Rocky IV was inspired by a real boxing match.
Summary SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT Despite its focus being on a fictional, Cold War-themed contest, Rocky IV was inspired by a real-life boxing match between an American and a German Boxer held almost 50 years before its release in 1985. The Rocky sequel was made when the Cold War was in its 40th year, and it wouldn't end for another six.
Apollo Creed's heartbreaking death in Rocky IV during his match with Ivan Drago displayed just how severe tensions were between the two countries, as Rocky Balba then had to avenge his fallen friend and defeat the Soviet soldier known as the "Siberian Express." While Rocky IV continued Stallone's fictional franchise, there was also some truth behind the film.
Rocky IV Was Inspired By Joe Louis Vs. Max Schmelling In 1936, American boxer Joe Louis went up against German boxer Max Schmeling at Yankees Stadium in New York City. The undefeated Louis was looked at as a symbol of the liberated Black man because of his success in the sport. Unfortunately, Louis lost his first match against Schmeling, a former heavyweight champion whose career at the time was thought to be in decline. Schmeling proved Louis and boxing fans wrong by winning the match.
In Rocky IV, it was Rocky Balboa who defeated Ivan Drago in the ring in the second match, as Apollo had died during the first East vs. West showdown. Louis's victory in the second match seems to have been the inspiration behind Rocky's victory. In both cases, it was a return to glory for America in their hero's defeat of the representative of an adversarial foreign power.
A 2002 Movie Depicts The True Story Behind Rocky IV While Rocky IV may be the more popular movie inspired by the Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling fights, it isn't the only one. In 2002, Hoop Dreams director Steve James released Joe and Max on the cable network Starz! The biographical drama depicts the factual story of the bouts between Louis and Schmeling instead of the fictional story that Sylvester Stallone delivered in Rocky IV.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pittsburg's only boxing gym makes dreams come true, stays focused on giving backThe action is non-stop inside the Lion's Den Boxing Gym in Pittsburg. For many, it is a daily stop.
Read more »
‘The Featherweight’ Review: A Poetic Tribute to Boxing Champion Willie PepIn his feature directorial debut, Robert Kolodny chronicles the featherweight champion's attempts to get back in the ring.
Read more »
True Detective (2014) | ColliderStay up to date with new movie news, watch the latest movie trailers & get trusted reviews of upcoming movies & more from the team at Collider.
Read more »
'True Detective: Night Country' Release Date Delayed to 2024A mystery within a mystery.
Read more »