[Crowd cheering]
[Boxer grunting]
Announcer: A sharp left hand.
Man: Come on, come on!
Come on!
Again, again!
Man: He's getting killed!
Man: Oh, no, no, no.
He's not getting killed, he's getting mad!
♪ Rising up ♪
♪ Back on the street
♪ did my time, took my chances ♪
♪ went the distance, now I'm back on my feet ♪
♪ just a man and his will to survive ♪
♪ so many times
♪ it happens too fast
♪ you trade your passion for glory ♪
♪ don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past ♪
♪ you must fight just to keep them alive ♪
♪ it's the eye of the tiger
♪ it's the thrill of the fight ♪
♪ rising up to the challenge of our rival ♪
♪ as the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night ♪
♪ and he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger ♪
we made a deal.
I know, but this is extremely crazy.
Yeah, it's mentally irregular, right?
But it makes all the sense in the world.
You owe me a favor.
I know, but when did you think of this?
About 3 years ago.
Oh, this is very encouraging, Apollo.
Look, stallion, when you won that last fight,
you won by one second.
You beat me by one second. One second!
That's very hard for a man of my intelligence to handle.
Didn't you say after I beat you
you learned how to live with it?
I lied.
Oh, you lied?
Oh, so now you just got to prove it to yourself?
Just myself-- no TV, no newspapers. Just you and me.
Naturally. Just you and me. Age before beauty.
Anything you say, stallion.
I do all the work? Ok.
I'll tell you, Apollo, you better go slow,
because you ain't as young as springtime no more.
I'm still young enough to whip your butt, stallion.
Oh, yeah? How you going to do that?
You taught me everything you know.
Almost everything.
You got to remember now, you fight great,
but I'm a great fighter.
You ready?
Absolutely.
You know, stallion,
it's too bad we got to get old, huh?
Just keep punching, Apollo.
You want to ring the bell?
All right.
Ding ding.
Come on, stallion.
Come on, come on.
Boy, you really move good for an older guy.
Look at him fly.
Look out now.
You don't want any of this. Come on.
Maybe I'm in here with the wrong guy.
Dad, you're late.
Mom's gonna yell at you.
How you doin'?
Fine.
Don't you think that's a little bright?
Don't you think?
Where'd you get that hat?
Ah, a friend gave it to me. Like it?
Who punched you in the eye?
Same friend.
That's weird. Better hurry, dad.
You know, you're developing
a very, very loud personality.
Don't go too fast,
or you're going to get out of focus.
Oh, really?
Whooaah!
Yo!
It's about time.
I'm sorry I'm late.
Hey, listen, why don't you go over there
and get ready to eat, ok?
Great. You're here.
Now you can stop calling him names.
Oh, you been calling me names, huh?
Well, we wait any longer,
then I'll be ready for the next birthday.
Where have you been?
Oh, getting punched.
Look, why don't you bring the cake in here,
and we can get this celebration underway.
Boy, am I hungry.
Hey, baby, why don't you get the cake?
I think he'll love it.
I got a great surprise for you.
You're going to love this cake, ok?
You're going to love your present, Uncle Paulie!
Uh, let me set the mood here.
I got to turn the lights down and everything.
Watch this.
Is it parked outside in the driveway?
Just be patient, would you?
I'm so excited I'm starting to sweat,
like I'm getting ready to go into a big fight or something.
Robot: Happy Birthday, Paulie!
What the hell is this?
Your present.
I wanted a sports car for my birthday,
not no walking trash can.
Aw, come on, he looks great here.
This is extremely psycho, Rocko.
Since you don't have any friends,
we thought you'd like it.
Yeah, pretend you're happy, will you?
It'll keep you company when you're all alone.
That's a great-looking guy.
Please, make a wish.
It's creepy! It talks, that thing.
Creepy? These things are great!
I wish I had one of these when I was growing up.
Go on. Make a wish, like he said.
I wish I wasn't in this nightmare.
Hey, very classy wish.
Very nice. What do you think there?
[Beep]
Very good, huh?
You want to help me put out this forest fire?
Sure.
Ok, on the count of 3.
1, 2, 3!
They're out!
You drowned me.
Oh, don't worry.
I'll clean it up for you, Paulie.
Ta-da!
Rocky.
Yeah, you noticed.
What are you doing with that cake?
Well, uh, the party ain't over yet, you know?
We still got to celebrate some more.
It's a special night.
Yeah, it's Wednesday.
Ah, it's definitely Wednesday,
but in case you forgot,
it's almost been 9 years since you been married to me.
So here's your prize.
Ah. But our anniversary's a week away.
That's true, but why wait?
Has it been that rough?
No, no.
I'll tell you, it's been excellent.
Open your prize.
Go on. Open your prize.
You like it?
It's beautiful.
All right.
I was so nervous.
I didn't know. I hope you like it.
The guy I bought it from says...
Even if it looks like a snake,
don't worry because it won't bite you.
Oh, it's beautiful.
You know what's amazing?
That after all these years,
everything still seems kind of new.
You remember a long time ago
I told you that--
I said that you ain't never getting rid of me?
Remember that?
Well, you're not.
You're never getting rid of me.
Happy almost anniversary.
Could you answer a few questions, please?
How long are you here for?
We talk to you later, please.
When are you going to fight, Drago?
We'll talk later.
Will the Soviet union enter professional boxing?
No more talk now.
