Rocky Balboa – Started From the Bottom or Started From Rock Bottom

Reelworld Screen Institute staff members Safia Abdigir, Hannah Yohannes, Alison Cosgrove and Pahull Bains take over Hollywood Suite’s four channels Sept 29 and 30 showcasing some of their favourite films from the 70s through to today. 

Rocky is one of those films that is not only an Academy award winning story and highest-grossing film of 1976, it also has the subtext of a relatable underdog tale. The origins of how Sylvester Stallone created the Rocky script and his stance in being the lead character of Rocky during the development process is a testament to his principles and his belief in himself. I believe Aristotle once said that “Art imitates nature.”

It’s been said that Sylvester drew inspiration for his Rocky script by watching the boxing match between Muhammed Ali and Chuck Wepner and completed it in a matter of days. Although Rocky is a dramatic sports film, it also showcases a love story between Rocky and Adrian as well as his gritty fight to prove others and himself that it is possible to achieve his highest potential – which in this case is to be a heavyweight champion in Philadelphia. What I enjoyed about Rocky’s character is that he is flawed and not afraid to show his emotions in outbursts which draws audiences in emotionally and highlights the universal theme of overcoming physical and psychological challenges in life.

My favourite visual scene in Rocky is when Stallone goes over the famous steps of the Philadelphia art museum and shakes his fist in the air because it represents a symbol of triumph not only as being the lead character in his film but also being the lead hero of his own story. Cue in Mariah Carey’s song “Hero” and fade to black.

Hannah’s Pick – September 30

Rocky – 9pm ET on HS70

Hannah Yohannes, Reelworld Program Manager

Hannah Yohannes is a film director and screenwriter who is well known for her critically acclaimed short film, Home Away, which has been featured on Issa Rae’s Short Film Sunday Series and won the Shaw Media Fearless Female Directors Award. Her work has been showcased in numerous film festivals worldwide such as the San Diego Black Film Festival, Sarasota Film Festival and Reelworld Film Festival. Hannah has studied script writing at Michigan State University and has been nominated as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women by the Hon. Jean Augustine for her experience in developing film work, advocacy and arts programming.