Being trapped in a city where drugs and substance abuse problems are dominant creates a blockade from being able to live a meaningful life. This is evident in Dicky, who for a large portion of the movie is addicted to drugs. Though these drugs initially prevent him from living a meaningful life, prison allows for him to rehabilitate and afterwards live a meaningful life. Throughout the movie Dicky makes it clear his purpose is to be there for Micky to help him win a title. However, Dicky’s drug abuse hinders him from being able to do so. Being late and unattentive as a result of this addiction creates a large rift between Micky and Dicky. This division between them becomes so severe that Micky contemplates abandoning his brother. However, while in prison, Dicky undergoes a withdrawal process as he is forced to function without drugs. This withdrawal process includes his seeing images of things important to him, which are boxing and Micky. Once undergoing this rehabilitation process, Dicky begins to pursue a meaningful life by investing his life in Micky. He breaks down his greatest barrier in the most significant moment of the movie--the cake scene. When Dicky gives the welcome home cake to his drug friends, he is telling them that he is done with them, and he …show more content…
Frankl states the importance of clinging to a future goal as a source of salvation. Dicky’s goal is to have Micky win a title, since Dicky screwed up his own chance at accomplishing this. Though this is Dicky’s method of discovering salvation, he finds meaning through his relationship with Micky. Frank states that one can find meaning by experiencing someone’s love. Dicky achieves this love from Micky after becoming clean. Though he has always loved Micky and has always wanted him to succeed, he had never lived a meaningful life while on drugs since Micky had always doubted