Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)

[Flopper]

Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956), winner of 4 Oscars is an inspiring and powerful biographical drama that tells the story of Rocky Graziano, a troubled youth who rises above his rough beginnings to become a boxing champion. With a standout performance by Paul Newman in his breakout role, the film delivers a heartfelt message about redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of second chances. It's a compelling blend of grit and hope, proving that with determination, and maybe a little help from above, anyone can turn their life around.

It's a boxing movie and A great love story. James Dean was was originally cast in title role but his untimely death gave Newman his big opportunity. Look for two relatively unknowns both uncredited members of the cast, Steve McQueen and George C. Scott. The movie is available on Prime, Apple TV, Hulu, and Youtube. It cost about $3 to rent. It's available free online, if you don't mind the commercials.

 

[1srelluc]

It's a great, and a pleasant movie to watch.

 

[Flopper]

It's a great, and a pleasant movie to watch.

It's what my Mom called a "Feel Good" Movie, that is a film that evokes positive emotions and leaves you with a sense of happiness and optimism.

The next day, I watch another great movie Apocalypse Now. I don't think anyone feels good after watching this movie, yet it is one of the great movies of the 20th century.

 

[iamwhatiseem]

Definitely a film that is not to be missed.

As for Apocalypse Now - it is certainly in the top 25 movies ever made. How could it not be.

 

[Flopper]

Definitely a film that is not to be missed.

As for Apocalypse Now - it is certainly in the top 25 movies ever made. How could it not be.

It is actually number 30. I believe it should be higher.

There are two major problems that influence critics ratings.
1.The ending of Apocalypse Now is ambiguous, highlighting the moral complexities of war. Captain Willard kills Colonel Kurtz but gains no clear resolution, leaving the meaning of his journey open to interpretation. Francis Coppola explained that the ending was symbolic of the war, morally complex, confusing, chaotic, and lacking in any clear resolution.
2. Many people see it as just another anti-war protest movie which alienates some people. Although the movie has antiwar sentiments, it does not actually condemn war. The movie was strongly influenced by Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" in which constant horror leads to madness.

 

[whitehall]

If memory serves Graziano was so punch drunk that he had limited ability to function. How a person could subject himself to such punishment is anyone's guess. Times were tough and it was anything for a buck back then.

 

[Flopper]

If memory serves Graziano was so punch drunk that he had limited ability to function. How a person could subject himself to such punishment is anyone's guess. Times were tough and it was anything for a buck back then.

Until, he seriously got into professional boxing, his life was a mess. He spent most of his teenage years in jails, reformatories, and detention facilities. Got a dishonorable discharge from the military and did time in Leavenworth. He even got suspended from boxing in New York.

In his book, he makes it clear that getting out of a life of crime was pure luck or as he said, "Somebody Up There Liked Me."

 

[whitehall]

A dishonorable discharge from the Military should have prevented him from getting a license. Marine hero "Manila John" Basilone was a fighter and he was awarded the Medal of Honor and was killed in combat. Graziano was just another punch drunk slob who couldn't hack it in the Military and claimed he got religion.

 

[Flopper]

A dishonorable discharge from the Military should have prevented him from getting a license. Marine hero "Manila John" Basilone was a fighter and he was awarded the Medal of Honor and was killed in combat. Graziano was just another punch drunk slob who couldn't hack it in the Military and claimed he got religion.

I don't know if he got religion. Somebody UP There Likes Me came from his autobiography but he was no punch drunk slob.

Rocky Graziano captured the world middleweight boxing championship in 1947, only to lose it 13 months later. After stepping away from the ring for several years, he returned with renewed determination and remained undefeated until his legendary title bout with Sugar Ray Robinson, one of the most iconic championship fights of the 20th century.

Following his retirement from boxing, Graziano reinvented himself once again. He found success in show business, appearing in several films and television shows, and later became a savvy entrepreneur, opening a chain of pizza restaurants and a well-known steakhouse in New York City.

But perhaps more impressive than his athletic or business accomplishments was his generous heart. Graziano became widely known for his philanthropic efforts, especially his support for charities benefiting disabled children. He participated in more than a dozen exhibition matches alongside other famous fighters, donating the proceeds entirely to charitable causes.

In an era where fame often came with scandal, Graziano remained devoted to his wife throughout their 50-year marriage, a rare and admirable commitment. Together, they raised two children, both of whom went on to build lives of their own in New York.

Graziano’s journey wasn’t always one of glory. Born into a violent, impoverished neighborhood, he dropped out of school after grade school and fell into trouble early on. By the age of 20, he had been arrested 11 times and had spent a total of seven years in jails and reformatories. At just 21, he found himself in Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary.

Yet Rocky Graziano’s life stands as a powerful reminder that your past does not define your future. He proved that no matter how difficult your beginnings may be, with resilience, courage, and heart, you can turn your life around and leave a legacy that inspires others.