Rocky IV
- 1985
- Tous publics
- 1h 31m
Rocky Balboa proudly holds the world heavyweight boxing championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago, a six-foot-six, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Uni... Read allRocky Balboa proudly holds the world heavyweight boxing championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago, a six-foot-six, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union.Rocky Balboa proudly holds the world heavyweight boxing championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago, a six-foot-six, 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union.
- Awards
- 9 wins & 8 nominations total
Mark De Alessandro
- Russian Cornerman
- (as Mark DeAlessandro)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Summary
Reviewers say 'Rocky IV' is celebrated for its 80s aesthetic, memorable montages, and the climactic fight between Rocky and Ivan Drago. The film's patriotic themes and Apollo Creed's emotional death resonate with audiences. However, it is often critiqued for its Cold War propaganda, unrealistic plot, and one-dimensional Russian characters. Despite these flaws, its nostalgic value and status as a quintessential 80s action film are widely acknowledged.
Featured reviews
A boxer from the Soviet Union inspires Apollo to come out of retirement.
This is an enjoyable cheese-fest with memorable moments.
It feels like Rocky's character arc was done by the end of the first sequel, but in this one he is inspired to fight yet again by tragic circumstances. I think the story feels contrived and forced, but it sets up some entertaining moments of Cold War propaganda. He is in brooding mode like the previous sequel with an additional touch of self importance associated with the USA v USSR theme. Sylvester Stallone leads it well and stays likeable throughout.
Other regular characters contribute well to the production with the likes of Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, and Burt Young lifting scenes with strong performances.
Russian characters are mostly portrayed negatively, and I'm including the fickle crowd at the second fight. Given the era this is hardly surprising, but they are insultingly one dimensional caricatures.
There is plenty of exciting Rocky-style spectacle, particularly the fights and training sequences. Steroid abuse aside, I like the (for the time) hi tech training methods and the contrasting styles between both camps. The use of the Wyoming landscape is beautiful and the Soviet art design is visually effective.
As much as I enjoy a montage, there are way too many. In fact the dialogue and fight scenes function mostly as a way to connect montages. I particularly dislike the "best of" franchise moments involving the song 'No Easy Way Out'. All that said one of my favourite parts of the movie is the use of 'Eye of the Tiger' to recap the end of Rocky 3.
As for the cheese, it is off the scales in this entry. It gets particularly cringeworthy towards the end, but if you switch the brain off and can see the funny side, it is arguably a memorable slice of mid-eighties pop culture. I remember loving it as a child shortly after it came out and my young daughter enjoyed it recently.
This is an enjoyable cheese-fest with memorable moments.
It feels like Rocky's character arc was done by the end of the first sequel, but in this one he is inspired to fight yet again by tragic circumstances. I think the story feels contrived and forced, but it sets up some entertaining moments of Cold War propaganda. He is in brooding mode like the previous sequel with an additional touch of self importance associated with the USA v USSR theme. Sylvester Stallone leads it well and stays likeable throughout.
Other regular characters contribute well to the production with the likes of Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, and Burt Young lifting scenes with strong performances.
Russian characters are mostly portrayed negatively, and I'm including the fickle crowd at the second fight. Given the era this is hardly surprising, but they are insultingly one dimensional caricatures.
There is plenty of exciting Rocky-style spectacle, particularly the fights and training sequences. Steroid abuse aside, I like the (for the time) hi tech training methods and the contrasting styles between both camps. The use of the Wyoming landscape is beautiful and the Soviet art design is visually effective.
As much as I enjoy a montage, there are way too many. In fact the dialogue and fight scenes function mostly as a way to connect montages. I particularly dislike the "best of" franchise moments involving the song 'No Easy Way Out'. All that said one of my favourite parts of the movie is the use of 'Eye of the Tiger' to recap the end of Rocky 3.
