Christian Love and...Rocky? Part Three

As we continue the discussion of how we can recognize Christian love in the Rocky series we are now in a totally different place in the marriage of Rocky and Adrian Balboa. Rocky is now the heavyweight champion of the world so he is now successful, wealthy and famous. One would could only wonder how that would change a couple that began their life on the streets of Philadelphia but we will see that genuine love remained at the center of their new life.

In the opening montage we see a man who looks much different than the club fighter from the first film. He has numerous victories over several contenders, has used part of his fortune to make changes to his oft injured face, and is now a global icon that associates with other public figures. Surprisingly, we also see the same mannerisms and affections between the Balboas, which is usually expressed in the way he looks for her after his victories in the ring. Outside of the ring their love continues to grow as they raise their young son in a life filled with luxury and comfort.  

It doesn't seem like their lives could get any better.

Rocky 3 Opening Montage

During a public ceremony where the city of Philadelphia honors Rocky for all that he has done for the community, he is presented with a statue that draws great cheers and admiration from the crowd. He thanks the crowd and then talks to them about the possibility of retiring. That is when he is surprised by the dangerous Clubber Lang who accuses him of ducking him. That is when Rocky's manager Mickey Goldmill stands up for Rocky and tells him he won't get a title shot. What Rocky does not know is that Mickey feels this way because, as we also saw in the opening montage, he has scouted Lang and knows how dangerous he is. Things only get worse when Lang makes verbal advances towards Adrian, where Rocky defends his wife's honor, as he should. 

Clubber Heckles Rocky

It would not take long for Rocky to be surprised with a great truth. Lang was right with his accusation of Rocky ducking him, as Mickey had no intention of putting Rock in the ring with the dangerous challenger. He also confessed that he was careful with choosing the other contenders that he put him the ring with in order to protect him. In this case we can see that it was not just Mickey protecting the money machine as it was him caring about Rocky's well being.  

A Wreckin' Machine

Mickey was a father figure to Rocky but he had to come clean about what was going on behind the scenes. Rocky struggled with the truth and felt the need to prove himself. This was certainly a failure to see that his value as a person had nothing to do with facing and defeating Lang and, he had the right to live his life as he wished regardless of public opinion or his newfound celebrity. So, against Mickey's wishes, he takes the fight and trains in a nonchalant way as he sees it as going out in style. Right away, we can see that he was looking for fulfillment in something that would never satisfy his longing for true love. 

Rocky not only loses the fight but is demolished and humiliated by Lang. Rocky also had to realize that everything Mickey said would happen, happened. It's one thing to realize that another fighter was simply the better man but Mickey warned Rocky that Lang would be more than he would could handle because of his skill and his hunger. On top of that, Mickey had a heart attack the night of fight thanks to a pre-fight skirmish and died. 

Mickey's Heart Attack 

Rocky Says Goodbye to Mickey

This would be very hard to recover from, especially knowing that Mickey did out of love for him. Of course, some of Mickey's last words were, I love you kid. 

One of the realities of the boxing world is that when two boxers test each other in a memorable match that a certain level of respect occurs between them. The first two films feature Rocky and now former champion Apollo Creed having two memorable bouts that are loved and remembered by both movie and boing fans. That is why Apollo comes to Rocky to speak to him about his loss to Clubber. He points out that Rocky lost the fight for all of the wrong reasons, that he doesn't want Rocky to walk away with regrets, and then offers to help him get the title back by training him. All of this comes from the fact that Apollo truly cares about Rocky and knows that he is capable of helping him regain what he lost fo the wrong reasons. 

Do not neglect to do what is good and share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind. 

                                                                                                            -Hebrews 13:16 

Apollo's Offer

While training for his rematch Rocky is still shaken up by his failure as well as the sudden loss of Mickey.  Adrian confronts Rocky about his loss of motivation to which he claims has come from him not wanting to fight anymore. Adrian sees something more than this because she had never known Rocky to be a quitter.

While arguing on the beach she challenges Rocky to be honest with her. First he admits that he feels dishonest since he wasn't the champion that he thought he was. Adrian continued to push him though as she knew that there was more than Rocky cared to admit. Eventually, he comes clean and admits that he is afraid. This is a huge step for Rocky because of the fact that he is a fighter. 

Adrian admits that  she is afraid too and that there is nothing wrong with being afraid. Rocky sees his fear as a challenge to his manhood but Adrian reminds him that fear is a big part of being human. In other words, she doesn't accuse him of being weak or worse than that, less of a man. She in fact allows him to know that he is still good in her eyes even though he allowed her to see him at one of his weakest moments. Sadly, a lot of men are not married to women who would speak to them in this way. 

She also reminds of the moment in the future where he will no longer be in the spotlight and how she doesn't want him to live with regret while. In this case, she is reminding him of what Apollo told him when he made the offer to train him but with her being Rocky's wife, she also reminded him that she was going to be there with him. This is the same woman from the last film who would not walk away from him when she feared that he could be permanently disabled. She is truly committed to him through the good and bad times and she is not afraid to challenge him to make things right. Adrian is not scolding Rocky to live up to some public persona. She is reminding him that he is the same good person that she fell in love before his celebrity life began.

