Rocky Balboa & Faith

Posted by Kevan Breitinger Dec 20, 2006

"Rocky Balboa" tells the uncompromising story of victory, failure and “fighting the good fight.” The wholesome, family-friendly film (rated PG) releases today through MGM, in theaters nationwide.

Like its Rocky predecessors, "Rocky Balboa" is a story of impossible odds, self sacrifice, integrity and hard work, as the character’s “warrior spirit” fights to let go of the past and believe in those who believe in him, for one final round with a formidable opponent.

Although Hollywood has recently taken note of values-based films that include elements of faith, the 30-year-old Rocky story displayed these concepts long before the media was paying attention. Today, Stallone brings back what has long been there in the heart of Rocky.

"This one will hopefully bring forward Rocky's more spiritual side,” Stallone says. “I really love this character, he's a part of me and I'm longing to bring him back.”

Rocky Balboa, the character created by Sylvester Stallone, became a present-day symbol for those who venture to go the distance in life, who risk making their dreams a reality, and whose unyielding faith brings them to their destiny. Viewed by Stallone as a “20th Century gladiator in a pair of sneakers,” Rocky Balboa carries on the heroism, dignity, courage and soul that have made the movies the greatest “underdog” stories of our time.

With faith and values being a rarity in Hollywood’s action films, "Rocky Balboa" breaks the mold as an inspirational, family-friendly experience that depicts a man who honorably answers the call in his life. As the retired Rocky returns to the ring with “something left to give,” despite his aging body, we are urged to look within ourselves and find the courage to fight our own personal struggles through perseverance, support, and prayer.

Building on these themes, Motive Entertainment, the company which has spearheading the most significant faith-based marketing initiatives for Hollywood blockbusters, including “The Passion” and “The Chronicles of Narnia,” has decided to turn its attention to Rocky.

“As longstanding Rocky fans, we thought it would be great to put together a selection of Rocky resources that faith and family leaders can use as preaching and teaching tools,” says Paul Lauer, President of Motive Entertainment. “Rocky Balboa is a beautiful film – one that all Rocky fans should see, especially people of faith, because it’s a powerful parable of our spiritual lives – our victories, our falls, and the importance of getting back up and persevering to the end.”