Rocky IV (1985)

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13/06/2025

Rocky IV (1985)

Rocky IV, directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, is the fourth installment in the iconic Rocky franchise. Released in 1985 during the height of the Cold War, the film combines powerful personal drama with a symbolically charged East vs. West showdown between the United States and the Soviet Union, represented through boxing.

The film opens with Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), now a world champion and beloved sports figure, enjoying a peaceful life with his family. However, tensions rise when Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a towering, stoic Soviet boxer with advanced scientific training and brute strength, arrives in the United States seeking to prove Soviet athletic superiority.

Rocky’s close friend and former rival, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), sees Drago’s challenge as a threat to American pride and volunteers to fight him in an exhibition match in Las Vegas. Despite concerns from Rocky and his trainer Duke, Apollo is determined to make a statement. The fight turns tragic when Drago’s relentless and emotionless power proves overwhelming. In front of a shocked crowd — and a helpless Rocky — Drago delivers a fatal blow to Apollo. Coldly, Drago declares, “If he dies, he dies.”

Devastated by Apollo’s death and haunted by guilt, Rocky decides to take on Drago himself, despite the dangers and pressure. He travels to the Soviet Union to train in harsh, snowy conditions, using old-school, natural methods while Drago prepares in a high-tech Soviet facility. The contrast highlights the central theme of heart and will versus technology and control.

On Christmas Day, the climactic fight takes place in Moscow. Drago dominates the early rounds with his strength and precision, but Rocky refuses to back down, enduring punishing blows and slowly wearing down the Russian fighter. As the match progresses, Rocky earns the respect of the Soviet crowd, who begin to cheer for him. In the final round, Rocky defeats Drago in a stunning upset.

In his post-fight speech, Rocky delivers a heartfelt message about change and understanding, telling the crowd and the world that people are capable of changing for the better. His words resonate, offering a moment of unity in a divided world.

Rocky IV is more than a boxing film — it’s a powerful story of courage, redemption, and standing up for what you believe in, even against overwhelming odds. It remains one of the most memorable and emotionally charged entries in the Rocky series.

Rocky IV (1985)

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