Rocky V and Faith Lessons on Family, Perseverance, and Purpose

From a million to one shot, Rocky Balboa became a true champion. The fifth installment of the franchise gets knocked down, literally. The fifth installment of the franchise took an interesting but surprising turn when it was first released in 1990. It placed second in the box office behind Home Alone, but the film didn't match the box office potential as the previous four. 

After Rocky defeats Drago, he learns that his accountant mismanaged his finances to the point of declaring bankruptcy and moving back to Adrian and Paulie’s home in Kensington. He would take over Mickey’s gym and encounter Tommy Gunn.

While his health was on the decline, Rocky staged a comeback by taking Gunn as his protégé. Rocky trains Tommy to help him become the top contender as he will face Union Kane, Rocky’s successor. Yet, a scrupulous promoter named George Washington Duke is behind the scenes, finding ways for Rocky to go down.

The fifth film wasn’t a knockout like its prequels, but the film does stress some faith lessons. Rocky shows us how to persevere, the importance of family, and what his purpose is.

Perseverance

St. James wrote, “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Rocky is seen as a figure who won’t give up even when the odds are against him. In the fifth movie, Rocky gets knocked down both literally and figuratively. He had to learn to find strength, which he does through a memory of his former mentor, Mickey Goldmill.

When Rocky visits the old gym where he trained for his first two fights, he recalls a memory about never giving up, as he was given a medallion. It motivates him to keep going in his state of life.

Family

The central conflict of the film is Rocky’s relationship with his son, Rocky Jr. His son gets bullied at school. When he sought his father to teach him how to protect himself, he got dissed as Rocky’s priority was Tommy. He would get a rude awakening when his son reminded him of his wise saying of watching out for “scams and deception”.

Purpose

When Rocky’s life went upside down and he was forced to leave boxing, he struggled to find his purpose. He thought that training Tommy Gunn, who would betray him. Then, he realized that he needed to grow on himself instead of worrying about what others are doing or dwelling on his circumstances.

Rocky has time and time again shown us the measure of a man, a song performed by Elton John during the end credits. One lyric that stands out reads, “You've been to hell and back again. God alone knows how you crossed that span. ” The artist uses these poignant words to sum up what Rocky goes through in the film.

While Rocky V was a disappointing turn for the franchise, it is enjoyed by many fans devoted to the beloved franchise. The film reminds us to always continue to self-grow, put family ahead of others, and never give up when the going is rough.