For decades, Sylvester Stallone has entertained audiences worldwide with his unforgettable roles as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo. But behind the scenes, Stallone’s life has been filled with struggles and heartache, as revealed in Netflix’s moving new documentary, “Sly.”
Directed by Emmy-winner Thom Zimny, this documentary offers an intimate look into Stallone’s life and career. It takes viewers from his tough childhood in Hell’s Kitchen to his rise to fame with “Rocky” and “First Blood,” and follows his current preparations for a new chapter in his life. The film features never-before-seen footage from his most beloved movies and interviews with key figures like Frank Stallone Jr., Talia Shire, Henry Winkler, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Herzfeld, and Quentin Tarantino.
Even if you think you know everything about Stallone, this documentary will give you a deeper appreciation of his journey. Here are five particularly touching and tragic moments from “Sly” that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
#1 Stallone’s rocky relationship with his father shaped many key aspects of his career.
Sylvester Stallone grew up on the tough streets of Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, raised by Frank Stallone Sr. and Jacqueline Stallone.
Life at home was challenging for both Sylvester and his brother, Frank Stallone Jr., who recalls in the film, “Our mother and father—it was like clockwork. I’d be up in bed and you’d just hear them screaming and yelling.”
Sly shares memories of his father’s abusive tendencies, particularly two traumatizing incidents involving polo. After moving to Maryland, his father became passionate about the sport, and Sly started playing professionally at 13.
During one game, his father relentlessly criticized him from the stands before storming onto the field and dragging him off his horse. This incident caused Sylvester to quit polo until he turned 40.
When he finally returned, he competed against his father, who struck him while riding, throwing him to the ground and injuring his back. This led Sylvester to sell his horse and polo gear, vowing never to play again.
Sly’s father, a constant source of pain and anger, inspired many of Stallone’s iconic characters. He channeled his frustration towards his father during Rocky’s heated argument with Mickey in the original “Rocky.
Similarly, many of John Rambo’s intense expressions and aggressive behaviors were influenced by Stallone’s tumultuous relationship with his father.
#2 First Blood was influenced by some disturbing real-life experiences.
After rocketing to international stardom with “Rocky,” Sylvester Stallone faced challenges with subsequent films like “F.I.S.T.” and “Paradise Alley.”
However, he found his next iconic character in the troubled Vietnam War veteran John Rambo in “First Blood.” Despite Rambo’s tough exterior, Stallone approached the character with sensitivity.
During his research, Stallone delved into the harrowing experiences of real-life Vietnam veterans. Moved by their deeply traumatic stories, he sought to incorporate these realities into Rambo’s character.
“I thought, ‘Wow, if I could take bits from about 20 different guys’ lives, mix them up … Rambo hasn’t spoken in years, so he’s not coming out fluid,” Stallone explained in “Sly.” “It’s just this rush, this purging.”
One poignant inspiration was the story of a man who used a rigged shoeshine box in Saigon, which inspired Rambo’s emotional final speech.
Initially, “First Blood” ended with Colonel Samuel Trautman (Richard Crenna) fatally shooting Rambo in a heroic manner. Stallone strongly objected to this ending, advocating for a more respectful portrayal of war veterans’ experiences.
After a disappointing test screening in Las Vegas, the film was reworked to conclude with Rambo being taken into custody instead.
#3 The Expendables” left Stallone with lasting physical damage.
Sylvester Stallone, known for his physically demanding roles, has endured significant bodily strain throughout his career. In “Sly,” he reflects on the intense fight with Dolph Lundgren in “Rocky IV,” a bout that landed him in the hospital for nine days.
Yet, the toll from “Rocky IV” pales in comparison to the hardships endured during the filming of 2010’s “The Expendables.” As Stallone aged, doubts arose about his suitability for action-packed roles. However, inspired by a rock and roll revival event, Stallone conceived the idea of uniting former action stars for a new adventure.
But realizing this vision exacted a heavy toll. “Truthfully, I never fully recovered from ‘Expendables 1,'” Stallone revealed. “It did such a number on my body I’ve never been the same. Never.”
The documentary showcases archival footage of Stallone’s numerous hospital visits and X-rays, illustrating the severity of his injuries. The production was especially taxing on his family, who witnessed firsthand the toll it took on him.
#4 Writing was Stallone’s gateway to roles.
Sylvester Stallone’s acting journey began during his college years when he landed a role in the stage production of “Death of a Salesman.”
Encouraged by positive feedback from a Harvard professor, Stallone decided to pursue acting seriously and moved to New York City. However, breaking into the industry proved tough. He faced rejections from agencies and was often typecast in minor thuggish roles.
Rather than giving up, Stallone took control of his career by embracing writing. Over several years, he and his friend John Herzfeld collaborated on 16 screenplays, dedicating their weekends to honing their craft.
Their passion for filmmaking even led them to create an amateur project called “Horses” in 1971, where Stallone’s father played a vengeful sheriff pursuing the main characters—a resurrected Native American and a cowboy.
It wasn’t until Stallone portrayed Stanley Rosiello in “Lords of Flatbush” in 1974 that he had a pivotal realization.
Reflecting on this moment in the documentary, Stallone explained:
“That’s when I knew my destiny was in my own hands. I was always cast as the tough guy, but I knew there was more to me. If I could blend that toughness with warmth and depth, I could create something truly memorable.”
#5 Rocky defied expectations in multiple ways.
Rocky, perhaps Sylvester Stallone’s most beloved screen character, holds immense significance in the actor’s life.
Yet, before it became the box office sensation and Academy Award winner we know today, the film faced numerous challenges.
Troubles began even before filming started. Carl Weathers and Talia Shire, who portrayed Apollo Creed and Adrian Balboa, respectively, were last-minute additions to the cast.
Finding actors for crucial scenes, like the ice rink date between Rocky and Adrian, proved equally daunting. When planned extras didn’t show up and time was tight, Stallone improvised to create the intimate and heartfelt scene audiences cherish.
As the film neared its premiere, doubts loomed large. A scathing review from New York Times critic Vincent Canby and a lackluster matinee screening left the team fearing a flop.
However, all anxieties vanished upon release. Audiences were captivated, particularly during Rocky’s climactic bout with Creed, where cheers spilled out of theaters across the country.
