Mickey Z
Cool Observer
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Rocky Balboa and tears of joy
So, of course I went to see Rocky Balboa. I was 16 when the original came out...a blue collar New Yorker with an interest in the fighting arts. Needless to say, the story resonated in a profound way. Watching Rocky do his thing all these years later was an emotional experience for me and got me thinking: Why would someone get choked up as they witnessed this cinematic depiction of courage and determination? The easy answer is: tears of joy.
I say there are no such thing. We cry at these moments because we are sad...sad that life is rarely so satisfying. I am brought to tears as Rocky reaches back for that something extra because, deep down inside, I am melancholy...for a few reasons:
1. I wish things were this simple....that bravery, ambition, and discipline could guarantee some measure of success.
2. I realize that I will likely never have the chance to do what Rocky is doing, e.g. find out what I am made of by facing up to a extraordinary challenge and succeeding against all odds.
3. I recall the simple life of a teenager. When I first saw Rocky Balboa in action, I was brimming with innocence, optimism, and the ability to live almost exclusively in the moment.
Read it and weep: “Tears of joy” do not exist…
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A taste of Rocky Balboa:
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