We will talk at press conference.
Do you know where it's going to be held?
TV: ♪ there's catfish
at church's ♪
♪ have some catfish from church's fried chicken ♪
♪ catfish from church's
today may have proved to be
a landmark in sports history.
After unraveling years of red tape,
Russia will now throw its hat into the ring--
the prize ring, that is.
The introductions were made by his wife Ludmilla Drago.
She was the double gold medalist in swimming.
Today, the Soviet union
has officially entered professional boxing.
My husband,
and great undefeated heavyweight
world amateur champion
captain Ivan Drago,
has come here with his trainers to America
to compete as an international sportsman
and ambassador of goodwill.
Reporter: Has Drago ever boxed against a real professional?
From having been trained in Russia
by great boxing coach Manuel vega
and now by Sergei rimsky,
we hope he's qualified to do so.
Reporter: Hope?
Well, I know he is,
but I don't want to sound too confident.
If possible, we would like to have an exhibition bout
with your famous champion Rocky Balboa.
What makes you think he can stand the pressure
of fighting someone as seasoned as Balboa?
There is no one who can match his strength,
his endurance, or his aggressiveness.
You make it sound like he's indestructible.
Yes, he is.
Anchorman: Well, can this mammoth Russian
who's already been nicknamed the siberian express
wreak havoc among the professional heavyweight ranks?
Whoever he fights first, it'll be one hot ticket.
We'll be right back
with a check on today's pro football sports scoreboard.
[Music playing]
Dad, when can I learn to fight?
I can't hear you. What?
I want to learn to fight.
♪ Saving--
yo, could you turn your robot down?
♪ Change your mind, mind, mind ♪
you see, I fight so you don't have to fight,
because I want you to use your head for something
instead of a punching bag like I do.
Your head doesn't look like a punching bag.
No?
That's nice. Thanks a lot.
It looks like a catcher's mitt.
Oh, a wise guy, huh?
Mr. Balboa, Mr. creed's on the phone.
Yeah? I'll be right there.
Robot: You can get it right here.
I hope it's not another rematch.
Oh, don't worry about it.
Ok. Hello? Yeah, Apollo.
Turn that down.
Yeah, Apollo, how you doin'?
Yeah? You coming out?
Hey, that's great! What am I doing?
I'm just getting dizzy.
My husband and I thank you
for coming to our training quarter today.
As you can see, it is highly advanced,
and we wish to show the American press
a small portion of the advances our country's made
in the technology of human performance.
Reporter: Coach rimsky, what does all this do to enhance performance?
Well-- if I may answer,
it makes a man a better man,
a great athlete a super athlete
by harnessing all his strength.
Though most of the world
is ignorant in body chemistry,
we wish to educate your country.
There have been rumors of blood doping and widespread distribution
of anabolic steroids in the Soviet union.
Has Drago partaken in any such experiments?
No, no. Ivan is naturally trained.
Then how do you explain his freakish strength?
Like your popeye, he ate his spinach every day.
Shall we have a demonstration?
Reporter: Please do.
A normal heavyweight averages
700 pounds of pressure per square inch.
As you can see, Drago averages 1,850 pounds.
So the result's quite obvious.
And what results are those?
Whatever he hits, he destroys.
Apollo: I saw him fight when he was an amateur.
He's big, and he's strong, but he's clumsy.
I know I can beat him.
Why do you want to fight again?
Let's just say it's something I believe in.
You can do your homework.
Ok, later, dad. Later, Uncle Paulie. Later, Apollo.
Later, big man.
See you later, kiddo.
Yo, don't you think people are expecting to see Rocky
whack this bum out first?
Yeah, yeah, and he will when it's for real.
This is just an exhibition bout. It's kid's stuff.
What's the purpose?
I mean, what at this point in your life
is worth getting hurt for?
♪ Double or nothing
♪ you got to have a partner ♪
what the hell is that?
That's my girl.
♪ Taking and giving
♪ it's time we started living ♪
♪ well, we're...
Thanks, honey.
[Woman's voice] You're welcome.
That's a nice song.
It's my favorite.
You're the greatest. See you, sport.
See you.
Who taught it to talk like that?
She loves me.
Oh.
♪ You stepped out of the night... ♪
like I was saying,
I don't want this chump to come over here
with all that-- that hype, you know,
trying to make us look bad.
They try every other way.
With Rock's help, we can get great media coverage.
We make them look bad for a change.
I think it's wrong.
Nah. It's never been more right.
You're a great fighter,
but you've been retired for nearly 5 years.
Don't you think it's time to start thinking about something else?
I mean, how much can you take, either of you?
I'll get the coffee.
Look, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to...
I just care about you both.
You ever try these comics?
No, no.
Keeps your fertility.
Hey, Paulie.
Announcer: ...The ring now.
Rocky's holding that right hand...
Now this was a great fight.
Great? I'm getting punchy
just watching it. Look at this.
Mamma Mia, what you using for a chin there, stallion?
I should have slipped that one.
Yeah, you definitely should've slipped that one.
Crowd: Rocky! Rocky!
You know something, stallion?
It's crazy how people just care about you
when you're in that ring,
and they care about you when you're bleeding,
but once you step out that ringside,
it's like you're ancient history.
Aw, come on.
I don't see anybody asking for autographs, do you, huh?
Hey, Apollo,
can I ask you something?
What?
