Plot

Welcome To Creed III 2023 review. Creed III (2023) is a sports drama film directed by Michael B. Jordan and starring himself as Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky Balboa. The film follows Adonis as he faces off against his childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian “Diamond Dame” Anderson (Jonathan Majors).

The film opens with Adonis retired from boxing and living a comfortable life with his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson) and their daughter Amara. However, Adonis’s peace is disrupted when Damian returns to Los Angeles after serving an 18-year prison sentence.

Damian seeks out Adonis and challenges him to a fight. Damian is determined to prove himself to the world and to get revenge on Adonis for something that happened in their childhood.

Adonis is initially reluctant to fight Damian, but he eventually agrees after Bianca convinces him that it is the right thing to do.

Adonis begins training for the fight with Rocky, but he struggles to find his motivation. He is haunted by the memories of his childhood and by the guilt he feels for Damian’s imprisonment.

Rocky tries to help Adonis overcome his demons, but Adonis is still unsure if he is ready to fight.

On the day of the fight, Adonis is determined to win. He knows that he has to beat Damian to prove to himself that he is a true champion.

The fight is a grueling and evenly matched affair. Adonis and Damian trade blows back and forth, and neither man is able to gain a clear advantage.

In the final round, Adonis has visions of his abusive foster home and Damian’s life in jail. This gives Damian the opening he needs to knock Adonis down.

Adonis gets back up and knocks Damian out, winning the fight and regaining the championship.

After the fight, Adonis and Damian reconcile. They both realize that they were wrong in the past, and they agree to move on.

Adonis returns to his family and begins to rebuild his life. He knows that he will never forget the fight with Damian, but he is also grateful for the opportunity to have redeemed himself.

Action Sequences

The action sequences in Creed III are more elaborate and flashy than those in the previous Creed films, but they still focus on the boxing ring. The film’s director, Michael B. Jordan, wanted to create boxing matches that were both realistic and exciting.

One of the most memorable action sequences in the film takes place early on, when Adonis Creed (Jordan) is training for his upcoming fight against Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu). Adonis is sparring with his trainer, Buddy Marcelle (Wood Harris), and he is giving it his all.

The sequence is fast-paced and intense, and it features some impressive boxing choreography. Adonis and Buddy exchange blows with lightning speed, and they both land some heavy punches. It is clear that Adonis is in top form, and he is ready to face Viktor Drago.

Another notable action sequence in the film takes place at the end, when Adonis faces Viktor Drago in the championship fight. The fight is brutal and grueling, and both fighters give it their all.

The sequence is shot in a variety of ways, including close-ups, quick cuts, and slow-motion. This allows the audience to see the action clearly and appreciate the skill and athleticism of the two fighters.

Adonis and Viktor trade punches and blows for twelve rounds, and neither fighter is able to gain a clear advantage. In the end, Adonis is able to knock Viktor out in the twelfth round to win the championship belt.

The action sequences in Creed III are well-choreographed and executed, and they are both realistic and exciting. They help to raise the stakes for the film’s climax, and they make the championship fight feel like a truly epic event.

In addition to the boxing matches, there are also a few other action sequences in the film, such as a chase scene and a fight scene in a warehouse. These sequences are not as elaborate as the boxing matches, but they are still well-done and contribute to the film’s overall energy and excitement.

Overall, the action sequences in Creed III are a positive aspect of the film. They are well-choreographed and executed, and they help to create excitement and suspense. While they may not be as groundbreaking as some of the action sequences in other films, they are still effective and enjoyable to watch.

Character Development

The character development in Creed III is complex and nuanced. The film follows the story of Adonis Creed, who is now retired from boxing and living a comfortable life with his wife and daughter. However, his life is turned upside down when his childhood friend, Damian Anderson, returns to challenge him to a fight.

Adonis’s character development in the film is significant. At the beginning of the film, he is content with his life as a retired boxer and a family man. However, the challenge from Damian forces him to confront his past and his own demons.

One of the most significant moments in Adonis’s character development occurs when he visits Damian in prison. Damian tells Adonis that he blames him for his own downfall, and that he wants revenge. This experience makes Adonis realize that he needs to come to terms with his past in order to move forward.

As the film progresses, Adonis begins to train for the fight with Damian. This process forces him to confront his own fears and insecurities. He also begins to develop a new respect for Damian, and he realizes that they are more alike than he thought.

In the end, Adonis’s character arc is one of self-acceptance and growth. He realizes that he cannot run away from his past, and that he needs to embrace all aspects of himself. He also learns that he is stronger than he thought he was, and that he can overcome any challenge that comes his way.

Here is a more detailed look at the character development of some of the other key characters in the film:

Damian Anderson: Damian is Adonis’s childhood friend and rival. He is a talented boxer, but he is also deeply troubled. Damian’s character development is complex and ambiguous. He is initially presented as a villain, but we later learn that he has a sympathetic backstory.

Bianca Taylor: Bianca is Adonis’s wife and manager. She is a strong and supportive woman, and she helps Adonis to stay grounded throughout the film. Bianca’s character development is relatively minor, but she plays an important role in Adonis’s journey.

