Watch 40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic

40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic is a 2020 documentary film that was directed by Derek Wayne Johnson. The film is centered around the creation and legacy of the iconic Rocky film franchise, which began with the release of the first movie in 1976. The documentary features in-depth interviews with the film's star and creator Sylvester Stallone, as well as Carl Weathers and Talia Shire, who played the supporting roles of Apollo Creed and Adrian Balboa respectively.

The documentary begins with a brief history of Stallone's life and career leading up to his creation of Rocky. Stallone recalls the difficult and often discouraging times he faced as a struggling actor in the mid-1970s. He talks about how he wrote the script for Rocky in just three days and the challenges he faced in getting the movie made. We see rare footage of Stallone's early auditions and screen tests for the role of Rocky, as well as interviews with the people who helped bring the project to fruition.

The documentary then delves into the making of the first Rocky film, exploring the locations used for filming, the casting process, and the challenges that the production faced along the way. There are interviews with the producers, director John G. Avildsen, and other members of the cast and crew. We see behind-the-scenes footage of the filming of some of the movie's most iconic scenes, including the training montage and the climactic fight between Rocky and Apollo.

One of the most fascinating aspects of 40 Years of Rocky is the insight it provides into the characters of Rocky and Apollo Creed. Stallone and Weathers discuss how they approached their roles and how they developed the on-screen chemistry that made their characters' relationship so compelling. We also hear from Talia Shire, who talks about her own process for creating the character of Adrian and the challenges she faced in playing such a complex and often misunderstood role.

The documentary also examines the impact that Rocky had on popular culture and on Stallone's career specifically. We hear from actors and filmmakers who were inspired by the movie, including Robert Rodriguez and Milo Ventimiglia. Stallone talks about the challenges he faced in trying to prove himself as a serious actor after the success of Rocky, and how he ultimately found new ways to challenge himself and continue to grow as an artist.

Throughout the film, there is a strong emphasis on the themes of perseverance, determination, and the power of the human spirit. We see how these ideas are woven throughout the Rocky movies and how they have resonated with audiences around the world for more than four decades. The documentary is filled with clips from the various Rocky films, reminding viewers of the emotional highs and lows of each chapter in the franchise.

Overall, 40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic is a loving tribute to one of the most enduring and beloved film franchises of all time. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movies and provides insight into the creative process of its stars and producers. But more than that, it celebrates the joy and inspiration that Rocky has brought to countless viewers over the years. For fans of the series, it is a must-see documentary that will deepen their appreciation of the films and the people who brought them to life.

40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.