Rocky Balboa: One Great Fictional Character

Unlike many, I felt general enthusiasm when I found out that they are making a sixth "Rocky" movie.

The first "Rocky" movies is my favourite movie of all time. It is a reminder that we can all achieve our dreams as long as we stick to them. Although we may experience despair more often then joy, it is essential not to let that despair take over our lives. Certainly the scene in the first movie where Rocky has an altercation with his boss, Gazo's driver and yells "I should have broke your thumb!" and turns sulkenly into flakes of snow is a shear symbol of the frustration the character was experiencing at the time.

Many politicians have sighted "Rocky" as an inspiration. Joe Clark has claimed to have seen the film several times shortly after winning the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party in 1976. After Pierre Trudeau made his impressive comeback in 1980, he entered the Chateau Laurier to the film's theme song "Gonna Fly". Bill Clinton has mentioned the film helped inspire him after losing Governor of Arkansas after one term in 1980.

If you are cynical about sequels, (and for the most part I am) I highly recommend the first "Rocky" movie to anyone. The special edition DVD can be purchased rather inexpensively, and takes you into a journey of how the film was made.