is pummeling Ivan Drago, my sister and I were sitting up on the backs of our seats, chanting "Rocky! Rocky!" I turned around and the ENTIRE MOVIE THEATRE was up on their chairs, cheering. I don't think a movie has ever had that kind of impact on audiences again. What's funny is I heard that happened at lots of other theatres across the country!

Additionally, in an age of P.C. liberalism where it's not OK to be patriotic, Rocky IV is unapologetically and brazenly patriotic, and it's appreciated. The movie is not afraid to make the Soviet system of treating its athletes like dogs, or life in a police-state, look bad.

Part of what makes Rocky IV so perfect is the timing. Sylvester Stallone is a genius at timing movies -- he knows right where to place the crescendo, how to build it up, and just when give the audience what it wants (hence the reaction in the movie theatre I witnessed). It's neither too short nor too long and the scenes are just right.

The acting is spectacular: Dolph Lundgren was perfectly cast as Ivan Drago (and ladies, there's some eye-candy there for you!), Stallone is excellent, as usual -- and so is the rest of the cast. Everyone played their roles perfectly.

The soundtrack is also the BEST SOUNDTRACK IN FILM HISTORY. It's got the classic "Eye of the Tiger" (who doesn't want to work out when they hear it!) plus an even better tune: "No Easy Way Out." (This is the one playing where Rocky must make the decision to fight, which he contemplates while driving his Lamborghini through Philadelphia, right after Adrian has told him that to fight Drago is suicide).

The movie also teaches us a lot of valuable lessons and there are some real gems in the script: sometimes the tough choice is the right choice, you can't let others get you down, and sometimes you have to fight for what's right, plus a myriad of other beautiful themes. It also even touches upon the dangers of Communism or other oppressive police-states -- for instance, the trailing of Rocky by the slimey police agents when he's training in Russian or Drago's cold indifference when Apollo dies. Most importantly, Drago, in the course of his fight with Rocky, is so frustrated with the trainers who keep telling him he MUST win that he utters to the Soviet "watchdogs": "I fight for ME! I fight for ME!" No doubt, his saying so is a rebellion against the horribly repressive Communist mandate that an individual belongs to the State and not to himself/herself. We see Drago, arguably the most interesting character in the film, develop.

So, film snobs might dismiss this movie as an entertainment flick, but it's so much more. It's truly inspiring.

Best scenes are as follows, in my opinion:

1) When Rocky is training in Russia and his nature-based training (running up mountains, etc) is juxtaposed against Drago's state-of-the art training. Both are shown engaging in basically the same exercises -- one using nature and the other using fancy equipment and steroids.

2) Adrian approaches Rocky about his plans to fight Drago. She finally, angrily, shouts: "It's suicide! You can't win!" (Wow, way to support your husband, Adrian -- she's dead weight, that one! Seriously, though, that's a touching scene. Adrian is torn between supporting Rocky and having faith in him while knowing that, realistically, he will probably be killed). Rocky storms out, gets in his fancy black sports car, puts the gear in fifth and drives through Philadelphia, while "There's no easy way out" plays in the background.

3) When Rocky is thinking back on his friendship with Apollo there is a scene of them jogging together on the beach and then hugging (it's a scene from either Rocky II or Rocky III when Apollo, Rocky's former rival, offers to train him). It was so touching to see such a sincere, beautiful friendship between a black man and a white man (I get teary-eyed just thinking about it!). See? There's another positive message in the movie!

4) The fight between Drago and Apollo. Apollo's entrance is so much fun, with James Brown singing (he has a cameo), "Living in America." Fun!!! When Apollo is nearly pummeled and he approaches Rocky in the corner and asks him not to throw in the towel, we see a man who refuses to compromise on his dignity and pride, even if it costs him his life. The look on both Rocky and Apollo's faces is a testament to these actors' abilities -- you know what Apollo is thinking and what Rocky is thinking without any lines being uttered. Then Apollo looks over at his beautiful wife, who has tears in her eyes (she knows this can't be good), and gives her a little reassuring nod of his head. Wow, what a scene. Drago soon thereafter lands on a powerful punch on Apollo that kills him. Rocky rushes the stage, cradling the dead Apollo in his arms, and Drago coldly, indifferently utters: "If he dies, he dies."

Everyone should own this DVD -- I've seen it a hundred times and never tire of it!

I wanted to see if the blu-ray version was any better than the DVD version and there was no difference at all, in fact the Blu Ray is boring with no Trailer or nice looking/sounding menus like the DVD version. If you already have the Rocky movies on DVD save your money.

Rocky IV(1985) elvolves mainly around the cold war as it was made during the cold war period,Russia VS USA and this movie kind of resulted from the war.Its not a movie about the cold war but its Russia VS USA in the time of the war.This one is either a classic or an awfull Rocky,to me its a classic and my personnal favourite Rocky movie.

What gets the movie started is when Appolo Creed wants to get back in a ring,after much talking he then faces Russian oponent Ivan Drago who will make short work of Appolo as he killed him.Rocky seeking revenge for Appolo`s death challenges Drago.The match is schedueled to be in Russia were the match will take place on Christmas day,the day Rocky chose.Then classic training scenes like in the previous Rockys and the epic fight takes place!

Sylvester Stalone still gave his heart and soul into this movie,makig it another timeless classic were you can feel that it was worth making a fourth Rocky.The following movie,V,doesn`t have that element and is a letdown compared to IV.IV might be the last "TRUE" Rocky,VI is a great closer tought.

What makes this movie so great would have to be the ending fight with Rocky and Ivan Drago(Dolph Lundgren).It has to be the best fight out of all the Rocky movies.Dolph Lundgren is amazing as Ivan Drago, the giant Russian and really plays his role seriously.

All in all,Rocky IV is another great episode in the Rocky franchise and a worthy purchase.

This Rocky sequel isnt quite up to the standards of the previous films,but watching Dolph Lundgren as the russian boxer Drago is impressive.Dolph`s physique in this 1985 film is marvelous,6'6" 260 lbs and rock solid.It would take a bulldozer to knock this guy over! As a Bob Denver look-alike myself,I greatly admire Lundgren`s wide-jawed example of genetic perfection in this film.

THIS TIME, ROCKY TRAVELS TO RUSSIA TO FIGHT A SUPER FIGHTER [DOLPH LUNDGREN] WHO KILLED APOLLO CREED IN A BOXING MATCH. IT'S BASCIALLY A REVENGE MOVIE, BUT THIS IS THE BEST OF THE ROCKY SEQUELS. THIS IS WHERE DOLPH LUNDGREN GOT HIS 1ST BIG BREAK. YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY ADD THIS TO YOUR DVD COLLECTION.

After the first installment, this one was the one that I enjoyed the most. Dolph Lundgren gives a terrific performance as Ivan Drago, the Russian man of steel. Stallone is at his best, as he always was with the 'Rocky's and Rambo's. A good all-round performance, great movie!