Parents' Guide to

Rocky

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Boxing Best Picture sets underdog-hero standard; drinking.

Movie PG 1976 119 minutes
Rocky Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Rocky Movie: Scene #1
  • Rocky Movie: Scene #2
  • Rocky Movie: Scene #3

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 22 parent reviews

Federica Fellini
Federica Fellini Adult
June 7, 2021
age 16+

Sexual violence scene easily misinterpreted by young people

As mentioned in other reviews, there is a very problematic scene between Adrian and Rocky. They are in his apartment and she says several times that she's uncomfortable and wants to leave. He corners her and kisses her, and she finally succumbs to desire. This is meant to show how Rocky is a great guy who overcomes a timid girl's resistance. But, as my husband (who is a criminal law professor) said, Rocky's behaviour constitutes sexual assault under the law. The scene was obviously written by a man who does not understand the power dynamics between men and women. Boys who watch this and emulate this behaviour can get into a lot of trouble, and girls may also absorb dangerous messages from this scene. A child watching it this movie needs someone to explain to them that Rocky's behaviour is not acceptable, and that women would not react the way that Adrian does in this movie. Her reaction to his kiss is a fabrication that perpetuates dangerous myths about women. As another reviewer said, we need to teach our boys that no means no. This movie does the opposite. Please beware.
rosabcn
rosabcn Parent of 11-year-old
April 6, 2021
age 13+

Lots of inappropiate things. Domestic and sexual violence. Not for 11 years old.

We're usually on the permisive side and let our 11 years old kid see movies rated for 12 years old. But in this movie there are several things that we think are better suited for 13 years old minds. They say whore several times, talk about girls that are whores if they are in the street with young men. 12 years old teenagers are drinking in the street, there's a lot of swearing too. But for me the worst part is the violence against women that is displayed in several scenes, in different degrees: not only verbal but also with violence, and not only from Rocky's friend but also from Rocky that forces her in several negative ways: not letting her leaving his appartment when she tries to, and somewhat forcing her be kissed by him: all behaviors that have been proven to be sexual violence. With a 13 years old, that knows more about sex and about sexual behaviour and what can a cannot be accepted is possible to explain the innapropiate behaviours they are seeing, and can better understand what is going on. The movie is also very slow for 11 years old with the boxing action just at the beggining (5 minutes) and at end of the film (15 minutes). Our kid was absolutely bored.
See all 22 parent reviews

What's the Story?

ROCKY Balboa (Sylvester Stallone ) is a sweet-natured, but not very bright boxer and small-time enforcer for a loan-shark. He has a crush on Adrian (Talia Shire), the painfully shy sister of his friend, Pauly (Burt Young). When heavyweight champ Apollo Creed's (Carl Weathers) upcoming fight is cancelled, he and his promoters decide to give an unknown a shot at the title, and pick Rocky. Rocky shows potential, but has never made a commitment to anything. Mickey (Burgess Meredith) wants to throw him out of the gym because he doesn't take boxing seriously enough. But Apollo's offer gives Rocky a chance to see himself differently. Rocky has a chance to think of himself as someone who can hold his own with the world champion, and once he has that image of himself, it is just a matter of taking the steps to get there. Rocky also finds courage to get closer to Adrian, and to help her value herself for her strengths. Each sees the other as loveable, as no one has before. This, as much as anything, is what allows both of them to bloom.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (22 ):
Kids say (90 ):

This satisfying, classic boxing movie offers some decent messages. Rocky is realistic about his goal. He does not need to win. He just needs to acquit himself with dignity, to show that he is in the same league as the champion. In order to achieve that goal, he will risk giving everything he has, risk even the small pride of an unbroken nose. He develops enough self-respect to risk public disgrace. This is a big issue for teens -- adolescence has been characterized as the years in which everything centers around the prayer, "God, don't let me be embarrassed today." Rocky begins as someone afraid to give his best in case it is not good enough, and becomes someone who suspects that his best is enough to achieve his goals, and is willing to test himself to find out.

It's worth taking a look at Creed as well. Like the hare in the Aesop fable, he underestimates his opponent. He is so sure of himself, and so busy working on the business side of the fight that he comes to the fight unprepared.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the appeal of the underdog character like Rocky. What other historical or literary characters fit this profile?

  • What messages did you take away from the movie about violence? What about love? Perseverance?

  • What cinematic techniques amp up the drama of this story?

  • How do the characters in Rocky demonstrate gratitude, self-control, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

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