Spoilers ahead!

Introduction

When a Russian Boxer named Ivan Drago arrives in the United States, Apollo Creed feels the need to defeat Ivan in a boxing match to prove himself. Apollo asks Rocky to help him train for the match. Rocky agrees, but he still thinks that Apollo shouldn’t enter back into the ring since he has been retired for 5 years. When the day of the match comes, both Rocky and Apollo realize that they underestimated Ivan and Ivan ends up killing Apollo in the ring. Rocky Balboa, grieving his friend’s death, decides that he must enter the ring and defeat Ivan in Russia. Can Rocky Balboa defeat Ivan, or is he doomed to Apollo’s fate as well?

Ripe Apples

Rocky tries to warn his friend that it’s not a good idea to go back into the ring after he had been retired for 5 years. However, he also supports his friends wishes and helps him try to prove himself.

Once Apollo is killed, Rocky realizes that he needs to make sure that Apollo doesn’t die in vain, so he begins to train. He goes through a lot, but he refuses to give up. When he arrives in Russia, everyone hates him since he is an American and fighting their champion. However, by the end of the movie, Rocky gives a speech where people can change and not everyone has to hate each other.

Rocky’s wife stands by her husband even though she doesn’t want him to go up against Ivan. At first she begs him not to go. But eventually she decides to be by his side through anything.

Rotten Apples

All of the violence in this film is seen during boxing. We see people getting punched and blood gushing everywhere. We see blood on boxer’s faces as well as in their mouths. However, it isn’t excessive. There are two boxes scenes in this film that involve blood.

There are many men shirtless in this film as they box and train. We also see a few women that are wearing some revealing clothing (no nudity). We see Adrian and Rocky kiss a few times.

A few people are seen smoking and some are seen drinking alcohol. Ivan is seen being injected with a type of steroid in one scene.

There is some language in this film, but not much. We hear the h and d words a few times. The Lord’s name is misused twice, once combined with the d word.

Conclusion

Overall, this was a very entertaining film that shows Rocky grieving for his friend. Rocky didn’t want his friend to die in vain, therefore he made sure that he finished what he started. With the determination and never giving up, Rocky is able to beat Ivan and people begin to understand that everyone can change. The film is has a great lesson, an interesting plot, and some great character development. If you are a fan of sports films or have watched other Rocky films, I highly recommend you check this film out and let me know what you think about it in the comments!

Purchase the film:

Rocky IV | Blu-ray