What Are Some Reasons Why Ivan Drago Is Despised In Rocky Iv?

In the film ‘Rocky IV,’ Ivan Drago is a character who elicits strong negative reactions from audiences. This article aims to explore the reasons behind Drago’s despised status within the narrative.

By examining his cold and emotionless demeanor, brutal fighting style, nationalistic rivalry with Rocky Balboa, killing of Apollo Creed in the boxing ring, and lack of sportsmanship and respect, we can gain insight into why he is regarded unfavorably by viewers.

Key Takeaways

• Ivan Drago’s cold and emotionless demeanor, imposing physique, and lack of emotional expression create a sense of detachment and ruthlessness, making him despised by many.
• His brutal and merciless fighting style, aggressive and ruthless techniques, and lack of mercy or compassion towards his opponents make him a despised figure in the boxing world.
• Drago’s disregard for rules and regulations, absence of empathy towards his opponents, arrogant and aggressive attitude, and reliance on physical strength over skill or technique contribute to the despise directed towards him.
• The nationalistic rivalry between Ivan Drago and Rocky Balboa, representing the Soviet Union’s perceived superiority and the battle between nations and ideologies, adds to the despise towards Drago, especially heightened by the political tensions of the era.

Cold and Emotionless Demeanor

One reason for the despise towards Ivan Drago in Rocky IV is his cold and emotionless demeanor. Drago’s intimidating presence is evident throughout the film, as he towers over his opponents with an imposing physique and a stoic expression on his face. This lack of emotional expression creates a sense of detachment and ruthlessness that makes him appear even more formidable.

Furthermore, Drago’s lack of empathy adds to the negative perception surrounding his character. He shows no remorse or compassion towards his opponents, causing viewers to view him as heartless and cruel. This combination of an intimidating presence and a lack of empathy contributes significantly to the despise felt towards Ivan Drago in Rocky IV.

Brutal and Merciless Fighting Style

The brutal and merciless fighting style exhibited by Ivan Drago in Rocky IV contributes to his widespread disdain among viewers. Drago’s fighting technique is characterized by its aggressive and ruthless nature, leaving his opponents battered and defeated. His intimidating physical presence combined with his precision strikes makes him a formidable opponent. Drago’s punches are delivered with incredible force, often resulting in severe injuries for his opponents. Additionally, he shows no mercy or compassion during the fights, further enhancing his reputation as a heartless fighter. This combination of intense aggression and lack of empathy creates an intimidation factor that adds to the audience’s dislike towards Drago. The table below highlights some key aspects of Drago’s fighting style:

Aspect	Description
Aggression	Exhibits relentless attacks on opponents
Precision Strikes	Delivers powerful punches with accuracy
Lack of Mercy	Shows no compassion or consideration for opponents
Intimidation Factor	Creates fear and unease among both other fighters and viewers

Overall, Ivan Drago’s brutal and merciless fighting style contributes significantly to the negative perception he receives from viewers in Rocky IV.

Nationalistic Rivalry with Rocky Balboa

The nationalistic rivalry between Ivan Drago and Rocky Balboa in Rocky IV is a prominent aspect of the film’s narrative. The film takes place during the height of political tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, and this backdrop plays a significant role in shaping the animosity between the two characters.

Drago, who represents the Soviet Union, is presented as an embodiment of their perceived superiority in terms of physical strength and athletic prowess. This fuels a personal vendetta against Balboa, who becomes determined to prove that American boxers are just as capable as their Soviet counterparts.

The clash between Drago and Balboa serves as a metaphorical battle between nations, symbolizing the larger ideological conflict during that era.

Killing Apollo Creed in the Boxing Ring

Killing Apollo Creed in the boxing ring serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Rocky IV, highlighting the intense physical and emotional stakes involved in the rivalry between Ivan Drago and Apollo Creed. This tragic event has significant consequences that reverberate throughout the film.

The death of Creed not only showcases the raw power and brutality of Drago, but it also emphasizes the high price of competition in professional boxing.

The legacy and impact of this event can be seen in several ways:

1. Emotional impact: The loss of a beloved character like Apollo Creed deeply affects not only his friends and family but also the audience who had grown attached to him over the course of the series.
2. Motivation for revenge: Creed’s death becomes a driving force for Rocky Balboa, spurring him to seek justice against Drago and avenge his friend’s untimely demise.
3. Symbolic significance: The death of an American icon at the hands of a foreign competitor raises questions about nationalism, sportsmanship, and personal vendettas on an international stage.

Lack of Sportsmanship and Respect

Lack of sportsmanship and respect is evident in the intense rivalry between Ivan Drago and Apollo Creed, as seen in Rocky IV. The lack of fairness is apparent when Drago mercilessly kills Creed in the boxing ring during their match. This act not only displays a disregard for the rules and regulations of the sport but also demonstrates a complete absence of empathy towards his opponent.

Furthermore, Drago’s unsportsmanlike behavior extends beyond this tragic event. Throughout the film, he consistently exhibits an arrogant and aggressive attitude towards his opponents, using his immense physical strength to intimidate and overpower them rather than relying on skill or technique. These actions highlight Drago’s willingness to prioritize winning at any cost over demonstrating fair play or respect for his fellow athletes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ivan Drago’s despised reputation in Rocky IV can be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, his cold and emotionless demeanor throughout the film creates a sense of detachment and lack of empathy towards his opponents.

Additionally, his brutal and merciless fighting style showcases a lack of sportsmanship and respect for the sport.

Moreover, the nationalistic rivalry between Drago and Rocky Balboa further fuels the animosity towards him.

Lastly, Drago’s killing of Apollo Creed in the boxing ring solidifies his status as a disliked character in the movie.