By: Miguel Ernesto Yusty

CREED III is the ninth film based on the story of the character Rocky, created by Sylvester Stallone for the 1976 film of the same name. At the heart of the story are protagonists who struggle against poverty and exclusion and who, through boxing, manage to improve their living conditions and grow as human beings. The first six films coincide with the end of the Cold War and reflect the struggle between East and West from an American perspective, without diminishing the dramatic power of the saga. Proof of its enduring appeal is that almost five decades after the first installment, the films, with Rocky as their defining character, continue to generate discussion.

Creed is the surname of one of Rocky Balboa's opponents. In the films released after 2015, this name refers to his son, suggesting a sporting "heritage" passed down through generations, a kind of gladiatorial determinism. Creed III is directed by Michael A. Jordan, who also stars in the film, and marks his directorial debut. This is further enhanced by an auteur-driven and experimental approach that elevates the film, featuring lighting and set design never before seen in the saga.

This film, CREED III, is a product of its time. Released in 2023, it coincided with the war between Russia and Ukraine, a parallel to the Cold War. Although the central conflict in this installment isn't between Russians and "Americans," the weight of that historical conflict is palpable in the background. Furthermore, the film effectively portrays the rise of African American communities to the upper echelons of society, unlike the 1976 film, where Italian Americans were the ones striving to reach the top of the social ladder. Beyond these reflections, CREED III works because it creates characters with motivations capable of driving them to their ultimate consequences, making it a compelling film for audiences of all nationalities.