Rocky Balboa: Rocky is Adonis’s mentor and friend. He is a wise and experienced boxer, and he helps Adonis to prepare for his fight with Damian. Rocky’s character development is relatively minor, but he plays an important role in Adonis’s redemption arc.

Overall, the character development in Creed III is well-written and nuanced. The film explores the themes of self-acceptance, growth, and redemption. The characters are complex and believable, and their journeys are both challenging and inspiring.

In addition to the above, I would also like to add that the film’s title, Creed III, is a reference to Adonis’s journey to becoming his own man. In the first two Creed films, Adonis was mentored by Rocky Balboa. However, in Creed III, Adonis must learn to stand on his own two feet and fight his own battles. The film’s title suggests that Adonis is now ready to take on the world on his own terms.

Themes

 Legacy: The film is about Adonis Creed coming to terms with his own legacy and the legacy of his father, Apollo Creed. Adonis is a successful boxer, but he is still haunted by the death of his father. He is also struggling to find his own identity outside of his father’s shadow.

 Forgiveness: The film also explores the theme of forgiveness. Adonis is forced to confront his childhood friend, Damian Anderson, who is out for revenge for the death of his brother. Damian believes that Adonis is responsible for his brother’s death, even though Adonis was just a child at the time. Adonis must decide whether or not to forgive Damian for his anger and hatred.

 Fatherhood: The film also explores the theme of fatherhood. Adonis is now a father himself, and he must learn to balance his career with his family. He must also learn to be a better father than his own father was to him.

 Community: The film also highlights the importance of community. Adonis is surrounded by a supportive cast of characters, including his girlfriend, Bianca, his trainer, Buddy, and his mentor, Rocky Balboa. These characters help Adonis to stay grounded and to focus on what is truly important in life.

In addition to these themes, Creed III also explores other topics such as race, class, and the challenges of living in a divided society.

The film’s title, Creed III, suggests that this is a film about Adonis Creed coming into his own as a man and as a boxer. It is a film about him finding his own identity and his own place in the world.

Overall, Creed III is a powerful and moving film that explores a number of important themes. It is a film that is sure to stay with viewers long after they have seen it.

Direction

Jordan’s direction of Creed III is characterized by its focus on character and emotion. The film is a meditation on family, legacy, and the pursuit of greatness. Jordan uses close-ups and intimate scenes to explore the inner lives of his characters. He also uses boxing as a metaphor for life’s challenges and triumphs.

One of the most effective aspects of Jordan’s direction is his use of space. The film is set in a variety of locations, from gyms to nightclubs to family homes. Jordan uses the different spaces to create different moods and atmospheres. For example, the gym scenes are often bright and energetic, while the nightclub scenes are dark and seedy.

Jordan also does a good job of developing the film’s themes. Creed III is a film about identity and belonging. Jordan explores the ways in which Adonis Creed struggles to find his place in the world, both as a boxer and as a man. He also examines the importance of family and community.

Overall, Jordan’s direction of Creed III is strong. He creates a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

Here are some specific examples of Jordan’s direction in the film:

 In one scene, Adonis Creed is training in the gym with Rocky Balboa. Jordan uses close-ups of Jordan and Stallone’s faces to capture the intensity of their relationship.

 In another scene, Adonis Creed is having a heart-to-heart with his daughter, Amara. Jordan uses a handheld camera to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy.

 In the film’s climax, Adonis Creed and his childhood friend, Damian Anderson, fight in a boxing ring. Jordan uses slow-motion and close-ups to capture the brutality and beauty of the fight.

Jordan’s direction is not without its flaws. Some critics have argued that the film is too long and that the ending is predictable. However, overall, Jordan’s direction is effective and helps to create a powerful and moving film.

In addition to the above, I would also like to add that Jordan’s direction of Creed III is notable for its use of symbolism and metaphor. For example, the film’s title, Creed III, can be seen as a reference to Adonis Creed’s journey to becoming his own man and forging his own legacy. The film also features several scenes in which Adonis Creed and Damian Anderson are symbolically boxing each other, representing their own inner conflicts and struggles.

Overall, Jordan’s direction of Creed III is a fresh and innovative take on the Rocky franchise. He creates a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, and he explores complex themes such as identity, belonging, and the pursuit of greatness.

Cinematography

The cinematography of Creed III (2023) is a key element of the film’s overall aesthetic. Cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau uses a variety of techniques to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.

One of the most striking aspects of Morgenthau’s cinematography is his use of light and shadow. He often uses low-key lighting to create a sense of drama and intensity. For example, in one scene, Adonis Creed is training in the gym. The scene is bathed in a warm, golden light, but Creed is silhouetted against a dark background. This creates a sense of isolation and determination for Creed.

Morgenthau also uses color to great effect in Creed III. The film is often bathed in a warm, earthy palette, which gives it a distinctly Detroit feel. However, Morgenthau also uses color to create a sense of contrasts and tensions. For example, in one scene, Creed is fighting his opponent, Viktor Drago. The scene is bathed in a harsh, white light, which creates a sense of brutality and violence.

