Chris Sowers is a craftsman of the written word. Brilliant.

Sent by Mike McCabe | 11:10 AM ET | 01-15-2008

Chris, you complete me.

Sent by Matt shaver | 11:25 AM ET | 01-15-2008

I completely agree with the symbolization of Rocky for America. His fighting and actions leading to the fight do symbolize Americas view on the war.This was a good nomination and comparison.

Sent by Audrey Bouchard | 11:39 AM ET | 01-16-2008

Good comparison. I never looked at Rocky that way but now it makes sense on why it was depicted this way.

Sent by Jay Cronze | 12:01 PM ET | 01-16-2008

Rocky IV was a silly, jingoistic movie that played every cliche and ultimately proved no more substantial or meaningful than a monster truck rally.

The original Rocky was inspiring and low-key, taking a bruiser who had little more going for him other than will, muscle and a growling Burgess Meredith, and giving him the chance of a lifetime to fulfill his dream: a chance at the title.

Did Rocky win? No. That wasn't the point. The victory was not a knockout, or a favorable decision, but to go the distance with the best in the world and prove that he could. We fight the greatest battles within, and the genius of Rocky was to externalize that fight in the pugilist's arena.

Rocky IV, by comparison, was loud, obvious and vulgar, giving Rocky a superhuman Cold-War opponent to fight among a hostile Soviet audience, who, of course, finally rally to Rocky's side after witnessing his courage and heart in the ring, thus making every Russian a secret American. Oh please.

For me, there is only one Rocky movie.

Sent by John Brown | 2:58 AM ET | 01-18-2008

As a ten-year-old Italian-American boy growing up in the city of brotherly love, Rocky defined my youth. He showed with few words but large deeds the power of belief when no one else believes. Rocky gave me faith that I could, and would, control my destiny. I just had to give it everything in me.

Just a few weeks ago I returned to Philadelphia to help my father through the first round of chemotherapy. The doctor explained that the treatment would prolong his life but would not cure the cancer that was rapidly spreading.

Together my Dad and I sat before the television in living room of the same Northeast Philly row house that has barely changed since 1979, and we watched the newest Rocky movie. Again, Rocky pushed himself beyond what everyone, his son included, believed was possible.

And he succeeded.

I still want to believe.

Sent by Richard Ligato | 9:21 AM ET | 01-29-2008