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Rocky Climbed a Mountain

average rating is 3 out of 5

Critic:

Swati Verma

|

Posted on:

Mar 9, 2024

Film Reviews
Rocky Climbed  a Mountain
Directed by:
James Rolfe
Written by:
James Rolfe
Starring:
James Rolfe, Derek Wayne Johnson

The writer-director and Youtuber James Rolfe (video game and film reviewer) along with Derek Wayne Johnson talk to the audience about the detailed analysis of various film projects Rocky Iv to be specific. This gives film enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to learn from the various videos on his Youtube channel.

 

The plot of the short film revolves around James Rolfe who attempts to find and climb the same mountain that Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) climbed and bravely conquers his quest to become strong enough to defeat the human monster Ivan Drago in Rocky IV in 1985.

 

Rocky Climbed a Mountain begins with Rolfe showcasing the footage from an old video of all the Rocky films the most famous of all being the art museum steps and later talks about Rocky IV in which the protagonist climbs the mountain maintaining the interest of the audience in the narrative from the very start and tries to hold on to the audience engagement all through the running time of the film. The set design, colour palette, lighting, sound, dialogues, costume, hair, makeup, and props have been kept natural to give a sense of realism, relatability, and depth to the storyline to appreciate the amount of detailing James Rolfe wants to work with so that the viewers also share the same emotion with regards to Rocky IV and Sylvester Stallone after watching the documentary.

 

James Rolfe in addition to direction and writing features in the documentary. The dedication and love for what he does is visible as he embarks on a trip which is elusive and dangerous in many ways. The voice modulation, body language, facial expressions, and eyes tell us about the ever-increasing intensity as we move forward with each twist and turn with the unfolding of the storyline.

Derek Wayne Johnson is an editor by profession and a close friend of Rolfe who accompanies him in his mission of looking for real-life locations that match the shots taken in the movie Rocky IV. Johnson provides the desired emotional support and motivation to complete the trip successfully and achieve most of the predetermined goals.

 

Rocky Climbed a Mountain talks about the ability to express the passion one has for a certain area of interest and to showcase the same with the work they do providing a certain degree of satisfaction and peace within. The documentary reiterates the importance of loved ones especially when combating a risky life-threatening situation in life. It highlights the emotional responsibility of a parent and a spouse one has to fullfil by coming back home safely every time. The cinematic piece teaches its audience that every human being is allowed to be emotionally vulnerable at times irrespective of gender. The creative piece also restates the value of time well spent with people who are important to us when we consider the temporary nature of life.

 

To conclude I would like to say the documentary aptly works as a tribute to the senior actor Sylvester Stallone from James Rolfe and Derek Wayne Johnson with valuable life lessons incorporated in it.

About the Film Critic
Swati Verma
Swati Verma
Documentary
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