Ryan Coogler is a young genius. While watching Creed, it's hard to fathom that Coogler is somewhat inexperienced compared to some of Hollywood's leading directors. Besides a few short films and smaller projects, Creed is only the 29-year old's second feature film. Creed is Coogler's proof you have to fight for your spot at the top as an underdog, not just in the ring but in life. Fighting to expose the tragic death of Oscar Grant to the world in Fruitvale Station to fighting to have Adonis Johnson Creed given a chance to be created, Coogler's journey is inspiring and is reflected in his work.
Creating Creed was more than just a dream for a guy who grew up as a fan of the Rocky series, it was a creative outlet to share a piece of his personal life. The film captured the battle with trust, pain, lost, quest for family and forgiveness amongst multiple characters. Adonis Johnson, lovechild of the late fictional heavyweight champion of the world Apollo Creed was carefully and thoroughly developed on and off screen.
Adonis Johnson's character on screen is a relatable character many have witnessed in real life. Michael B. Jordan embodied his role as Adonis, struggling with his identity his entire life and determination to create his own legacy. Jordan's commitment to transforming himself to Adonis, the son of the greatest (fictional) boxer in the world is simply commendable. "I lived the life of a boxer for almost a year and it was awesome." If you're familiar with Jordan's past work, you'd know he didn't always look like a pro boxer. Training for over eight months, Jordan had to transform his mind and body to become a boxer. He definitely stiffened the competition to hop in the ring with real pro boxers. "We had to take a fantastic actor and turn him into a boxer. I said to him, you have to perform this, there's no cutting around ya, we're not using a double," stunt coordinator, Clayton Barber.
Michael B. Jordan's performance was electric and believable. The audience was able to feel the passion and fight in every jab. Jordan was able to make personal connections to his character Adonis Johnson which helped the on screen development that much better. Growing up with the name Michael Jordan was more of an internal struggle for a young Michael Bakari Jordan. Admitting he hated his name and wanted to change it, Michael fights still to this day as his character Adonis to create his own legacy regardless of his name. Creed also correlates to Jordan's real life journey beginning as the underdog in Hollywood to fighting for the new heavyweight title.
The unique culture of Philadelphia represented in the film is notable. The famous Rocky steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art were recreated, but not traditionally as in former movies. The Philly bike culture was embraced and symbolically used as an equivalent to the iconic Rocky steps in one scene. As Adonis and Rocky climbing the 72 steps as a conclusion, not only symbolize triumph for the two and their relationship, but more specifically that you have to take life step by step.
"Your biggest competition is the person in the mirror. I believe that in boxing and in life." -Rocky. Creed will leave you feeling ready to fight whatever life throws at you. The film provoked an array of emotions from love to empathy to pain. Creed will surely get your adrenaline up! The film also taught a great lesson of always paying attention to yourself at the end of the day and life is about what you leave in the ring and bring back.
After being hesitant of returning to the big screen as the legendary Rocky Balboa with a rookie director, Sylvester Stallone made amazing comeback into the shoes of one the biggest roles of his career. Tessa Thompson portrayed a beautiful role of not just a love interest but as a backbone. She also symbolized her own strength, being needed and independence. Creative direction, great preparation and combing talented individuals, Creed is a well put together body of work that is worth the watch and support.
Becoming Adonis! https://t.co/rUaM18UtQJ
— Michael B Jordan (@michaelb4jordan) November 24, 2015
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