He’s facing the ultimate challenge. And fighting for his life.|Nov. 21, 1985|United States|91 Min.|PG
Genre: Drama
Description: **Rocky IV (1985) – A Tale of Rivalry and Redemption**
In 1985, Soviet boxer Ivan Drago arrives in the United States with his wife Ludmilla, a Soviet swimmer, and a team of trainers from the Soviet Union and Cuba. His manager, Nicolai Koloff, consistently promotes Drago’s athletic abilities as a symbol of Soviet dominance. Driven by patriotism and a desire to prove himself, Apollo Creed challenges Drago to an exhibition match. Although Rocky Balboa has reservations about the fight, he agrees to train Apollo despite his concerns. Meanwhile, Rocky surprises his brother-in-law, Paulie, by gifting him a robot.
Tensions rise during a press conference as hostility erupts between Apollo’s and Drago’s teams. The bout takes place at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. Apollo makes a grand, patriotic entrance with James Brown performing “Living in America” and showgirls accompanying him. The match starts cautiously, with Apollo landing punches that seem ineffective against Drago. However, Drago retaliates fiercely, overwhelming Apollo. By the end of the first round, Rocky and Apollo’s trainer, Duke, urge him to stop the fight, but Apollo refuses, instructing Rocky not to intervene “no matter what.” In the second round, Drago continues his assault, and Duke pleads with Rocky to throw in the towel. Rocky honors Apollo’s request, allowing Drago to deliver a fatal blow. After the match, Drago shows no remorse, coldly remarking to the media, “If he dies, he dies.”
Devastated by the Soviets’ indifference, Rocky decides to challenge Drago himself, even if it means forfeiting his championship title. Drago’s camp agrees to an unsanctioned 15-round fight in the Soviet Union on Christmas Day, a move intended to protect Drago from threats he faces in the U.S. Rocky travels to the Soviet Union without his wife Adrian, who disapproves of the match, and sets up a training base in a remote cabin in Krasnogourbinsk with only Duke and Paulie by his side. During their time there, Duke opens up to Rocky, revealing that he raised Apollo and felt the loss deeply, like a father losing a son. He expresses his confidence in Rocky’s ability to win.
To prepare for the fight, Drago relies on advanced equipment, a team of trainers and doctors, and regular steroid use. Rocky, on the other hand, trains in harsh conditions, running through snowy mountainous terrain and using outdated farm equipment for his workouts. Adrian eventually arrives to support Rocky, giving him renewed determination for the upcoming battle.
Cast director: Duncan Henderson
Cast actor: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Dolph Lundgren, Brigitte Nielsen, Burt Young, Tony Burton, Michael Pataki, Stu Nahan, R. J. Adams
Original name: Rocky IV