As for the cheese, it is off the scales in this entry. It gets particularly cringeworthy towards the end, but if you switch the brain off and can see the funny side, it is arguably a memorable slice of mid-eighties pop culture. I remember loving it as a child shortly after it came out and my young daughter enjoyed it recently.
Probably my favorite Rocky movie behind the original and easily the one I've re-watched the most. It's just sheer '80s goodness that perhaps can only best be appreciated by a child of that decade. The story this time has the Russians introducing a new fighter, drug-enhanced giant Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), to challenge Rocky. But instead of Rocky, they get Apollo. After Drago kills Apollo in what was supposed to be an exhibition match, Rocky travels to Russia to avenge his friend in a match televised across the world on Christmas.
Such a fun movie with great characters, memorable lines, and wonderful scenes. Sylvester Stallone stars, as well as writing and directing. Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, and Burt Young all return. All are great. Career-defining role for Dolph Lundgren. Brigitte Nielsen is good as his wife (she would marry Stallone the same year this was released). Vince DiCola steps in to do the score this time and does an excellent job, along with a fantastic soundtrack featuring James Brown, John Cafferty, and Robert Tepper, among others. The fight scenes are among the best of the series. Also some of the best montages you'll ever see. A fantastic fist-pumper of a movie with action, drama, humor, tragedy, and thought-provoking ideas about world peace. Okay, that last part was a stretch but I'm not someone who rolls their eyes at '80s Cold War movies -- I love 'em! Really a terrific piece of entertainment. Nowhere near the artistry of the first film but much more enjoyable than any others in the series.
Such a fun movie with great characters, memorable lines, and wonderful scenes. Sylvester Stallone stars, as well as writing and directing. Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, and Burt Young all return. All are great. Career-defining role for Dolph Lundgren. Brigitte Nielsen is good as his wife (she would marry Stallone the same year this was released). Vince DiCola steps in to do the score this time and does an excellent job, along with a fantastic soundtrack featuring James Brown, John Cafferty, and Robert Tepper, among others. The fight scenes are among the best of the series. Also some of the best montages you'll ever see. A fantastic fist-pumper of a movie with action, drama, humor, tragedy, and thought-provoking ideas about world peace. Okay, that last part was a stretch but I'm not someone who rolls their eyes at '80s Cold War movies -- I love 'em! Really a terrific piece of entertainment. Nowhere near the artistry of the first film but much more enjoyable than any others in the series.
While this movie is short and not as classic as the first one or even 2 or 3, there is a lot of drama in it and great music. The villain is very intimidating and I can't help but get the feels from all of that 80s music. I feel like taking on the world after watching this movie while having a heart of gold at the same time, and THAT'S Rocky!
Rocky IV goes to the Evil Empire during the heart of the Cold War and beats their invincible Super Champion, Ivan Drago and instantly converts the SU from Lenin-Stalin to McDonalds-Burger King! God bless Rocky, God bless Stallone, God bless capitalism, God bless America! I can change, everybody can change! Now sing it with me...
Heeeeeeeeeearts on fiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-yyyyyyre...!
Heeeeeeeeeearts on fiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-yyyyyyre...!
The Rocky saga continues as Sylvester Stallone returns as champion boxer Rocky Balboa in Rocky IV. Rocky IV might be a far cry from the original movie which won the 1976 Best Picture Academy Award with its paperthin plot, part 80's music video, and blatant patriotism but nonetheless is still great entertainment and one to enjoy.
