Apollo's death always felt like he threw his life away for nothing more than a jingoistic power trip, also leaving his wife and kids without him. Spock at least died saving a starship full of people.

Watching Apollo's death again, I'm wondering why Rocky didn't throw in the towel? Drago got in another 3-4 punches after the other trainer was screaming at him to throw in the towel but Rocky just stood there, towel in hand, gawking. Guessing he was shell-shocked, but still...

Spock's death tore my heart out.

@MirrorUniverse said:

Apollo's death always felt like he threw his life away for nothing more than a jingoistic power trip, also leaving his wife and kids without him. Spock at least died saving a starship full of people.

Spock knew he was coming back, the dirty Vulcan got cheap tears.

@The Midi-chlorian Count said:

Did both of these on-screen fatalities effect anyone else deeply? If so which one was the hardest to take?

And as an aside, whilst Mr Spock's death was only logical, did Creed as good as commit suicide stepping into the ring?

Interesting question. I had to go back and recount (no pun there, Count) how I felt when I first saw each scene. I'd have to take motive into account. Spock died with purpose, while Apollo died because of ego. In the end I think a noble sacrifice is always more sentimental than an ego trip.

@Dark_Sithlord said:

@The Midi-chlorian Count said:

Did both of these on-screen fatalities effect anyone else deeply? If so which one was the hardest to take?

And as an aside, whilst Mr Spock's death was only logical, did Creed as good as commit suicide stepping into the ring?

Interesting question. I had to go back and recount (no pun there, Count) how I felt when I first saw each scene. I'd have to take motive into account. Spock died with purpose, while Apollo died because of ego. In the end I think a noble sacrifice is always more sentimental than an ego trip.

Hear, hear! Prancing around in those red, white and blue shorts, too. Apollo sure didn't die with much dignity.

@cpheonix said:

Watching Apollo's death again, I'm wondering why Rocky didn't throw in the towel? Drago got in another 3-4 punches after the other trainer was screaming at him to throw in the towel but Rocky just stood there, towel in hand, gawking. Guessing he was shell-shocked, but still...

I recently watched this again too. Even if Rocky threw the towel it wouldn't have mattered. The ref tried to step in and stop the fight. Drago just shoved him away and continued beating on Apollo. They just used the towel scene as a way to make Rocky feel guilty. If anything Drago should have been arrested for murder after the fight