Rocky Balboa: Going the Distance
Jun 8th, 2008 by admin
Inspiration can be drawn from many sources if you know where to look, and sometimes, it comes from the most unexpected source you wouldn’t have thought of in the first place.
A book written by award-winning Malaysian journalist Gerald Chuah has surprisingly revealed powerful inspirational life lessons from movies that featured action star Sylvester Stallone.
If you’re a fan of Stallone, you’ll know that his films draw on the tradition of the underdog, the downtrodden man who comes out on top.
How is that so?
According to renowned philosopher, author and coach Bob Proctor, Chuah’s book, entitled “In The Eye Of The Tiger: Survival Principles From Sylvester Stallone’s Life & Films,” has captured the inspirational nuances of “The Secret,” a best-selling book authored by Rhonda Bryan and which has been turned into a documentary movie.
Chuah has compiled all the life lessons and inspirational quotes from Stallone’s Life and Films since the 70s, and for the first time - 30 years after - he has published the book of which you can download the first chapter for free here to get a taste of what Proctor describes as “a phenomenal book.”
The book was launched by Stallone’s mother, Jacqueline, in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the last episode in the Rocky series, “Rocky Balboa.”
“It’s absolutely incredible,” says Proctor. “Chuah went against all odds to deliver the book. He had asked himself: ‘What would Stallone do? What would Rocky Balboa do?’ ”
From all Stallone’s movies, the man always go the extra round. So did Chuah to get the book out.
Going the distance with Stallone is summed in this quote by the actor:
“I want to give audience positive symbols, heroines, and heroes who pull themselves up from the depths of despair. As they struggle and claw and finally attain their goals, viewers can realise ‘My God, I can do that,’ or ‘That’s the kind of person I want to be.’”
As an entertainment journalist, Chuah has interviewed many international celebrities including actors Mel Gibson, Richard Dreyfuss, Jean Claude Van Damme, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-Fat, and Zhang Ziyi.
He also interviewed film directors Ridley Scott and Renny Harlin, and musicians Phil Collins, Carlos Santana, Baby Face, Alanis Morisette, Vanessa Mae and many others.
“I will always remember what Rocky means to me, the silhouette of a man triumphant with his arms held high, symbolizes hope for all who persevere and are willing to go the distance,” says Chuah when asked about his pet subject.
*Review - by The Red Onion*
Verdict: A motivational book that reminds us that only losers give up without a fight.
P.S. If you’re interested in the book, please contact Gerald Chuah at gchuah@gmail.com.
Interesting post, and book idea. I watch movies and actually try to *look* for the good idea in them, or great presence of mind… even in comedies there are times you can find them.
I remember that movie and I remember how I felt afterwards, the never quit attitude sunk in quite a bit.
Good Post!
Monica