Rocky is still riding high of the success of the world championship and is enjoying life with his wife Adrian (Talia Shire), Rocky's friend and Adrian's brother Paulie (Burt Young), and trainer and former adversary turned friend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) has arrived from the Soviet Union along with his team of trainers and managers as well as his wife Ludmilla (Bridgette Neilson) to announce their intentions of entering professional boxing and promoting Drago's superior athleticism. Apollo Creed steps out of retirement to challenge Drago in an exhibition match in Las Vegas despite Rocky's misgivings. Things go tragically wrong when the former world champion underestimates the Soviet powerhouse as he ruthlessly receives a pummeling and is later killed when Drago lands a fatal blow. Drago emotionlessly responds, "If he dies, he dies", during his victory interview as Rocky cradles a bloodied Creed. Ridden with guilt for not throwing in the towel and enraged by Drago's lack of remorse, Rocky Balboa vows to avenge Creed's death with the help of Creed's former manager Duke (the late Tony Burton) by taking on Drago in an unsanctioned boxing match where Rocky surrenders the championship and the fight will take place in the Soviet Union on Christmas Day.
The events from Rocky IV would later form the backstory of Creed II (2018) where Apollo's son Adonis Creed takes on Ivan Drago's son Viktor Drago in the ring, and also sees the return of an embittered Ivan Drago.
Sylvester Stallone who also returns to the director's chair is still a delight as Rocky Balboa, the former underdog turned world champion and is also in peak physical condition too. Dolph Lundgren is memorable as Ivan Drago in his first movie role. Also returning to the sequel is Tahlia Shire as Adrian, Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed, Burt Young as Paulie and the late Tony Burton as Duke. Bridgette Neilson also stars as Drago's wife Ludmilla and James Brown appears as himself performing the song "Living in America" during the exhibition match as Apollo Creed makes his entrance.
It's a visual experience seeing Rocky Balboa go back to unconventional methods of training in a secluded village in the middle of the Siberian mountains by chopping down trees, lifting logs, running in the deep snow, carrying carts, and culminating in running up a mountain alongside Vince DiCola's inspirational soundtrack (who has replaced Bill Conti). Meanwhile, Ivan Drago receives state of the art training with advanced equipment recorded by computers, as well as and steroid injections to maintain his powerful strength.
Rocky IV was a big hit at the box office despite a mixed critical reception and was one of the highest grossing films of 1985. Its hard to believe that Rocky IV is now 35 years old. It's still a popular movie especially amongst Sylvester Stallone fans and fans of the Rocky saga. I still enjoy it, and it's certainly a welcome addition to the Rocky saga. It's also a movie that used to psych me up before a gym session or before a long run 10 years ago. That aside, forget all the negative criticisms and enjoy Rocky IV.
7/10.
Rocky is still riding high of the success of the world championship and is enjoying life with his wife Adrian (Talia Shire), Rocky's friend and Adrian's brother Paulie (Burt Young), and trainer and former adversary turned friend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) has arrived from the Soviet Union along with his team of trainers and managers as well as his wife Ludmilla (Bridgette Neilson) to announce their intentions of entering professional boxing and promoting Drago's superior athleticism. Apollo Creed steps out of retirement to challenge Drago in an exhibition match in Las Vegas despite Rocky's misgivings. Things go tragically wrong when the former world champion underestimates the Soviet powerhouse as he ruthlessly receives a pummeling and is later killed when Drago lands a fatal blow. Drago emotionlessly responds, "If he dies, he dies", during his victory interview as Rocky cradles a bloodied Creed. Ridden with guilt for not throwing in the towel and enraged by Drago's lack of remorse, Rocky Balboa vows to avenge Creed's death with the help of Creed's former manager Duke (the late Tony Burton) by taking on Drago in an unsanctioned boxing match where Rocky surrenders the championship and the fight will take place in the Soviet Union on Christmas Day.
The events from Rocky IV would later form the backstory of Creed II (2018) where Apollo's son Adonis Creed takes on Ivan Drago's son Viktor Drago in the ring, and also sees the return of an embittered Ivan Drago.
Sylvester Stallone who also returns to the director's chair is still a delight as Rocky Balboa, the former underdog turned world champion and is also in peak physical condition too. Dolph Lundgren is memorable as Ivan Drago in his first movie role. Also returning to the sequel is Tahlia Shire as Adrian, Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed, Burt Young as Paulie and the late Tony Burton as Duke. Bridgette Neilson also stars as Drago's wife Ludmilla and James Brown appears as himself performing the song "Living in America" during the exhibition match as Apollo Creed makes his entrance.
