Movies - TV
Creed III Director Michael B. Jordan Was Inspired By Boxing Anime Hajime No Ippo
By RAFAEL MOTAMAYOR
The “Rocky” movies have always felt similar to anime, as they usually have a charming, underdog protagonist who manages to beat all the odds through hard work and friendship. For the latest entry in the franchise, “Creed III,” star Michael B. Jordan not only directed but also drew inspiration from one of the greatest boxing animes: “Hajime no Ippo.”
Using anime may seem strange, but Jordan explained, “With boxing anime like ‘Hajime no Ippo,’ I really love the inner dialogue of what’s going on and happening in the ring from the characters. It was really important to me that we see the emotional journeys of both Donnie and Damian in those scenes, and anime definitely played a part with that inspiration.”
The use of inner dialogue is a classic trope in anime, allowing a single fight scene to last for hours and increasing the tension by reminding the audience what’s at stake. Letting viewers listen in on Adonis’ thoughts throughout the fight is sure to add emotional context behind every punch and truly make the film stand out among the others in the franchise.