Ivan Drago: 80s icon

Simon Brew

Following on from our Rocky IV appreciation society, the man who makes the film so great gets special attention. Come with us as we enjoy the magic of Ivan Drago...

Published on Sep 18, 2007

To continue with our Rocky IV love-fest, some of the very fine reasons why Dolph Lungdren’s moving portrayal of Russian boxing robot Ivan Drago should stand alongside other great performances of the 1980s.

Ben Kingsley as Gandhi? Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko? Daniel Day Lewis as Christy Brown? Have a word. Dolph’s the man. Just look at the lines he gives such gravitas to in the movie:

“You will lose”
“I must break you”
“If he dies, he dies”
“I cannot be defeated”
“I fight for me! FOR ME!”

Now try and picture anyone else IN THE WORLD trying to say any of them. Doesn't work, does it?

Fortunately, thanks to the wonders of YouTube, instant Drago gratification is available. And thanks to the fact that we've rounded said clips up, you don't even have to go hunting. So settle down: it's Ivan time...

Users Comments

Re: Ivan Drago: 80s icon
Posted By Liberace 1 September 18, 2007 05:48:57 PM

Simon, really loved those clips. You're right about Dolph and the only other film I remember him clearly in was Universal Solidier, so I did a bit of Googling to remind myself what the movie was about. The first film site I found told me this"Plot Synopsis: This plot synopsis is empty. Add a synopsis". Quite. That's how I remember the film too. Made me laugh anyway ;-0

Re: Ivan Drago: 80s icon
Posted By simonbrew 1 September 18, 2007 07:12:19 PM

I'm sure he played The Punisher first time round too, but never got round to watching it. My theory? If you're only ever going to be remembered for one film, make it Rocky IV...

Re: Ivan Drago: 80s icon
Posted By Robmac 1 October 2, 2007 01:09:39 PM

Write your comment here...

Re: Ivan Drago: 80s icon
Posted By Robmac 1 October 2, 2007 01:11:35 PM

He was also in Johnny Memonic - but that was rubbish. Its funny SImon said he was a robot Russian as a kid at my primary school swore blind that he was indeed a robot.. i think he might have got it confused a little... as i think the trailer had Stallone and Lungrens fists hitting and exploding or something, I cant remember, i was too busy playing Ghostbusters.