Finally, Adrian tells Rocky that she and Apollo believe in him and that he should go after his title for the right reasons. Win or lose, if he simply does his best then she knows he can live with the outcome because he will have no excuses.  

                                       ....and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. 

     

                                                                                                              -John 8:32 

The most important thing about Adrian's approach is that she didn't break him down in order to hurt him. She broke through the walls he put up in order to bring back the man that she knew was still inside of him. This was a healthy argument. 

Adrian Confronts Rocky

Let us be reminded now of a simple but powerful quote: The purpose of marriage is to get your spouse to heaven. Another way of saying this is when one tells their beloved: you make me want to be a better person.  

All of this of course, was the easy part as there was still a huge boxing match ahead. Just like their marriage, the match featured many ups and downs with Adrian being there the entire time. When he did well she cheered for him. When he struggled she was concerned. When he was down and out she pleaded for his suffering to end, even if it meant stopping the fight; but she never left his side. Even though he had to be completely focused on his task at hand there had to be a part of him that knew that she was in the ring with him.

Eventually Rocky conquered what seemed to be an invincible opponent and regained his championship. As he was raised up by the men in his corner we see an exhausted fighter who is relieved of the burden he had been carrying. However, there is a certain peace that comes over him once he sees Adrian. This is not just from Adrian's encouragement during his preparation for this bout. We have seen her commitment through the films thus far.  

Before she embraced him she asked are you alright in which he responds never better before collapsing on her shoulder. One could only wonder if his response was because he had regained his title or because he was in the arms of his beloved Adrian.  

Who can find a woman of worth? Far beyond jewels is her value. Her husband trusts her judgment; he does not lack income. She brings him profit, not loss, all the days of her life. 

                                                                                                                -Proverbs 31:10-12 

Rocky Balboa vs. Clubber Lang




Carlos Solorzano 

• BA & MA in Religious Studies from Cal State Long Beach
• Certified through the Theology of the Body Institute
• Speaker with Catholic Speakers Organization  

Christian Love and...Rocky? Part Two

Welcome to the second part of the six part series of how the teachings of the Theology of the Body are exemplified in the Rocky Series. In the last blog we discussed how two people named Rocky and Adrian not only fell in love but did so while affirming the good in the other. In recognizing the actions of the other that affirmed the goodness in each person it also established a relationship of authentic love and trust. This will be most important as we get to the next phase of their relationship.

As the story continues into Rocky II most fans of the series tend to focus on the redemption that Rocky experienced by winning his rematch with heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. However, the one thing that is not discussed as much in the story line is the development of the relationship between Rocky and Adrian as they not only get married in this film but also have their marriage tested almost immediately.

After his big boxing match that serves as the climax of the first film Rocky is informed that he has physical damage to one of his eyes. After an extensive stay in the hospital he and Adrian begin to move forward with their lives. This begins with the beautiful scene when Rocky proposed to Adrian. There we can see how nervous he was because of the fact that she meant so much to him. Then, as she accepts his proposal it's so beautiful to see how she looks right at him and is very happy to give him the answer she knows he wants because she wants the same thing

Rocky Proposes to Adrian

On the night of their wedding they have a brief conversation where the two of them look at each other and with great honesty share their feelings for each other. As they begin to settle into their evening Rocky asks her if she wants him to help her remove her coat before telling her that she is the best thing to ever come into his life.  In other words, like the male lover in the biblical book Song of Songs (5:2), he doesn't force himself on her. Adrian of course responds with affection because she knows how much Rocky loves her as she can sense that he still wishes nothing but what is good for her. That's what leads her to ask him if it will always be like this with Rocky affirming that it will always be this way.

Now that Adrian feels safe she looks Rocky in the eyes and shares something she fears when she says: I hope you never get tired of me. Rocky shakes his head and responds: You ain't never getting rid of me before telling her that he would never change anything about her. Then they tell each other: I love you and share a beautiful kiss because this is another moment when they were naked and not ashamed. At this point it's almost shocking to remember that this was the same woman who couldn't even look at Rocky when he first showed interest in her. 

Rocky & Adrian Wedding Night (Start at 0:52)

As the couple begins their life together Rocky uses his new found celebrity to make commercials. Adrian is pleased because it means that Rocky will no longer have to risk his own safety by getting back in the ring. It is also at this time that they receive the news that they are expecting their first child. Rocky is filled with joy and said that he suspected something since Adrian woke up with a big smile that morning. Then as they walk through the park they share how they both wish for their unborn child to be like the other.

Unfortunately, their life doesn't go through as planned. Rocky has trouble reading the cue cards due to his damaged vision, which jeopardizes his ability to continue making commercials. Aside from that we see a couple that recognizes that there is something important in the way people are treated as they both stand up to an abusive director who mistreats Rocky during a very awkward moment for him. Still, that doesn't fix the problem that Rocky now faces as he must now find another way to make a living. 

