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Read our review of Creed III (2023), where Michael B. Jordan steps behind the camera and delivers an emotionally charged conclusion to the Creed trilogy. Discover the film’s themes of trauma, brotherhood, and healing, along with standout performances by Jordan and Jonathan Majors.
Creed III (2023) marks the end of an era for the Creed franchise and a new beginning for Michael B. Jordan, who not only stars as Adonis Creed but also takes the reins as the director. The film explores deeper emotional and personal themes than its predecessors, focusing on unresolved trauma, brotherhood, and redemption. With Jonathan Majors joining the cast as the antagonist, the film offers more than just thrilling boxing matches—it dives into the complexities of relationships, especially between Adonis and his childhood friend turned rival, Damian Anderson.
Jordan’s direction brings a fresh energy to the Creed universe, balancing humor, intense action, and emotional storytelling. But does Creed III successfully bring closure to Adonis’ journey, or does it fall short? Let’s dive into the details.
H2: Michael B. Jordan’s Direction
Creed III is not only a continuation of Adonis Creed’s story, but also Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut. The film marks a turning point in the Creed franchise, as it brings a deeper focus on character development and emotional depth. Jordan’s background as an actor gives him a unique perspective on the story, helping him bring a more nuanced and personal touch to the film.
H3: Stepping Into the Director’s Chair
Michael B. Jordan’s transition from actor to director is nothing short of impressive. As the star of the series, Jordan has a deep understanding of Adonis Creed’s character, and this allows him to shape the film’s direction with precision. His directorial approach is both intimate and expansive, balancing the personal struggles of the characters with the larger, thrilling world of boxing. Jordan brings a fresh perspective, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Jordan’s experience in front of the camera also makes him an empathetic director. He understands what makes a scene powerful, whether it’s a tense boxing match or an intimate conversation. His direction ensures that the emotional beats of the film resonate, making Creed III more than just a sports movie.
H3: Visual Style and Camera Work
The film’s visual style is a standout feature, thanks to Jordan’s inventive direction. The camera work during the boxing sequences is particularly impressive, with slow-motion shots and dynamic angles that enhance the intensity of the fights. These moments feel both visceral and artistic, adding an emotional layer to the physical toll of boxing.
The film’s visual flair isn’t just limited to the boxing scenes—Jordan uses lighting, framing, and even color to convey the emotional weight of each scene. Whether it’s in the ring or in quieter, more intimate moments, the cinematography serves the story, making it one of the most visually engaging entries in the franchise.
H2: Strong Performances by the Cast
The performances in Creed III elevate the film to another level, with Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors leading the charge. The emotional core of the film is built on their dynamic, which adds complexity to the otherwise straightforward sports narrative.
H3: Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed
Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of Adonis Creed continues to evolve. In Creed III, Adonis is no longer just the brash young boxer; he’s a mature man facing the weight of his past and trying to reconcile it with his future. Jordan brings depth to the character, especially in scenes where Adonis grapples with his trauma and his responsibility to his family. His performance is both heartfelt and intense, providing the emotional backbone of the film.
The film delves into Adonis’ internal conflict, and Jordan’s portrayal makes these moments incredibly poignant. His vulnerability is palpable, which makes his personal and professional journey all the more relatable. Jordan’s commitment to his character adds a layer of authenticity that resonates with the audience.
H3: Jonathan Majors as Damian Anderson
Jonathan Majors is a revelation in Creed III as Damian Anderson, Adonis’ childhood friend turned antagonist. Majors brings a raw intensity to the role, playing a character who is driven by pain, jealousy, and a desire for redemption. Damian’s backstory is deeply emotional, and Majors captures the character’s internal struggle with conviction.
What makes Majors’ performance stand out is how he adds depth to the role of the “villain.” Damian isn’t just a stereotypical antagonist; his actions are driven by years of regret and frustration, making him a more complex character. Majors’ ability to show both the vulnerability and the menace of Damian adds emotional complexity to the film’s conflict.
Stay tuned for the second half of the review, where we will explore the emotional themes, visuals and action sequences, and pacing concerns that critics have noted.
For more insights into Creed III and the Rocky and Creed franchises, check out our Rocky Franchise Review and Best Sports Movies.
H2: Boxing as Metaphor: Themes of Trauma and Healing
While Creed III continues the franchise’s boxing focus, it also uses the sport as a metaphor for the characters’ emotional and personal struggles. This film dives into themes like unresolved trauma, redemption, and healing—particularly through Adonis Creed’s journey. The film demonstrates that, much like boxing, life involves constant rounds of personal growth, setbacks, and triumphs.
