“Rocky Is Me”

A biopic about a living star is always a questionable undertaking. Much like judging political figures who are still in power: life can change at any moment, and years of past achievements can be wiped away by a single decision. Still, what is there left to learn about Sylvester Stallone, whose films and iconic roles first reached audiences in our country back in the days of video rental parlours?

“Rocky Is Me” tells the story of how a future Hollywood star refused to sell his dream piece by piece. Stallone writes a screenplay about boxer Rocky Balboa, but the producers want to buy it without casting its author in the lead role. The money is good, the arguments are convincing, but as far as the producers are concerned, the screenwriter has no business playing the hero himself.

Some people aren’t satisfied with simply being told no. They need to hear it twenty times, preferably from twenty different people, just to make absolutely sure they’re doing the right thing. Young Sylvester Stallone is very much that kind of stubborn soul. Although, in his case, stubbornness nearly cost him his career, his money, and his last remaining chance of breaking into the big leagues of cinema.

The film is a fairly familiar story of success, the kind many stars achieve only after going through hell and leaving thousands upon thousands of aspiring hopefuls behind. But there’s something more here than just another motivational fairy tale about the power of determination.

Stubbornness alone is often not enough. Luck plays an enormous part in life. That one fortunate twist of fate that brings you into contact with people who can recognise your talent, believe in your abilities, and give you a chance when everyone else is already ready to write you off.

Because behind every success story there are not only sleepless nights and iron willpower, but also the people who once said: “I believe in you.” In Stallone’s case, those people were producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff, who agreed to take a risk and give the writer the opportunity to play the very character he had created.

Anthony Ippolito, in the lead role, does a convincing job of capturing the character of the young Stallone — a man who hasn’t yet become a legend but already possesses the defining quality of his future on-screen alter ego: the ability to get back up after taking another hit.

Director Peter Farrelly delivers a charming film full of humour, nostalgia, and affectionate nods to the original “Rocky”. And while this is very much a traditional story of overcoming the odds, its central message still rings true. If you want to change your life, you have to keep believing in yourself, even when everyone around you thinks your dream is ridiculous. And, at the same time, you need to find yourself in the right place at the right time, surrounded by people who can see something in you that others cannot.

Sylvester Stallone himself has given the film his approval, admitting that in some scenes he literally saw himself on screen. According to Farrelly, Stallone liked the film very much, although he was initially rather sceptical about the whole idea. Well, getting the approval of the very person whose story you’re telling isn’t a bad result.

“Rocky Is Me” is an enjoyable and uplifting film about dreams, stubbornness, and happy coincidences. As I’ve come to realise time and again in my own life, you never know which chance conversation, unexpected acquaintance, or random encounter might one day change your destiny.

The important thing is not to give up on your dream before that opportunity comes along. And that’s what I’m trying to do myself: keep going, keep believing in my plans, and hope that one day I’ll meet someone who believes in them just as much as I do.