First Blood

At last, I saw the entire movie from start to finish today. (I mean even with the beginning, when John goes to the lake and asks about his dead friend). What else can I say? Rambo is a cult classic and, right after Rocky, it is Sylvester Stallone's most famous role. Contrary to the sequels, the first movie is more focused on survival in the wilderness and post-traumatic experiences from the Vietnam War and that makes the first movie the best one of the trilogy. Amazing music from Jerry Goldsmith and wild, yet beautiful landscapes (coincidentally, the plot is set in the state of Maine, birth place of the wizard of horror, Stephen King) raise the overall effect to 5 stars. (10/26/2006)

Today's rewatch wasn't my first, of course, but I felt it was time to jot down my thoughts on the movie. Well, I have to admit that the film still resonates with me after all these years. It's got well-executed action, suspense, and that gloomy atmosphere. However, now that I'm not twelve anymore, I couldn't overlook what was, and I think still is, its main message. When a country sends its soldiers into a war conflict that ends in defeat, these soldiers become, in a way, unwanted upon their return, serving as a reminder of that loss. The United States essentially cast aside the Vietnamese veterans, and I'm not just talking about the politicians. Many of these guys were sent to a place they didn't want to be, to do things they didn't want to do, and upon their return (if they returned), they often believed that human life, including their own, had little value. Instead of help, they found everyone turning their backs on them. This movie highlighted that stark reality. / Lesson learned: When someone points "the pig" at you, it may not be as funny as it sounds. (11/13/2022)

Rambo is not about nostalgia! Even after more than 20 years, it's still an alarming reflection of the times and one that makes the absolute most of the Vietnam syndrome. Although Rambo is one of the model pillars of 1980s action movies, the film stands out for its surprisingly intelligent plot and believable action sequences that are a joy to watch. Stallone earns points for his acting and his minimalist facial expressions fit the role of a war-torn veteran. And when he laments the losses of the war at the end, the audience’s emotions are at full attention. "They drew first blood, not me!" (09/04/2007)

Where the John Rambo sequels degenerated into crystalized totally uninventive B-movies where the fearless American hero takes out dozens, if not hundreds of enemies of the good American people, First Blood puts its money on low-key, inventive and raw presentation of his fight for survival. Where the sequels are ridiculous, part one is full of suspense. The biggest mistake of First Blood is that the writers eventually abandoned their idea for an ending where the central character died, thereby opening the way for unworthy sequels... (08/07/2007)

During my prepubescent years, the first Rambo was, for me, a pure action-filled masterpiece with almost an artistic psyche, making me appreciate myself for having it as my favorite from the entire series. And although it no longer makes sense to expect anything more from the prologue of a sad killer's story, John is still an unquestionable action idol for me. (03/17/2006)