1. Rocky.
There could only have ever been one winner in this countdown as we follow the fortunes of journeyman boxer Rocky Balboa, as he struggles to navigate life’s daily challenges in the backstreets of Philadelphia.
Much to his dismay he must takes on a multitude of dead end jobs in order to make ends meet, as he continues to question his own dignity and sense of self worth.
With his life seemingly going nowhere, world Boxing Champion Apollo Creed offers Rocky the opportunity of a lifetime to fight for the World Heavyweight Title.
What unfolds is a battle of two polar opposites from vastly different backgrounds, with the Italian Stallion placing his emphasis on going the distance with the undefeated Apollo Creed, a path that no man has ever tread before, and one that is fraught with danger.
With the champion seeing the contest as little more than a marketing ploy, and his challenger a mere afterthought.
Rocky is undeterred however, and is determined to grasp his golden opportunity with both hands.
We then follow his emotion fuelled journey, as he summons every ounce of physical and mental fortitude to make a believer of his trainer Micky, his partner Aidrian, and most crucially of himself.
Aided by a spine tingling musical score from composer Bill Conti, this film and its subsequent sequels rightly transcended the big screen and carved itself into popular culture as a motivational juggernaut that continues to resonate as profoundly today as it did on its release almost fifty years ago.
Ultimately, this film holds a far deeper sense of purpose than the boxing movie that we see on the surface, as it tells the story of one man’s innate inner self belief to keep on fighting, regardless of the odds.
Consequently, it serves us with a powerful reminder that we should never give up hope, as we seek to find success and fulfillment in our own lives.
Therefore, for me personally, this stands alone as the greatest movie ever made.
I hope you enjoyed the countdown!
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Phil.
SPORTS 25/8 