Cathy and Todd discuss Rocky (1976), a film that feels more like a documentary than a traditional sports movie, set in the working-class neighborhoods of Philadelphia and made on a shoestring budget by writer and star Sylvester Stallone and director John G. Avildsen. The story follows Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer and part-time debt collector living an almost invisible life, who unexpectedly gets a shot at the heavyweight title against champion Apollo Creed as a publicity stunt. At its core, the film is about Rocky trying to prove he’s not a “bum,” developing his relationship with Adrian, and wrestling with the deeper question of self-worth over winning. It’s a grounded, human portrait of people searching for meaning and wanting their lives to matter, even if they don’t win. They’ll continue with Rocky II next week as part of their Rocky Month series.

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