Rocky V (1990)

Rocky V (1990), an American sports drama film, is directed by John G. Avildsen and written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. Following his victory over Ivan Drago in Moscow, Rocky experiences mental disabilities from the fight. Upon returning to the United States with his wife Adrian, brother-in-law Paulie, and trainer Tony ‘Duke’ Evers, they are greeted by their now 14-year-old son Robert Jr. At a press conference, boxing promoter George Washington Duke tries to goad Rocky into fighting top-rated challenger Union Cane, but Rocky declines. Back home, they discover they are bankrupt after Paulie unwittingly signed over power of attorney to Rocky’s accountant who wasted all their money on failed real estate deals and neglected to pay taxes for six years.

After his mansion was mortgaged by $400,000, Rocky’s lawyer assured him that a few more fights could fix the financial situation. Initially agreeing to fight Cane, Rocky’s wife Adrian encouraged him to see a doctor and he was diagnosed with cavum septum pellucidum. Reluctantly, he retired from boxing and sold his home and possessions to pay off the debt. The Balboas returned to their old working-class neighborhood in Philadelphia. While visiting Mighty Mick’s Gym (which had been willed to his son by his late trainer Mickey Goldmill), Rocky was struck by a vision of himself and Mickey from their glory days. This inspired him to become a trainer himself and reopen the gym. It was at this gym that Rocky and his brother-in-law Paulie met Tommy Gunn, a young fighter from Oklahoma.