The Most Important Thing

Before it is a movie about sports, before it is about determination and an inspiring story about an underdog, it is a love story. Rocky is first and foremost a love story. Love -- love is the most important thing. And because it is, Rocky is actually a winner at the end. It is love which makes us a world champion.



They've known each other for a long time, both thought by others and themselves to be losers in life. And when they go on their first date, shortly before Thanksgiving and before Rocky has been offered a shot at the championship, it really is one of the more charming love scenes in film.



Love is life. But, eventually the life of the one we love will end. By the time of Rocky Balboa, Adrian has died, their son is struggling in his life, and Paulie is broken and lost.



Love is life. As we discussed below, love is not always easy -- life is not always easy. But it is necessary to go on, to not let yourself get beaten down. That "is how winning is done," in life and in love.

Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!

Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that!

I'm always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain't gonna have a life. Don't forget to visit your mother.

But when life, or love, seeks to beat us down, we do not have to fight the fight alone. We don't have to take the hits alone or try to move forward alone. As the very first scene in Rocky shows, which begins with a painting of Christ before panning down to a fight, we have Someone in our corner ready to help.

.