Great timing for this article as I just rewatched Rocky IV a couple nights ago. The entire Apollo/Drago fight needs it's own article as it is truly a masterclass in cinema and my views of Stallone as a director went up a great deal after viewing it again. The prelude to the fight starts with Drago standing in what appears to be a broom closet, suddenly he starts rising in the air, the sounds of James Brown, after snorting mountains of PCP, signing Living in America surround Drago. As the platform rises to the ring Drago sees the depravity and carnival like atmosphere of American culture for the first time, the camera keeps going from Drago's eyes to what he is seeing around him for the first time and the look of disbelief on his face is one of horror/humor. James Brown continues his dance routine and is now joined by Apollo, who is being lowered to the ring on what can only be described as a giant bull/minotaur while doing his own dance routine to Living in America. The bull finally descends and Apollo dances into the ring while the crowd feverishly waves American flags. This whole scene is maybe 5-7 minutes long and, IMO, this movie would never have been as good as it is without it.
Very true, and well said, we've plans to do an entire article on this fight and on the Rocky fight later in the film, it's just we wanted to chop it into two theme-oriented essays.
Excellent article! I remember watching this movie back in the day on a poorly dubbed VHS tape. Don't think this would've made it past the censors but after the fall of the regime, we had access to a lot of movies, games, and books. Drago encapsulates all the underhanded ways the communist regimes used to "win." Not just in sports but pretty much everything else. Achieve not by the sweat of your own brow, but steal from others, and mercilessly exploit your "people."
In my own book series, I have two characters who are trained pugilists and one of them is a giant.
James Brown appeared in the film to perform "Living In America", which fit in with the clearly jingoistic American theme.
Ohh okay
Great timing for this article as I just rewatched Rocky IV a couple nights ago. The entire Apollo/Drago fight needs it's own article as it is truly a masterclass in cinema and my views of Stallone as a director went up a great deal after viewing it again. The prelude to the fight starts with Drago standing in what appears to be a broom closet, suddenly he starts rising in the air, the sounds of James Brown, after snorting mountains of PCP, signing Living in America surround Drago. As the platform rises to the ring Drago sees the depravity and carnival like atmosphere of American culture for the first time, the camera keeps going from Drago's eyes to what he is seeing around him for the first time and the look of disbelief on his face is one of horror/humor. James Brown continues his dance routine and is now joined by Apollo, who is being lowered to the ring on what can only be described as a giant bull/minotaur while doing his own dance routine to Living in America. The bull finally descends and Apollo dances into the ring while the crowd feverishly waves American flags. This whole scene is maybe 5-7 minutes long and, IMO, this movie would never have been as good as it is without it.
Very true, and well said, we've plans to do an entire article on this fight and on the Rocky fight later in the film, it's just we wanted to chop it into two theme-oriented essays.
But yeah that scene is awesome.
Excellent article! I remember watching this movie back in the day on a poorly dubbed VHS tape. Don't think this would've made it past the censors but after the fall of the regime, we had access to a lot of movies, games, and books. Drago encapsulates all the underhanded ways the communist regimes used to "win." Not just in sports but pretty much everything else. Achieve not by the sweat of your own brow, but steal from others, and mercilessly exploit your "people."
In my own book series, I have two characters who are trained pugilists and one of them is a giant.
Very well said, I'm glad you liked the article.
And ah okay, a giant? Interesting, is he a hero or a villain?
Most Asgardians like Brynjar are heroes :) In his youth, before he became a mecha pilot, Brynjar was trained by Rocky Marciano.
Ah ok