H3: The Role of Family and Brotherhood
At its core, Creed III is about the importance of family and brotherhood. Adonis’s relationship with his wife, Bianca (Tessa Thompson), and their daughter, Amara, plays a crucial role in his emotional arc. His need to protect and provide for his family drives much of the film’s narrative and contrasts sharply with the raw intensity of his relationship with Damian, his former friend turned rival.
The film also explores the bond between Adonis and his trainer, Duke (Wood Harris), who represents the family Adonis has chosen for himself. These relationships provide the emotional grounding of the film, showing that healing isn’t just about confronting one’s past, but also about reconciling with those who matter most.
H3: The Legacy of Rocky Balboa
Though Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character, Rocky Balboa, is absent from Creed III, his legacy looms large over the film. Adonis’s journey mirrors Rocky’s, but it also highlights how Adonis has evolved beyond his mentor’s shadow. The absence of Rocky allows for a fresh narrative direction, but the film still acknowledges his influence, particularly in how Adonis grapples with his identity as a boxer and a father.
While some fans might miss Rocky’s philosophical guidance, the absence actually opens up room for Adonis to carve his own path. This shift feels like a natural progression for the character, as he steps into his role not just as a fighter but as a man fully in control of his destiny.
H2: Visuals and Boxing Sequences
The film’s boxing sequences are a key component of Creed III, and director Michael B. Jordan makes sure these scenes are not only intense but visually striking. The camera work during the fight scenes is innovative, utilizing slow-motion and dynamic angles to enhance the emotional stakes. These visually inventive boxing moments make the fight sequences feel as much about inner turmoil as they do about physical confrontation.
H3: Inventive Camera Work in the Ring
Jordan’s direction shines in the boxing sequences, particularly in the way the camera moves to capture the brutal reality of each fight. The slow-motion shots and intimate camera angles focus on the characters’ expressions and body language, adding emotional weight to the physicality of the sport. This technique makes the audience feel every punch and moment of tension, while also conveying the characters’ personal battles beyond the ring.
The inventive camera work adds an artistic element to the fight scenes, making them stand out from typical sports films. It’s not just about winning the fight—it’s about the internal struggle each character faces, and the visuals underscore this beautifully.
H3: The Climax: A Visually Distinct Showdown
The climactic showdown between Adonis and Damian is a cinematic spectacle, not just in terms of action but also in visual style. The fight is highly stylized, using dynamic lighting, slow-motion, and creative camera angles to emphasize the emotional stakes. The design of the sequence feels like a culmination of everything Adonis has gone through, both physically and emotionally, and it’s a powerful visual metaphor for his journey.
The visual style of the final fight is both gripping and cathartic, providing a visually distinctive and emotionally charged conclusion to the story. This is a climactic battle that goes beyond boxing—it’s a final reckoning that encapsulates all of the film’s themes.
H2: Criticisms: Predictability and Pacing
While Creed III is largely well-received, it does have its fair share of criticisms, particularly regarding the predictability of certain plot points and the pacing. Some critics feel the screenplay spells out too much of the plot too explicitly, taking away from the emotional suspense. Additionally, the pacing in the final act feels rushed, which impacts the film’s overall emotional weight.
H3: Some Predictability in the Plot
Despite its emotional depth, Creed III sometimes falls into predictable storytelling. Certain plot points, especially those surrounding the conflict between Adonis and Damian, feel too familiar for fans of the Creed and Rocky franchises. The rivalry, while compelling, follows a somewhat formulaic path that might not offer many surprises for those familiar with sports drama tropes.
While this doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the film, the predictability of the narrative may take away from the intensity of the stakes. That said, the film’s emotional payoff makes the predictable moments feel somewhat forgivable.
H3: Rushed Final Act
Another criticism some critics have pointed out is the rushed final act of the film. After a slow build and emotionally charged middle portion, the climax feels slightly underdeveloped. While the final fight is visually stunning, the resolution of the characters’ personal struggles feels a bit too quick and doesn’t fully explore the emotional depth that the rest of the film builds up to.
The rushed conclusion may leave some viewers wishing for a bit more time spent wrapping up the film’s emotional arcs. However, it still provides a satisfying, if not entirely perfect, conclusion to the characters’ journeys.
Stay tuned for the second half of this review, where we will discuss the emotional core of Creed III, the legacy of the film, and why it’s a fitting conclusion to the Creed saga.
For more insights into Creed III and other films in the Rocky and Creed franchises, check out our Rocky Franchise Review and Best Sports Movies.