Well, this fight you're having against the Russian,
do you think maybe it ain't against him?
If it's not him, stallion,
then who's it against?
Do you think maybe it's, like, uh,
you against you? What do you think?
You know, I think you really are getting brain damage.
That's what I think, stallion.
Yeah, maybe, but, uh--
really, I'm speaking the truth here, pal.
Are you?
I don't think I want to hear this, stallion.
Come on, Apollo, look.
You were a great fighter-- no doubt about that--
but, look, we got to face the facts, too.
You don't want to believe it, but maybe the show is over.
That's easy for you to say.
You're still on top.
What happens when you're not on top?
Then what?
Where do we go, stallion?
Because we sure as hell can't be born again.
No, I know we can't be born again,
but, you know, let's face it.
We got to change sometime.
I don't want to change, man! I like who I am!
I like who you are, too, but look at that, you know?
You don't want to believe this,
but that ain't us up there no more, pal.
We can't do that the way we did it before.
We're--we're changing.
We're, like, turning into regular people.
No, stallion!
Maybe you think you're changing,
but you can't change what you really are.
And you can forget all this money
and stuff you got all around you, man,
because it don't change a thing.
You and me, we don't even have a choice.
See, we're born with a killer instinct
that you can't just turn off and on
like some--some radio.
We have to be right in the middle of the action,
because we're the warriors.
And without some-- some challenge,
without some damn war to fight,
then the warriors may as well be dead, stallion.
I'm asking you...
As a friend.
Stand by my side this one last time.
You're a great talker, Apollo.
All right, but when this is over...
You know me, stallion.
Always think of something else.
That's what I'm afraid of.
All right, you got a deal there.
Feel sorry for that guy, huh?
Reporter: Apollo, what made you decide
to put on an exhibition fight with Drago?
Oh, let's call it a sense of responsibility.
Responsibility how?
I have to teach this young fellow to box American style.
Isn't Drago a little inexperienced to be in the same ring?
Well, you know, some folks got to learn the hard way.
Reporter: No quick knockout prediction?
No, no, no. I'm not angry with him.
See, I just want to show the whole world
that Russia doesn't have all the best athletes.
Rocky, how do you think Apollo should fight Drago?
Well, personally,
I think the first thing you better get Apollo is a ladder.
Drago, how does it feel to spar
with the great former champion?
The man's tongue didn't come through customs.
Reporter: Great champ he is!
My husband is very happy to have this opportunity.
It's his dream.
Reporter: Dream? How do you mean?
In our country, Apollo creed is well-known
and very respected.
It would be a good victory.
Whoa.
Hey, wait a minute, now. Wait a minute. Hold it.
Win?
You don't really think
you're going to whip me, do you?
Drago didn't come here to lose.
You hold on, little lady. You hold on,
because lose and lose royally he's going to do.
How can you be so sure?
Well, I've been with the best,
and I beat the best.
I've retired more men than social security.
Excuse, please.
You are not very realistic, are you, Mr. Creed?
Where did you come from?
What are you talking about?
You can box, yes,
but you are far too old
to think that you can win over Drago.
Is that a fact?
Yes, and it could be a painful one.
You put that heavy bag with eyeballs in the ring with me,
and you going to see the meaning of pain.
Why do you insult us?
Now you just hold on here.
Don't make me out to be the bad guy.
I came here to talk about a friendly exhibition bout,
till comrade bigmouth started up!
It is you who are the aggressor!
This is obvious.
I wish to say to the press,
in all fairness,
Drago should not even fight this man
because he is a has-been.
You get that big chump in the ring right now!
I'll show you a has-been!
I don't want to hear nothing about hurt.
Just let that chump go!
All right, all right.
All right, I said what I feel.
We'll finish this in the ring. You understand?
Wherever you like.
Look, you just shut up!
And all those puppets that you brought with you!
You're history, chump!
You history!
How did I do?
A little loud for my taste.
But good?
Oh, yeah, very good.
Announcer: Welcome, one and all to the city of lights, Las Vegas,
and to one of the most unusual events in years--
east meets west,
age versus youth in a good-will exhibition match,
as the former champion, Apollo Creed,
takes on a Mountain of muscle from the Soviet union,
Ivan Drago.
Apollo: Yeah, I'm ready to rock and roll.
Rocky: You got to get your equipment here.
There you go. Now you look like a mummy.
How does it feel?
It feels great. I feel like I could eat nails.
You know, I never tried them things.
What are you talking about?
Snails. I never had them.
You know, I seen them in the garden,
but I didn't want to eat them.
I didn't say anything about snails!
I said nails.
N-n-nails, stallion.
You look pretty good, but just do me a favor.
When you go up there, Apollo,
try not to wear yourself out.
Yeah, wear myself out.
Sure.
It's just that you ain't been in the ring
for, like, 5 years.
What are you talking about?
You sound like I'm not an old man.
I'm in the best shape of my life.
I'm stronger, I'm quicker.
Hey, I'm not saying you're not ready or anything,
but personally, if it were me,
I wouldn't mind postponing it a couple weeks.
Postpone?
Come on, Apollo. We don't know anything
about this guy you're fighting, really.
Look, ok, ok, let's say I postpone.
I pull out, somebody else steps in
and whips this chump.
Then where does that leave me?
What do mean "leave you," Apollo?
It's just some kind of exhibition fight.
This thing don't mean nothing.
No, no, man, that's where you're wrong!
