Rocky Balboa

(2006) Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Antonio Tarver.

It is difficult to separate this film from the five previous installments that defined a genre. Without doubt Stallone relies on Rocky I-V to help establish the character that is arguably the greatest underdog of cinematic history. Despite the advantages of almost three decades of cultural and pop references, Rocky Balboa is without doubt the greatest boxing film of all time.

Choosing to shoot the film in high definition, before it became popular in Hollywood, Stallone demonstrates his directorial nous and the look of the film is spectacular as a result. Viewers are taken through a journey early in the film to remind all of the love Rocky has lost and the gaping hole in his heart that has emerged as a result.

Viewers are confronted with a Rocky who has lost his wife, is estranged from his son, and is operating a restaurant where he is constantly reminded of what he used to be. Surrounded by memorabilia and forced to retell stories and pose for digital snaps that already have a nostalgic feel.

Two key monologues determine the direction of this film. The first has Rocky convincing the boxing tribunal to take a risk and give someone the right to "do what they want to do and be who they want to be". The second, is a public argument where Rocky convinces his son to take the hits that life deals out and be true to himself.

Many readers will no doubt be asking "what about the boxing?". The fight scenes remain the most realistic of the franchise and gone are the nuclear type explosions made popular in Rocky III and IV.

However, like all true masterpieces this film transcends its setting and subject matter and calls on all of us to ask whether we can put ourselves in the ring of life, knowing that we may take a beating. This film reminds us all that true inspiration still exists and that the ability to move forward despite impossible odds is the defining characteristic of the human spirit.

Snap says 10/10.