Rocky IV (1985)

BichDuong
September 29, 2025

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Rocky IV (1985) – Detailed Review

Director: Sylvester Stallone
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Brigitte Nielsen
Genre: Drama, Sports, Action
Runtime: 91 minutes
Rating: PG

Plot Summary:

Rocky IV is the fourth installment in the Rocky series, and it takes the iconic underdog story of Rocky Balboa to the international stage. Released in 1985, the film finds Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) in the midst of personal success, having solidified his legacy as a champion after defeating Apollo Creed in Rocky III. However, a new and powerful threat emerges in the form of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a towering and highly trained Soviet boxer who has been engineered in a Soviet lab to be a near-perfect fighting machine.

The plot is set in motion when Drago arrives in the United States to challenge Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) for a boxing match. Apollo, ever the showman, insists on taking on Drago in a public exhibition match. The result is disastrous. Drago’s brutal knockout of Apollo in the ring leads to Apollo’s death, and the event sends shockwaves through Rocky’s life. Devastated by the loss of his friend and former rival, Rocky decides to take matters into his own hands and challenge Drago in a high-stakes fight on Soviet soil.

As Rocky prepares for the fight, the film highlights the political and cultural divide between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. In a moment of personal and professional redemption, Rocky travels to Russia for an intense and grueling training regimen, where he trains in the harsh wilderness while Drago benefits from the high-tech resources of the Soviet regime. Despite the stark differences in training conditions, Rocky’s determination and heart shine through as he prepares for the ultimate showdown with Drago.

In the climactic match, the two fighters face off in a brutal battle of wills, testing their strength, resolve, and the personal stakes of each man. With the eyes of the world on them, Rocky fights not just for personal glory but for justice and redemption. The film’s iconic speech, where Rocky delivers a heartfelt message about unity and personal growth, serves as a powerful moment that resonates far beyond the boxing ring.

Character Dynamics:

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone):
The heart and soul of the Rocky franchise, Stallone’s portrayal of Rocky in Rocky IV is as iconic as ever. In this film, Rocky is no longer the scrappy underdog but a seasoned champion. He is driven by the loss of his friend, Apollo Creed, and by the need to prove that true strength comes from the heart, not just physical power. Rocky’s internal journey is about more than just beating Drago—it’s about honor, redemption, and showing the world that the human spirit can triumph over cold, mechanical power. His transformation from an American hero to an international symbol of defiance is one of the film’s key themes.
Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren):
Drago is the film’s antagonist, a menacing and stoic Soviet boxer who represents the cold, calculating, and seemingly unbeatable force of the Soviet regime. Played by Dolph Lundgren, Drago is a character that’s both physically imposing and emotionally distant. His relationship with his trainer (played by Burt Young) is devoid of warmth, as he is simply a product of the Soviet government’s desire for dominance. Drago’s cold demeanor contrasts sharply with Rocky’s heart and determination, making the final fight between them a battle of ideologies. Lundgren’s portrayal is memorable for its understated intensity and the sheer power he brings to the character.
Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers):
Apollo’s role in Rocky IV is significant despite his tragic death early in the film. He is the catalyst that drives Rocky’s decision to fight Drago, and his friendship with Rocky gives the film an emotional depth. Apollo’s showmanship and confidence are evident in his final fight, but his willingness to step into the ring with Drago is ultimately his downfall. Weathers’ performance as Apollo is a key element of the film’s emotional impact, and his death leaves a lasting impression on the narrative.
Adrian (Talia Shire):
Adrian’s role in Rocky IV is somewhat subdued compared to previous films, but her presence remains a grounding force for Rocky. She is concerned for his safety and hesitant about the fight with Drago, but ultimately supports him in his quest for justice and redemption. Talia Shire brings her usual warmth and strength to the role, and her relationship with Rocky continues to be a central theme of his personal journey.
Paulie (Burt Young):
Paulie, Rocky’s long-time friend and brother-in-law, plays a more comedic role in Rocky IV, but his character is also deeply affected by Apollo’s death. Paulie’s dynamic with Rocky is humorous but also highlights the deep friendship and loyalty between the characters. Burt Young’s portrayal of Paulie brings some levity to the otherwise intense film.

Themes:

Cold War Rivalry:
At the heart of Rocky IV is the symbolic Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The film uses boxing as a metaphor for the political and ideological struggle between the two superpowers. Rocky’s fight against Drago becomes not just a personal quest but a battle for the pride and honor of his country. The film’s setting in the Soviet Union, along with the contrasts between the two fighters, creates a palpable sense of political tension.
Redemption and Personal Growth:
For Rocky, Rocky IV is about redemption—not just in the boxing ring, but in life. After Apollo’s death, Rocky grapples with guilt and the need to avenge his friend’s honor. His journey takes him from anger and grief to self-realization, and the fight against Drago becomes a means to prove that strength is not just physical but emotional and spiritual. The film portrays the idea that redemption often requires personal sacrifice and inner strength.
Heart vs. Machine:
One of the core themes of Rocky IV is the idea of heart overcoming mechanized power. Drago represents the Soviet Union’s obsession with creating a flawless, emotionless fighter, while Rocky represents the human spirit—flawed, but full of heart, passion, and perseverance. This theme resonates in the training sequences, where Rocky’s rugged, natural training methods contrast with Drago’s high-tech regimen. The final fight exemplifies the triumph of determination and willpower over cold calculation.
Friendship and Loss:
Apollo’s death adds emotional weight to the film. It’s not just about boxing—Rocky IV is about the loss of a close friend and the quest for justice in his memory. Apollo’s sacrifice pushes Rocky into the fight with Drago, and the film poignantly underscores the bond between the two men, who were once rivals but ultimately became brothers.

Direction and Cinematography:

Rocky IV was directed by Sylvester Stallone, and it marks a more stylized and flashy approach compared to the previous Rocky films. The film’s energetic pace and motivational tone are matched by its iconic montages, especially the training sequence, which has become legendary in its own right. Rocky’s training in the snow-covered Russian wilderness contrasts with Drago’s high-tech, scientific training in a sterile gym, emphasizing the differences between the two men. Stallone uses these montages effectively to convey the emotional and physical journey each fighter undergoes.

The cinematography by Bill Butler emphasizes the stark contrasts between Rocky’s humble, gritty training regimen and the cold, high-tech environment of Drago. The film’s visual style complements the heightened sense of drama, with bold colors and dynamic camera angles during the fight sequences.

Soundtrack:

Rocky IV is famous for its iconic soundtrack, which features some of the most recognizable songs of the 1980s. The film’s score includes:

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, which became a motivational anthem.
“Living in America” by James Brown, which plays during Apollo’s entrance to the ring.
“No Easy Way Out” by Robert Tepper, featured in a key montage sequence that symbolizes Rocky’s internal conflict and determination.

The soundtrack is one of the film’s highlights, further elevating the emotional stakes and energy of the story.

Final Thoughts:

Rocky IV is a quintessential 1980s action film that combines intense drama, action, and an underdog story with a larger-than-life sense of global significance. It marked a turning point in the Rocky series, with Stallone’s direction and performance adding a heightened sense of personal and political stakes. The film’s themes of redemption, heart versus machine, and overcoming adversity resonate with audiences, making Rocky IV a beloved classic in the sports film genre.

Rating: 8/10