This is not just an exhibition fight
that doesn't mean anything.
This is us against them.
What are you talking about? Come on.
Stallion,
maybe you don't know
what I'm talking about now,
but you will when it's over.
Believe me,
you will when it's over.
[Speaking Russian]
Ivan!
Good luck. I hope after we can be friends.
I hope so.
Of course. They're sportsmen, not soldiers.
Enjoy the fight.
♪ Ow!
♪ Knock out
♪ dig it
♪ hit it
♪ super highways
♪ coast to coast
♪ easy to get anywhere
♪ on the transcontinental
♪ overload
♪ just slide behind the wheel
♪ how does it feel
♪ when there's no destination ♪
♪ that's too far
♪ and somewhere on the way
♪ you might find out who you are ♪
♪ living in America
♪ eye to eye
♪ station to station
♪ living in America
♪ hand to hand
♪ across the nation
♪ living in America
♪ got to have a celebration ♪
♪ you may not be looking for the promised land ♪
♪ but you might find it anyway ♪
♪ under one of those old familiar names ♪
♪ like new Orleans
♪ new Orleans
♪ Detroit city
♪ Dallas
♪ Pittsburgh, pa
♪ New York City
♪ Kansas City
♪ Atlanta ♪ Atlanta
♪ Chicago
♪ and L.A.
♪ I
♪ live in America
♪ hand to hand
♪ toe to toe
♪ say
♪ I
♪ live in America
♪ saying the line will make you proud ♪
♪ I
♪ live in America
♪ hey
♪ I know what it means
♪ living in America
♪ I say now
♪ eye to eye, tooth to tooth ♪
♪ this is the undisputed truth ♪
♪ living in America
♪ yeah!
♪ All the way
♪ with your bad self
♪ living in America
♪ yeah!
♪ I feel good
good evening, everyone. Along with Warner wolf, I'm stu nahan,
and we welcome you to a most unusual event.
For the first time ever,
west against east in professional sports.
Thanks for getting me here, stallion, I owe you one.
Oh, no, no, we're even.
God, I feel born-again.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
I would like to announce the presence
of a true fighting champion
that defines the word courage,
the Italian stallion, Rocky Balboa.
Excuse me, would you?
Certainly.
Rocky!
[Bell rings]
Tonight's special event
features two great athletes.
In the blue corner,
weighing 221 pounds,
the former heavyweight champion of the world,
the dancing destroyer,
the king of sting,
the count of monte fisto...
Yo, you think you got enough names?
Patience, stallion. Almost done.
The master of disaster,
the one and only Apollo Creed!
Announcer: The crowd anticipating a great fight now,
as Apollo is in the ring.
He's playing to the crowd.
In the red corner,
weighing an even 261 pounds,
gold medalist
and undefeated world amateur champion
from the Soviet union...
Boo! Boo!
The siberian bull,
Ivan Drago.
Boo!
I want you!
Announcer: Now the 2 fighters come to the center of the ring
for the instructions from referee Lou filippo.
You boys know the rules.
Watch your low blows,
kidney punches, rabbit punches.
In case of a knockdown,
you go to the corner I tell you to,
and you stay there until I tell you to come out.
Shake hands. Let's have a good fight.
All right, it's time to go to school.
Come on, get your hands up, man.
You need an interpreter? It's time to go to school.
You will lose.
All right!
Announcer: The bad blood between these two can be felt all over this arena.
I can't get over the size of this Russian.
Come on, Apollo!
It's show time! It's show time!
Excuse me. Didn't you forget something?
Oh. Come on.
Apollo seems to be in great spirits tonight.
He's really putting on a show for this capacity crowd.
Be back in a minute, all right?
Announcer: Round 1.
Creed dancing around,
Creed backpedaling now.
Don't wait on him.
Draw first.
Look alive.
Come on.
[Speaking Russian]
Come on, chump.
Neither fighter ready to throw a punch.
The left jab there.
A left jab once again by Creed.
And a slip--a slip by Creed.
This is bizarre.
Creed is over the hill,
and the Russian hasn't fought anybody.
Come on, Apollo!
Keep moving, Apollo. Stick him!
Drago is moving in again.
A left hand by Creed.
Another left hand by Creed, and Drago moves away.
Come on.
Get your hands up!
Another left hand by Creed. Drago, waiting, waiting.
Cocking that right hand.
[Speaking Russian]
A crunching right...
Get out of there!
Get out!
And a left hand. He's taking some punishment now!
Drago moves him against the ropes!
Tie him up now!
And now the Russian throws Creed across the ring.
It's Drago with the upper hand.
Drago with a left to the midsection.
Get out of that corner!
Drago with a right hand.
Another right, another right.
[Bell rings]
The bell's sounded. Creed's against the ropes.
What's the matter with you guys?
What are you guys doing?
This is supposed to be an exhibition!
You understand? An exhibition!
A tremendous end to the first round by the Russian
and a very bloody Apollo Creed.
The Soviet's strength is incredible.
I got to stop it.
This fight's finished. I got to call it.
You can't do no more out there.
I'm here to fight.
He's killing you. I got to stop this thing.
Promise me you're not going to stop this fight.
Boy, I'll tell you something,
that was a pulverizing round for the ex-champion.
Hey, folks, Ivan Drago is definitely for real.
Crowd: Apollo!
Don't stop this fight, no matter what.
No matter what.
