When I was given the task of watching a top 100 movie I had never seen before I immediately thought of Rocky. It is a very iconic movie but I had just never gotten around to see it. One of the reasons I’ve never seen it is I had never really been interested in boxing. After watching the movie I realize that this movie is more than a guy learning how to box. It shows the unbreakable spirit of human nature and a man that will never give up.

In 1975 in Philadelphia, slovenly southpaw Rocky Balboa alternates competing in small boxing matches with leg-breaking, money-collecting errands for his loan shark boss Gazzo. When heavyweight champion of the world Apollo Creed  fixes to exploit America’s “land of opportunity” attitude by staging a fight with a local talent, Rocky is selected for the chance of a lifetime. While Creed plans for the big New Year’s Day show with splashy costumes and gimmicky theatrics, the “Italian Stallion” prepares for an honest fight. For Rocky, it isn’t about victory, but simply to remain standing during the grueling 15-round match.

His father convinced Rocky that he’d better learn to use his body, since his brains wouldn’t get him far. Neighboring pet shop employee Adrian was given the opposite advice: she didn’t have much of a body, so she’d better use her brains. Rocky has little experience with women, but is determined to court Adrian, who is painfully shy and lives rather sheltered in her brother Paulie’s house. The two make a perfect, contrasting onscreen couple; a frequently comedic and awkwardly heartwarming romance, akin to the wholesome relationship in1955’s “Marty.” Paulie is also Rocky’s best friend, a meat factory worker who dually supports the newfound chance at success and regrets his inability to advance his own meager existence.

Rocky started fighting to prove he wasn’t a bum; is eventual trainer Mickey sees the potential but scorns him repeatedly for never having put his skills to use. For the titular fighter, the ultimate goal is respect – something he strives for in his reputation, and a concept few people readily award. It’s not until the night before the championship bout that he realizes that self-respect means more to him than the adulation of others – which Apollo Creed and television reporters attempt to take away during moments of meaningless publicity.

The film isn’t flawless, especially with the first section noticeably lagging on the technical front and facing occasional pacing issues. But witnessing a 50-to-1 underdog rousingly living a Cinderella story, discovering unusual but true love, and sorting out the importance of uncompromisingly “going the distance,” is enough to make up the difference. “Rocky” also contains perhaps the most famous montage of any film: a music-driven training sequence culminating in a triumphant dance atop the Philadelphia Museum of Art. All in all this is a very iconic movie and rightfully so. Everyone should watch this movie.