It's a visual experience seeing Rocky Balboa go back to unconventional methods of training in a secluded village in the middle of the Siberian mountains by chopping down trees, lifting logs, running in the deep snow, carrying carts, and culminating in running up a mountain alongside Vince DiCola's inspirational soundtrack (who has replaced Bill Conti). Meanwhile, Ivan Drago receives state of the art training with advanced equipment recorded by computers, as well as and steroid injections to maintain his powerful strength.
Rocky IV was a big hit at the box office despite a mixed critical reception and was one of the highest grossing films of 1985. Its hard to believe that Rocky IV is now 35 years old. It's still a popular movie especially amongst Sylvester Stallone fans and fans of the Rocky saga. I still enjoy it, and it's certainly a welcome addition to the Rocky saga. It's also a movie that used to psych me up before a gym session or before a long run 10 years ago. That aside, forget all the negative criticisms and enjoy Rocky IV.
7/10.
Did you know
- TriviaSylvester Stallone decided that for the shooting of the fight, he and Dolph Lundgren should hit one another for real, so as to increase the intensity of the scene. After doing three takes of Rocky taking shots to ribs, Stallone felt a burning in his chest, but ignored it. Later that night, he had difficulty breathing and was taken to a nearby emergency room. It was discovered that his blood pressure was over 200, and he had to be flown on a low-altitude flight from Vancouver, Canada to St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, where he remained in intensive care for four days. What had happened was that Lundgren had punched him so hard in the chest, Stallone's heart had slammed up against his breastbone and began to swell, cutting off the blood supply and restricting the oxygen flow throughout the body. . However, when asked about whether or not it really happened while answering a series of fan questions in a 2021 interview with the Guardian, Lundgren claimed to have no recollection of the incident. "I don't know," he said. "[Stallone] keeps talking about it, so maybe he's right. He did go to the hospital, but I don't know whether it was my punches or the fact that he was so overworked as the director, actor and writer. We shot those 15 rounds over two or three weeks, eight or 12 hours a day, so you're throwing thousands of punches. If you don't connect, it looks a bit fake, but it doesn't mean you want to hurt the other guy. But there were no hard feelings." He went on to explain that stand-ins and stunt doubles were rarely used, and that he has performed the majority of his own stunts and fight scenes--but that this has changed in more recent years. "Back in the day, you had to do it all yourself: Rocky IV, The Punisher, Masters of the Universe, all the Expendables," he said. "I've jumped from a motorcycle to a truck; dangerous things I would never do now. Staying physically fit over the years has been nice. There aren't many actors who can stay physically fit for a long time. Part of the game is trying to look fit, at least."
- GoofsAt the end of the Drago/Rocky bout, Rocky gives a speech where he says "Today there are two people killing each other but I guess it's better than twenty million people". The Russian translator, however, translates this as "It's better than twenty million Dollars".
- Crazy creditsOnly Rocky film that doesn't start with the "scrolling Rocky" logo.
- Alternate versionsCurrent AMC broadcasts in the US use the sped-up 25 fps PAL video from a 24 fps film source.
- ConnectionsEdited from Rocky (1976)
- SoundtracksEye Of The Tiger
Performed by Survivor
Written by Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan
Produced by Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik
Survivor appears courtesy of Scotti Brothers Records
Sylvester Stallone's Most Iconic Roles
Sylvester Stallone's Most Iconic Roles
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Rocky Vs. Drago - The Ultimate Director's Cut (2021)
- Filming locations
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA(Siberian farm site)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $30,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $127,873,716
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $19,991,537
- Dec 1, 1985
- Gross worldwide
- $300,473,716
- Runtime
- 1h 31m(91 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
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