First Blood

This is a kind of timid oscillation between action and psychological thriller, which can be watched with a certain amount of nostalgia - even though the action parts have become outdated and the psychology therein has never been a focal point. It’s a neat little monument to the 1980s that is still worthy of maintenance. (08/11/2010)

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)

In my profile, I indicate that I don't like action movies, but that's not entirely true. There are quite a few exceptions that confirm the rule, especially those that don't take themselves seriously, like the Die Hard series. However, Rambo is a different case. The film embodies elements and genre clichés that I don't like in action movies. It is one of the first films in its subgenre and essentially defined this category of films, and is considered its symbol. I don't feel the need to argue with the cult, as I generally agree that it is the most valuable film in the series about the indestructible jungle fighter and also the only film in the series that can be taken at least somewhat seriously or has some value in terms of cinematic art. The script and direction still try to portray certain psychological aspects of the characters, and there are several decent supporting actors - by the way, Richard Crenna certainly isn't one of them, but Brian Dennehy deserves full recognition. However, in terms of the technical quality of today's action films, the high rating of the original Rambo is clearly influenced by nostalgia and the average age of users. Overall impression: 40%. (05/25/2009)

Today this film is an action classic, but it failed to dazzle me enough to draw me into the plot. And that's despite the well crafted and brisk screenplay and the great Sylvester Stallone, whose role as a retired war hero fighting against a handful of lawmen deserves nothing but thumbs up and admiration for his successful traps. But when the film leaves the dark and suspenseful environment of the woods and Rambo isn't hiding behind a tree with his hunting knife, it's not that good and the ending didn't feel very spectacular or original. In any case, there is almost no boredom and the action is more than satisfying, so 80%. (06/14/2011)

A great show throughout, except for the ending when Sly flexes his musculature, machine gun in hand, giving a hint of what's to come in the following episodes. Otherwise, Stallone is very believable, and in the moments when he wages his uneven guerrilla war hidden somewhere in the woods, it’s impossible not to root for him. (09/27/2003)