AllMovie

Produced with the cooperation of Sylvester Stallone, director Barry Avrich's documentary Amerika Idol traces the efforts of one Serbian village to reverse 4000 years of conflict, floods, and famine by erecting a statue of Rocky Balboa - the ultimate symbol of perseverance and endurance. Throughout the centuries, the people of Zitiste have endured monumental struggles and hardships. Convinced that they could change their fate for the better by creating a monument that would stand as a testament to their unbroken spirits and bravery in the face of danger, the villagers called on a Croatian artist to craft a three-meter high statue of the most famous boxer in cinema history. Interviews with the locals and Stallone explore the powerful effects that symbols can have on the collective psyche of a downtrodden people.