Morgenthau also uses camera movement to great effect in Creed III. He often uses long takes and tracking shots to create a sense of movement and fluidity. For example, in one scene, Creed is running through the streets of Detroit. The camera tracks along with Creed, giving the viewer a sense of his speed and power.

Overall, the cinematography of Creed III is excellent. Morgenthau uses a variety of techniques to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.

Here are some specific examples of Morgenthau’s cinematography in the film:

 In one scene, Adonis Creed is training in the gym. The scene is bathed in a warm, golden light, but Creed is silhouetted against a dark background. Morgenthau uses low-key lighting and a long take to create a sense of isolation and determination for Creed.

 In another scene, Creed is fighting his opponent, Viktor Drago. The scene is bathed in a harsh, white light, and Morgenthau uses handheld camerawork to create a sense of immediacy and violence.

 In a third scene, Creed is visiting his father’s grave. The scene is bathed in a warm, natural light, and Morgenthau uses a tracking shot to create a sense of movement and emotion.

Morgenthau’s cinematography is essential to the success of Creed III. He helps to create a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

In addition to the above, Morgenthau also uses a number of other techniques in Creed III to create a unique and visually striking film. For example, he often uses close-ups to capture the emotions of the characters. He also uses slow motion to create a sense of impact and drama.

Overall, Morgenthau’s cinematography is a major asset to Creed III. He helps to create a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

Music

The music of the 2023 film Creed III is composed by Ludwig Göransson, and features a mix of original score and licensed tracks. The original score is powerful and emotional, using a variety of instruments and textures to reflect the film’s themes of family, legacy, and overcoming adversity. The licensed tracks are all hip hop and R&B songs from the 2020s, and they help to create a sense of energy and excitement for the film’s boxing sequences.

One of the most notable aspects of the film’s music is its use of the Dreamville collective. Dreamville is a record label founded by J. Cole, and it features a number of talented hip hop artists, including JID, Bas, and Ari Lennox. Several Dreamville artists appear on the Creed III soundtrack, and their songs help to give the film a unique and authentic sound.

Other licensed tracks that feature prominently in the film’s soundtrack include:

 “Ready or Not” by The Fugees

 “Sinner & Saint” by Tommee Profitt

 “Not Your Hero” by Emanuel Vo Williams

 “No Friends In The Industry” by Drake

These songs are all from different genres, but they all share a sense of energy and excitement. They help to create a soundtrack that is both empowering and inspiring.

Overall, the music of Creed III is an essential part of the film’s experience. It helps to create a sense of energy and excitement, and it also provides a soundtrack for the film’s themes of family, legacy, and overcoming adversity. The mix of original score and licensed tracks is well-chosen, and it helps to create a unique and memorable listening experience.

In addition to the above, it is worth noting that the music of Creed III has been praised by critics for its effectiveness in creating a sense of energy and excitement. For example, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter wrote that the film’s “music is a propulsive force that drives the story forward.” Similarly, Peter Travers of Rolling Stone said that the film’s “music is a powerful and emotional undercurrent that adds to the film’s impact.”

Overall, the music of Creed III is an important part of what makes the film so successful. It is well-composed, well-chosen, and well-used. It helps to create a sense of energy and excitement, and it also provides a soundtrack for the film’s themes of family, legacy, and overcoming adversity.

It is also worth noting that the film does not feature the iconic Rocky theme song. This is a significant departure from the previous two Creed films, and it has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Some fans have praised the film for its originality, while others have criticized it for its lack of nostalgia.

Regardless of one’s opinion on the Rocky theme song, there is no doubt that the music of Creed III is a major asset to the film. It is a powerful and emotional score that helps to create a unique and memorable listening experience.

Personal opinion

I thought Creed III was a solid entry in the Creed franchise. It wasn’t as good as the first two films, but it was still enjoyable and had some great moments.

One of the things I liked most about the film was Michael B. Jordan’s performance. He was excellent as Adonis Creed, and he really brought the character to life. I also thought Jonathan Majors was great as Damian Turner. He was a complex and compelling villain, and I really enjoyed watching him go head-to-head with Creed.

I also thought the film did a good job of exploring some important themes, such as legacy, family, and forgiveness. It was a film that made me think, and I appreciated that.

Overall, I thought Creed III was a good film. It wasn’t perfect, but it was still enjoyable and had something to say. I would definitely recommend it to fans of the Creed franchise and boxing movies in general.

Here are some specific things I liked about the film:

 The performances were all excellent, especially from Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors.

 The film did a good job of exploring some important themes, such as legacy, family, and forgiveness.

 The boxing scenes were well-choreographed and exciting to watch.

 The film had a good emotional core, and it made me care about the characters.

Here are some things I didn’t like about the film:

 The story felt a bit rushed at times.

 Some of the dialogue was a bit clunky.

 The film’s ending was a bit predictable.

Overall, I thought Creed III was a good film with some flaws. I would definitely recommend it to fans of the Creed franchise and boxing movies in general.

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