Crowd: Apollo!
Apollo!
[Bell rings]
Creed comes out for round 2, dancing around.
The legs appear to be still a little rubbery.
Keep your hands up.
Hands up!
And now it is the Russian just standing there.
The Russian trying to intimidate Creed.
And the Russian throws the right hand!
Another right.
Get out of the corner!
Drago!
Get out of the corner!
Creed is being pounded without mercy.
Stop the fight!
The referee tries to step in,
and he's thrown across the ring.
Throw the towel!
I have never seen Apollo take so much punishment.
Throw the damn towel!
No!
My God!
Creed is down.
Apollo is down.
And he could be badly hurt.
Let him breathe!
Move!
Get everyone out of here!
The winner, Ivan Drago.
Let me through! Apollo!
I cannot be defeated.
Somebody get a doctor in here!
There is no movement by Creed.
I'll defeat all.
Is he dead?
It's absolute pandemonium.
Move!
Apollo!
You can do it.
I defeat real champion.
Where's the stretcher?
Let him breathe, for God's sake.
What started out as a joke
has turned out to be a disaster.
Creed appears to be in very serious condition.
Is the man alive?
You can make it, Apollo.
If he dies, he dies.
There's a lot I could say about this man,
but I don't know if it matters now.
I guess what matters is what he stood for,
what he lived for,
and what he died for.
You always did everything the way you wanted it.
I didn't understand that, but...
Now I understand.
I'll never forget you, Apollo.
You're the best.
Rocky, is the decision final?
Yes.
Rocky, over here, please.
Is this the first time a champion has given up his crown?
I don't know about that.
Doesn't the title mean anything to you anymore?
Not until this is over.
Considering Rocky's known punching power,
do you still think this is going to be an easy fight?
Yes. It's a matter of science.
Evolution, isn't it, gentlemen?
Drago is the most perfectly trained athlete ever.
This other man has not the size or endurance
or the genetics to win.
It's physically impossible for this little man to win.
Drago is a look at the future.
Champ, there's been no mention of it yet,
but how much are you making for this fight?
No money. It's not about money.
Has the fight date been set yet?
December 25th.
Why Christmas?
That's what I was told.
Where?
It's in Russia.
Are you nuts?
Why did you agree to this?
We fight in Soviet union,
or we fight nowhere.
Why don't you ask Drago's wife why she's afraid?
Tell them, please.
I'm afraid for my husband's life.
We have threats of violence everywhere.
Oh! Oh!
We are not in politics.
All I want is for my husband to be safe, to be treated fairly.
You call him a killer.
He's a professional fighter, not a killer.
You have this belief that you are better than us.
You have this belief that this country is so very good
and we are so very bad.
You have this belief that you are so fair
and we are so very cruel.
It's all lies and false propaganda
to support this antagonistic and violent government.
Violent? We don't keep people behind a wall
with machine guns.
Who are you?
Who am I?
I'm the unsilent majority, bigmouth!
Yay!
Yes, good. Insult us.
It's more typical rude behavior toward visiting foreigners.
Well, perhaps the simple defeat
of this little so-called champion
will be a perfect example
of how pathetically weak your society has become.
We go!
Hey, Rocky, Rocky, Rocky!
Rocky!
Rocky, can you tell us about it?
Mrs. Balboa!
How do you feel about going to Russia?
How does it feel to be--
Mrs. Balboa!
Adrian, Adrian!
Mrs. Balboa, did Creed's death make up your husband's mind?
I don't know what you're talking about.
Why is he going at Christmas?
When are you going?
I'm not going to Russia.
I don't know what you're talking about.
I don't know why you're here.
I don't know what you people are doing here.
Mrs. Balboa!
Rocky.
Yeah?
You all right?
Yeah.
I'm all right.
Why did you do it?
I just got to do what I got to do.
You don't have to do anything.
No, Adrian, I do.
I got to leave this place, too.
So where are you going?
They said they're going to let me train in Russia.
I just want to go someplace
where I ain't going to think about nothing except him.
Rocky, give it some time.
Don't do this.
A lot of people live with hurt.
Adrian, a lot of people don't have a choice.
I do.
And for that, you're willing to lose everything?
Adrian, this ain't everything.
This house, the cars,
and all the stuff we got,
it ain't everything.
There's a lot more than this.
Before, there were reasons to fight I could understand.
But I don't understand this.
Even if you win, what have you won? Apollo's still gone.
Why can't you change your thinking? Everybody else does.
Because I'm a fighter.
That's the way I'm made.
That's what you married.
We can't change what we are.
Yes, you can.
You can't change anything.
All we can do is go with what we are.
You can't go with what you are. Have you read the papers?
Do you know what everybody says? It's suicide.
You've seen him. You know how strong he is.
You can't win!
Oh, Adrian.
Adrian always tells the truth.
No, maybe I can't win.
Maybe the only thing I can do
is just take everything he's got.
But to beat me,
he's going to have to kill me.
And to kill me,
he's gonna have to have the heart
to stand in front of me.
And to do that,
he's got to be willing to die himself.
I don't know if he's ready to do that.
I don't know.
