Rocky IV As A Propaganda Film

Rocky is a classic film series created by Sylvester Stallone that caused him to move from rags to riches. Stallone was broke and homeless and he even had to sell his beloved dog before writing the script for Rocky. His script had been declined by producers many times and most of them offered a change in it but Stallone refused. Eventually, producers agreed on Stallone's terms on the script with a lower price tag. After many years, it is still the most profitable series for Stallone. Today, I will focus on Rocky 4 and how it is a somewhat propaganda film.

Rocky 4 opens with Rocky who seems to be successful in his pursuit of the American Dream. He has a lovely family, a big house, and a fast sports car. He even has a robot maid which shows how the United States is a developed nation and how its citizens benefit from these developments. Rocky is also an Italian American immigrant and that shows that even an immigrant has great prospects thanks to hard work.

Later on, we are presented with a Russian boxer Ivan Drago. He uses the latest technologies and serum in order to stay strong. He has a wife supposedly but it is clear to the audience that the woman they claimed to be Ivan's wife is simply an agent of the Russian government. The two have no romanticism in between and they both act like robotic aliens. Ivan is way stronger and taller than Rocky and he can kill a man with his strong punches.

Ivan offers a match with the great Rocky and he accepts the offer. Rocky has to go to Russia to match against Ivan. He is faced with complete hostility from Russians. He trains for the match without any equipment but natural things such as wooden logs. On the other hand, Ivan trains with high-tech equipment with the help of multiple scientists and drugs. Adrian comes to aid Rocky in his quest. She aids him with her love which is suggested to be more powerful than anything.

Finally, Rocky goes on to ring against Ivan. He gets devastating punches to his head through multiple rounds but he manages to stand still against his opponent. His will and durability start to gain Russian citizens' respect and love. He even gets some respect from Ivan. Toward the latest rounds, Rocky lands devastating punches on Ivan and wins the match. This achievement shows American mental strength and willpower against any obstacle. It shows that anything is possible through hard work.

Finally Russian audience cheer for Rocky and he makes a statement that suggests world peace and unity throughout the world. He becomes a liberator as America sees itself. All in all, it is a propaganda film because it boosts American superiority over other nations and the American patriarchy that teaches others the true way of doing things.