Self-preservation, a character trait, is continuously shown by Adonis Creed in the movie “Creed II.” I attended an advanced screening of “Creed II” at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, on November 19, 2018, and needless to say, I was awestruck. This movie definitely empowered and inspired many emotions within my overall self, from strength to perseverance, patience, and more. Not only did this movie have me at the edge of my seat throughout every scene, but it showed a positive message of a black male and a complete black family. It also showed a sense of family and its importance.
This movie does a great job of not representing the black male as a statistic, drug dealer or rapper, which is unfortunately set as the “norm” for black men. Instead, it shows him following his own passion, maneuvering himself through the many obstacles he faces. The movie doesn’t show him turning to drinking and drugs but instead to his wife Bianca, his daughter, his mother, and his mentor, Rocky Balboa (whom Adonis considers his uncle.) The self-preservation that is shown, whether this be from opponent Viktor Drago constantly talking down on Adonis, or when everyone doubted him before the fight, Creed remained successful.
Not only does this movie share the love he has for everyone in his life, but shares an ambition of keeping his heavyweight champion title. But Creed also has some very tough decisions to make. He has a baby on the way, and doesn’t know how he’s going to be a full-time father and boxing champion. He also doesn’t know if his daughter is going to be born with a hearing deficiency, but realizes that he was going to need to face it and love her regardless.
“I just hope you’ll be here for your child,” Creed’s mother, Mary Anne, states, worried about Creed’s initial fight with Viktor Drago, the son of the man who killed Creed’s father in a boxing match three decades ago.
Creed suffers serious damage after his fight with Viktor, but he does not let this stop him. Creed becomes more fierce, finds the real reason why he wants to fight Viktor, and changes his training habits. The rest of the film was definitely a banger, a real eye-opener, and a chance for people to realize that hard work truly pays off. The outcome of Creed’s final match against Drago, opens up many hearts leading to Adonis introducing his daughter to his father’s grave and Rocky finally seeing his son and grandson after nine years. “Creed II” means to me that, “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up,” as famously said by Babe Ruth. To quote Muhammad Ali, Adonis Creed “is not the greatest, he is the double greatest,” a generational representation of black excellence.
Ramaya Thomas, 14, attends Atlanta International School, and listened to Jorja Smith’s new album while writing this review.
