Review Film Creed III A Boxing Drama That Feels Very Personal

 

The success of the Rocky franchise, starring Sylvester Stallone, has given rise to the Creed spin-off film series, which features Michael B. Jordan as the lead actor. In 2023, we will be receiving the third installment of the Creed film series. Michael B. Jordan not only returns as an actor but also as the director of Creed III.

The plot of Creed III revolves around Adonis Creed, who has become a boxing legend and leads a harmonious life with his family. However, problems arise when Adonis' old friend, Dame Anderson, returns after serving 18 years in prison and also wants to become a boxing champion. Adonis must face Dame, his friend and a fearless boxer who is not afraid to lose.

Creed III is a highly personal boxing drama. In addition to being Michael B. Jordan's directorial debut, it is also the first film in the Creed series that does not feature Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). The reason for Rocky's absence in the third film is unknown, although he played a significant role in the first two films. However, Rocky's absence in this film makes the story more personal.

Adonis Creed finally breaks free from Rocky's shadow in this film. Therefore, the conflict in Creed III is not related to the Rocky films and his father's past, as in the previous two films. The conflict in the third film is entirely focused on Adonis' relationship with his family and Dame Anderson as his old friend, making it more personal.

Additionally, the film features flashback scenes that explain Adonis' relationship with Dame before their conflict emerges. These flashback scenes are not present in the previous two films and are crucial for building the conflict between Adonis and Dame, allowing the audience to get closer to their relationship.

The film also features excellent character development, especially for Adonis Creed, who is portrayed as more mature than in the previous two films. Even Dame Anderson, who appears for the first time in this film, has a fascinating character development.

The majority of the cast from the previous two films return to reprise their roles, playing more developed characters. From Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson as Adonis and Bianca, who are now responsible parents, to Phylicia Rashad as a mother who must face her son's dark past.

 

Each actor delivers outstanding performances, but the one that stands out the most is Jonathan Majors as Dame Anderson. After his impressive performance in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), Majors once again proves his acting range.

Although he is the antagonist, Jonathan Majors makes Dame Anderson a character that the audience can empathize with and not entirely hate. Majors truly captivates the audience with his performance in this film.

Michael B. Jordan's directorial debut in Creed III is successful. The film has a cinematography that feels much more dramatic than the previous two films, especially during the boxing scenes.

Jordan uses an anime-like treatment in crafting the boxing scenes, including flashback scenes during the fight and slow-motion moments with close-up angles that are rare in the previous two films. This visual style truly makes the fight scenes more emotional and intense.

The dramatic atmosphere is completed by the film's score, which plays throughout the movie. The musical scores truly make the audience excited, especially during the scenes where Adonis trains to fight Dame Anderson.

 

Overall, Creed III successfully breaks free from Rocky Balboa's shadow and delivers a story that is personal and emotional. If you are interested, the film has been available in several cinemas since March 1, 2023.