♪ We're not indestructible
♪ baby, better get that straight ♪
♪ I think it's unbelievable ♪
♪ how you'd give in to the hands of fate ♪
♪ some things are worth fighting for ♪
♪ some feelings never die
♪ I'm not asking for another chance ♪
♪ I just want to know why
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ there's no short cut home ♪
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ giving in can't be wrong
♪ I don't want to pacify you ♪
♪ I don't want to drag you down ♪
♪ but I'm feeling like a prisoner ♪
♪ like a stranger in a no-name town ♪
♪ I see all the angry faces ♪
♪ afraid that could be you and me ♪
♪ talking about what might have been ♪
♪ and thinking about what used to be ♪
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ there's no short cut home ♪
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ giving in can't be wrong
♪ baby, baby, we can shed this skin ♪
♪ we can know how we feel inside ♪
♪ instead of going down an endless road ♪
♪ not knowing if we're dead or alive ♪
♪ some things are worth fighting for ♪
♪ some feelings never die
♪ I'm not asking for another chance ♪
♪ I just want to know why
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ there's no short cut home ♪
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ giving in, giving in
♪ can't be wrong, no
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ there's no short cut home ♪
♪ there's no short cut home
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ there's no easy
♪ no easy
♪ no easy way out
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ there's no short cut home
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ there's no easy
♪ no easy
♪ no easy way out
♪ there's no easy way out
♪ there's no short cut home ♪
♪ there's no easy way out
robot: Careful with those plaid ones.
They belong to the boss.
Did you pack your toothbrush?
You know how tobacco stains your teeth.
If I've told you once,
I've told you a thousand times.
Hey, stop busting my chops.
Paulie.
I'm going to have her wires tied when I get back.
When will you be back?
Oh, pretty soon.
Are you scared?
No.
Yes, you are. A little, maybe?
Well, wouldn't you be?
If a big, giant man wanted to beat me up,
I'd be real scared.
Well, the truth is, you know, sometimes
I do get a little scared, you know.
When I'm in that ring
and I'm really getting hit on,
and my arms hurt so much I can't even lift them,
and I'm thinking, God, I wish this guy would hit me on the chin
so I don't feel nothing anymore.
Then there's another side that comes out
that isn't so scared.
It's another side that wants to take more,
that wants to go that one more round
because going one more round
when you don't think you can,
that's what makes all the difference in your life.
You know what I mean?
Will you remember one more thing?
Will you remember that daddy thinks
you're the best boy in the world,
and that daddy loves you no matter what.
I got to go now.
Will you take care of everything?
Ok.
Don't forget to feed your robot, ok?
Bye, babe.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Come on! The meter's running!
♪ Two worlds collide
♪ rival nations
♪ it's a primitive clash
♪ painting years of frustration ♪
♪ bravely we hope against all hope ♪
♪ there is so much at stake ♪
♪ seems our freedom's up against the ropes ♪
♪ does the crowd understand?
♪ Is it east versus west
♪ or man against man?
♪ Can any nation stand alone? ♪
♪ in the burning heart
♪ just about to burst
♪ there's a quest for answers, an unquenchable thirst ♪
♪ in the darkest night...
What a horrendous flight!
This is Russia?
It don't look so tough, Rock.
Mr. Balboa.
Serustov.
We take you to quarters now.
Hey, when does the sun come up?
This is detrimental to my sinuses.
Weather changes hour to hour.
Get used to it.
Pozhaluysta.
Get in the car now. We have very long trip.
Sounds like Dracula's cousin.
♪ In the warrior's code, there's no surrender ♪
♪ though his body says, "stop" ♪
♪ his spirit cries, "never" ♪
♪ deep in our soul
♪ a quiet ember
♪ knows it's you against you ♪
♪ it's the paradox that drives us all ♪
♪ it's a matter of wills
♪ in the heat of attack
♪ it's the passion that kills ♪
♪ the victory is yours alone ♪
♪ in the burning heart
♪ just about to burst
♪ there's a quest for answers, an unquenchable thirst ♪
♪ in the darkest night
♪ rising like a spire
♪ in the burning heart
♪ the unmistakable fire
like you requested.
Yes?
You requested this dumb location? Yeah.
Why? You planning to grow reindeer or something?
I just wanted to get away from things.
The equipment you requested
is in barn.
Who are they?
They are assigned to you.
Official chaperons, yes?
Where you go, they go.
Oh, I have a bad dream here.
Paulie, it's ok.
Ok?
This is below human standards.
There's no antennas. You got to complain.
We'll crack out here.
You have everything
I've been instructed to provide.
We're finished, yes?
Dosvidanya.
No sparring?
I don't think I need it anymore, Paulie.
No sparring, no TV, nothing.
How the heck is he supposed to train around here?
No TV? What about the rose bowl game?
No room service, I bet.
I hope they got my comics here.
What a depressing vacation.
God damn!
Tape player: All right, you chipmunks, ready to sing your song?
Alvin: I'll say we are!
♪ Christmas, Christmas time is here ♪
♪ time for toys and time for cheer ♪
♪ we've been good, but we can't last... ♪
checkmate, friend.
[Knock on door]
Yeah?
Hey, champ, can I come up?
Yeah, sure.
How you doing?
Pretty good.
Some kind of weather we're having up here, huh?
It's pretty rough.
But for what you got to do, it's good.
Toughen you up.
I guess so.
I know you're going to have to do almost everything alone here,
but you know I'll be with you.
Yeah, I know.
Apollo was like my son.
I raised him,
and when he died, part of me died.
But now, you're the one.
You're the one that's going to keep his spirit alive.