Rocky Can't Read the Cue Cards

After a long search for employment Rocky ends up at the meat packing facility where his brother in law Paulie used to work. He works hard and is thankfully able to provide for his family. Still, Adrian worries about Rocky because he comes home very tired on a daily basis. Rocky disregards his fatigue as he continues to treat her with the same kindness that she had always known from him.

Things start to change though once Rocky gets laid off.

Now we have a man whose self-worth is challenged as he questions his ability to provide for his family. He is humiliated when his now pregnant wife offers to go back to work as he still feels the call to be the provider. Still, with all that is going through his mind and his heart he is still honest and gentle with Adrian. To make matters worse, he is not in the right frame of mind to refuse a challenge from heavyweight champion Apollo Creed who is still fuming over the fact that Rocky more than held his own in their last match.

As Creed baits Rocky into a rematch Rocky tells Adrian that he feels like a nobody again as those around him now refer to him as a coward since he won't respond to Creed's challenge. She reassures him that he is not a nobody in her eyes and that they will be fine. She also expresses her wish for him not to fight again because she doesn't want to see him get hurt. This is one of the hardest scenes to watch in the series because Adrian is pregnant and looks at Rocky with great fear in her eyes. One can easily see that he is the most important thing in her life because he was the one who loved her for who she really was.

Adrian is devastated.

Rocky begins to train but is immediately distracted by his marital problems. Interestingly enough there is never any discussion about the two of them separating over what we can see is a very serious disagreement. Adrian is worried about Rocky's well being, which again shows her commitment to her husband because she is still with him even though she doesn't approve of what he is doing...and she is going through this while she is pregnant with their first child!

Her true feelings come out when her brother Paulie decides to scold her for not approving of Rocky's decision to fight again. This time though we see a different woman than we saw in the past. Instead of taking Paulie's nonsense she speaks directly to him as she explains her position. Then Paulie tries to blame her for the possibility of Rocky getting hurt, which in this case could cost him his eyesight. Adrian reacts with great emotion as the thought scares her tremendously. Amazingly, she says something so beautiful in the midst of her struggle: If he goes blind Paulie, you walk away: I can't. I love him, you don't! 

Adrian Balboa, the woman who could barely speak to Rocky in this same pet store at the beginning of the first film is now a woman who will not only stand up for her husband but also stand by him, no matter what! In other words, she understands the meaning of the word commitment. 

                                                          Let your 'yes' mean 'yes' and your 'no' mean 'no.' 

                                                                                              -Matthew 5:37

Unfortunately, Adrian's concern for Rocky's well being would not be the end to her suffering. Adrian goes into labor prematurely and loses a lot of blood during the delivery of their son. This causes her to slip into a coma. Rocky is devastated and can't do anything but stay by her side. When he's not at her bed side he is in the chapel praying for Adrian. (see the film War Room for a great discussion on why we should be praying for our spouses). He is so concerned for her well being that won't even see his newborn son until he can see him with Adrian.

When Adrian comes out of her coma the first person she sees is Rocky. She sees that same smile that she fell in love with because that smile only comes for him when he sees her! This scene is one of many where we can see their true exchange of mutual love. Then we see them both react as they see their son for the first time. They are amazed at the sight of their newborn baby and all Adrian can do is thank Rocky. Rocky is so happy to see Adrian recover and once he finally sees his son in his mother's arms he offers to drop out of the fight. For some reason this leads Adrian to have a change of heart as she tells Rocky that she wants him to WIN!!!. It was never said during the film why she changed her mind but one would guess that her giving spirit, even at a moment when she still had a good reason to fear for his well being, knew that this was something that meant so much to Rocky. Again, Adrian knows the meaning of agape and by accepting her request it's almost as if Rocky's eyes make her a promise to do as she wishes because after all, no one's support would mean more to him than hers? 

Adrian in a Coma

The fight of course is a war as both men are determined to win. Rocky barely squeaks by with a surprising knock out victory and as he has his moment of glory he says that this is the second greatest moment of his life (his son's birth being the first). But the last thing he says, which is the most beautiful, is when he raises the belt and says, I just got one thing to say...to my wife at home. Yo Adrian, I did it! 

Rocky's Winning Speech

Rocky remembers his promise to Adrian and is not afraid to express this in front of the entire world. This is yet another example of being naked and not ashamed (Genesis 2:25). 

Imagine how that made the shy girl from Philly feel. 

There are many who claim that they love the underdog theme in the Rocky movies and while that is true one cannot ignore the fact that Rocky is in many cases, the many that many of us wish we could be. Sylvester Stallone himself has said that Rocky is the man he wishes he could be and that is also why he loved playing the character. 


Carlos Solorzano

• BA & MA in Religious Studies from Cal State Long Beach 
• Certified through the Theology of the Body Institute 
• Speaker with Catholic Speaker's Organization