Defend It Yourself 26: Rocky IV (1985) with Dr. Erica Canela

Cold War fists, broken pride, and the ultimate 80s showdown. When an exhibition fight turns fatal, boxing becomes geopolitics in one of the most iconic sports movies of the 1980s. In this episode of Review it Yourself, we dive into Rocky IV, exploring Cold War tension, masculinity, spectacle, and why this so-called “montage movie” still packs an emotional punch. Joining us is award-winning historian, writer, and editor Erica Canela, who steps into the ring to defend what she calls a “cinematic banger.” When Boxing Became the Cold War Released at the height of US–Soviet tensions, Rocky IV pits American champion Rocky Balboa against Soviet powerhouse Ivan Drago in a bout loaded with symbolism. From the explosive glove-crash opening to the brutal exhibition match that kills Apollo Creed, this film doesn’t hide its political stakes. We Explore: • The Cold War framing of America vs the USSR • Spectacle, patriotism, and 1980s excess • The cultural impact of Drago’s “If he dies, he dies” • How sport becomes a proxy for ideological warfare Is it subtle? No. Is it effective? Absolutely. Beyond the Montages: Male Friendship and Mortality. While often remembered for its soundtrack and training sequences, Rocky IV continues a deeper thread running throughout the Rocky franchise: male friendship, pride, ageing, and identity. We discuss: • Apollo Creed’s fear of irrelevance • Rocky’s loyalty and emotional restraint • Adrian’s devastating “You can’t win” confrontation • The cost of refusing to accept mortality Behind the spectacle lies a surprisingly emotional story about men confronting the end of their prime. America, the 80s, and Cinematic Excess From Lamborghinis to robot butlers, James Brown to steroid-fuelled super-athletes, Rocky IV is a time capsule of 1985. We unpack: • Why the film is nearly one-third montage • The myth vs reality of Soviet sports science • How 80s cinema balanced sincerity with spectacle • Why this film still resonates 40 years later Is it corny? Sometimes. Is it iconic? Undeniably.About Our Guest:Erica Canela Erica Canela is an award-winning historian, writer, and editor with a passion for cultural history and storytelling. You can connect with Erica here:• Twitter/X: @ericanela • Website: https://ericanela.co.uk/ • Publications: https://amzn.eu/d/0fwXYu3s Support Review It Yourself If you enjoy intelligent, passionate debate about film both good and bad — you can support Review it Yourself in the following ways:-Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform-Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts — it genuinely helps!Follow on social media:• Twitter/X: @YourselfReview• Instagram: @reviewityourselfpodcast2021-Contact:[email protected] support helps keep independent film podcasting alive. Whether you see it as propaganda, pop culture gold, or pure 80s nostalgia, Rocky IV remains one of the most memorable boxing films ever made — and perhaps the most politically charged.Lace up your gloves. It’s Christmas Day in Moscow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.