Creed (2016) - A Good Spin-off.

★★★★☆

‘Creed’ is a terrific demonstration of how a motivational film is supposed to be like. It’s a very good job again by Director Ryan Coogler after the impressive ‘Fruitvale Station’ also starring Michael B. Jordan, in terms of blood boiling score, sensational acting by Stallone in particular, and exceptional boxing matches, one of which is even amazingly shot in one long take. The film engrosses throughout though to some the training sessions are kind of routine and the cancer stuff might be more or less of a cliché.

One of the things that still strikes me is how determined and courageous Creed junior seems to be to quit his decent day job even after a lately promotion so as to live his ambition as a professional boxer. He seems not to hesitate a bit when handing in his resignation and taking right off without bothering to explain a thing to his boss. I wonder how many of us would have such determination and courage just like that when it comes to jumping out of the comfort zone and pursuing dreams that don’t necessarily come true in the end. Sometimes I feel like just do it is the key. When you over think about it, you don’t do it after all!

‘It ain’t about how hard you can hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward’. That’s one of the famous lines that I still remember from Rocky films. Sure there’re pep talks in ‘Creed’ but they’re not at all corny. The last one is quite overwhelming indeed that almost drove my tears down my cheeks. The truth is, only few are crazy and daring enough to get hit over and again and still move forward. Most of us just appear too normal! And we often fail to realize or admit that in most cases, we’re actually only one step away from what we long for!

I like the way the film ends. It’s not about the title but the pride; not about the outcome but the process; not about what you get in the end but what you learn from trying to achieve your goal. The stupid would only focus on results rather than lessons that come with, while the wise would just do the opposite. Matter of fact, if you’re wise enough, you know for sure that winning’s never defeating or destroying whatever you’re up against. It’s gaining respect!