You're the one that's going to make sure
that he didn't die for nothing.
You're going to go through hell--
worse than any nightmare
that you ever dreamed.
But in the end,
I know you'll be the one standing.
I'll try.
You know what you got to do.
Do it.
Thanks, Duke.
I couldn't stay away anymore.
I missed you.
I'm with you no matter what.
No matter what?
No matter what.
♪ Sudden darkness creeps into your soul ♪
♪ it removes the line of self-control ♪
♪ the cage that holds you captive has no doors ♪
♪ burning with determination to even up the score ♪
♪ heart's on fire
♪ strong desire
♪ rages deep within
♪ heart's on fire
♪ fever's rising high
♪ the moment of truth is here ♪
♪ oh
no pain.
No pain.
♪ Oh, yeah
♪ heart's on fire
♪ strong desire
♪ rages deep within
♪ fever's rising
♪ energizing
♪ fire until the end
♪ heart's on fire
♪ strong desire
♪ rages deep within
♪ oh
yo!
Drago!
Announcer: Hello, everybody, and merry Christmas
from an unusual place.
We're in moscow, in the Soviet union.
I'm Barry tompkins, along with Al bandiero,
and this promises to be the most watched event in boxing history.
The iron horse from America, Rocky Balboa...
[Speaking Russian]
...Ivan Drago.
Since that tragedy in Las Vegas
and the death of Apollo Creed.
He's been renicknamed "death from above."
Drago!
High above us, the general secretary of the Soviet
and other members of the politburo have now made their way to their seats
high above the ring here in moscow.
Rock, I know you're kind of busy just now,
but I want to tell you some things I never told you.
I know sometimes I act stupid, and I say stupid things,
but you kept me around when other people would have said,
"drop that bum." You give me respect.
You know, it's hard for me to say these things. That ain't my way.
But if I could just unzip myself and step out and be someone else,
I'd want to be you.
You're all heart, Rock.
Thanks, Paulie.
Now bust this guy's teeth out.
I'll try.
Boo! Boo!
Right now, one of the fighters, starting to make his way
through this crowd and toward the ring.
Listen to this crowd.
We knew he wouldn't be popular,
but this borders on pure hatred.
Rocky's face absolutely like stone--
he is a picture of concentration,
and the booing crowd here does not seem to bother him a bit.
The champ has a look tonight could burn through lead.
It seems that the booing crowd has absolutely no effect on the man.
His concentration seems to be like stone.
That's my dad.
We know.
What do you think we are, nerds?
Listen to this crowd. It sounds insane.
Boo! Boo!
And now, the entrance of the Russian national champion, Ivan Drago,
a man with an entire country in his corner.
Barry tompkins: Look at the expression on the face of Ivan Drago.
He seems impervious to this madness of the crowd.
He's like a volcano just waiting to erupt.
British announcer: The Russian champion is amazingly cool,
ladies and gentlemen, as he acknowledges his premier.
As I say, I would like point out again,
this is a nonsanctioned fight.
This is not for the title.
The American boxing commission has not sanctioned this bout.
[Man speaking Russian]
[Soviet national anthem]
Ladies and gentlemen...
[Speaking Russian]
...Rocky Balboa!
Boo! Boo!
British announcer: It's unbelievable.
I have never in all my years seen such a hostile crowd.
[Speaking Russian]
...Ivan Drago!
British announcer: They're screaming and roaring for their champion.
The two men are walking toward the center of the ring.
It's an unbelievable sight to see.
They're toe to toe.
The Russian towers above the American.
It's a true case of David and goliath here.
It's unbelievable the condition of both men.
I must break you.
Ivan! Ivan Drago!
Remember what I said back there about wanting to be you?
Yeah.
Forget it.
Thanks, Paul.
[Speaking Russian]
Take it straight to him. Take it straight to him,
and be a rock for me. Understand?
Be a rock for me! Be strong!
All right, now take it to him, no pain!
No pain! No pain!
Do it!
[Bell rings]
Barry tompkins: There's the bell for the opening round,
and Rocky Balboa comes out to the center of the ring,
but the Russian going back into Balboa's corner now.
Grab him!
Get out of there!
Spin him out! Let's go, Rock!
Get out of there!
Tompkins: Balboa gets out of the corner now
and moves forward, as Drago, backing Rocky Balboa up with a jab.
And Balboa is not staying on balance
because of the long jab of the Russian.
Brace yourself! Brace yourself!
Duke: Hands up!
Charge him! Now!
British announcer: He can't seem to touch the Russian.
Tompkins: Rocky pounding away at the midsection of the Russian,
and he's just hit him with everything he's got.
And Drago just smiled at him.
Keep chopping away!
Chop him down!
Tompkins: Rocky Balboa is in serious trouble.
They might have to stop this one before somebody gets killed.
Duke: Reach and grab him!
Rocky's hurt. He woke the sleeping giant,
and now he's paying the price.
A right hand from Drago sends Rocky Balboa 15 feet across the ring.
The champ is down.
[Counting in Russian]
Duke: Rock! Get up!
Come on, get up!
Hands up!
Tompkins: Drago continuing to punish Rocky Balboa.
He just will not let him out of that corner.
Rocky Balboa is just trying
to get through this first round.
[Ring]
The Russian threw Rocky Balboa into his own corner
like a rag doll.
A tough first 3 minutes for Rocky Balboa.
He's not only fighting what appears to be an invincible opponent.
He's also fighting a very hostile crowd
and the Russian premier and most of the politburo looking on.
All right, what's happening out there?
He's winning.
I see three of him out there.
Hit the one in the middle.
Right. Hit the one in the middle.
Yeah, ok.
Take his heart.
You hurt him, you'll take his heart. No pain.
Take his heart.
[Ring]
Here's the bell for round 2.
It's been a one-sided fight so far.
It'll take more than luck
for Rocky to survive this round.
Rocky's been hit with bombs.
Step and hook, Rock. Step and hook.
Balboa trying to stay in the middle of the ring against the big Russian.
Move the head!
Do what you got to do! Stay with him!
Rocky's fighting back ferociously.
Rocky!
And Balboa goes down again from a right hand,
bounces right back up.
He's getting killed out there.
[Speaking Russian]
Rocky Balboa has taken Ivan Drago's best punches so far.
He's cut and he's bleeding, but he's on his feet and he's on the run.
Hold on! Hold on!
He's cut! He's cut!
The Russian's cut-- it's a bad cut!
Now it's Rocky Balboa coming after Ivan Drago.
Get him!
Yeah!
[Ring]
The Russian wants to goes on.
He grabs Rocky Balboa by the throat.
Balboa picking up the Russian
and throws him to the ground just like a wrestler.
It's a gutter war-- no holds barred in moscow.
Rocky may be on the receiving end so far,
but he's here to fight.
This is shaping up to be a personal war,
and right now, it's anybody's boxing match.
You're doing good, Rocko. I couldn't do better myself.
Thanks.
You've got him hurt bad. Yeah?
Now, he's worried.
You cut him! You hurt him!
You see, you see? He's not a machine! He's a man!
You want it more than he does. No pain.
No pain.
Ok, take it to him, take it to him, take it to him.
Come on!
Get up!
It's all right.
Tompkins: ...A good right hand by Rocky Balboa.
You're doing fine. You're doing great.
Hook him!
Keep moving! Go!
Come on!
Da!
Tompkins: A few cheers now for Rocky Balboa.
Suddenly moscow is pro-Rocky.
No pain. No pain.
Keep punching.
Rock, no pain.
[Bell rings]
[Ring]
This place is ready to explode.
Punch after punch-- amazing what power.
Neither man backing off,
Rocky Balboa's determination
is actually beginning to win over what was once a hostile crowd.
This is incredible.
What round is it?
15. One more round.
There's no stopping us now. This is our round.
Rocky! Rocky!
No stopping now.
We start, and we don't stop.
All your strength, all your power, all your love--
everything you've got.
Nyet!
[Warning buzzer]
To win, you got to knock him out.
You got to punch and punch
until you can't punch no more.
This is your whole life here.
Knock him out, Rocko.
Do it now, now!
The war is on.
British announcer: This is the last round.
To the end.
British announcer: Which one of these magnificent fighters will be standing
at the end of this round?
Tompkins: Drago snaps out a stiff jab, and another.
Another. Rocky taking punishment, trying to get inside.
He's completely exhausted.
Come on, Rock.
What are you waiting for?
Hit him!
Rocky! Rocky!
Come on. Fight!
Balboa is chopping the Russian down.
Don't stop, Rock!
...and Drago delivers a hard right hand
that stuns Rocky Balboa.
Don't go down!
Forget technique. Forget strategy.
This is just a street fight.
It's a question of who wants it most.
What is he doing?
He's winning!
Rocky! Rocky!
Keep fighting! Keep fighting!
Knock his head off!
Finish him!
Ivan!
Don't stop!
You're gonna do it!
Ivan!
3!
4!
5...
6...
7...
8,
9,
1o!
Rocky Balboa has done the impossible,
and these people love it!
It is absolute pandemonium!
More than ever,
Rocky has proven himself a true champion.
Rocky! Rocky!
Thank you.
[Russian translation]
I came here tonight,
and I didn't know what to expect.
[Russian translation]
I seen a lot of people hating me,
and I didn't know what to feel about that,
so I guess I didn't like you much none, either.
[Russian translation]
During this fight, I seen a lot of changing.
[Russian translation]
The way you felt about me
and the way I felt about you.
[Russian translation]
In here, there were two guys killing each other,
but I guess that's better than 20 million.
[Russian translation]
What I'm trying to say
is that if I can change...
[Russian translation]
And you can change...
[Russian translation]
Everybody can change!
[Russian translation]
I just want to say one thing to my kid,
who should be home sleeping,
merry Christmas, kid.
I love you!
♪ Sudden darkness creeps into your soul ♪
♪ it removes the line of self-control ♪
♪ the cage that holds you captive has no doors ♪
♪ burning with determination to even up the score ♪
♪ heart's on fire
♪ strong desire
♪ rages deep within
♪ heart's on fire
♪ fever's rising high
♪ the moment of truth draws near ♪
♪ time will not allow you to stand still ♪
♪ no
♪ silence breaks the heart and bends the will ♪
♪ defenses, duty, passions are your sword ♪
♪ rules and regulations have no meaning anymore ♪
♪ heart's on fire
♪ strong desire
♪ rages deep within
♪ heart's on fire
♪ fever's rising high
♪ the moment of truth is here ♪
♪ oh
♪ it's here
♪ oh, yeah
♪ heart's on fire
♪ strong desire
♪ rages deep within
♪ oh