First Blood

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. (13/11/2022)

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. (17/03/2006)

I didn't expect something so brilliant. Rambo is not a mindless and dull action movie, everything has at least a small dose of reality and credibility, which gives this film a stamp of perfection. The story's framework is simple, but this film excels in the details. Excellent locations in rugged mountain areas, suggestive and captivating music by Jerry Goldsmith, roughness and realism in both the action and the intimate scenes. (05/07/2005)

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%. (25/05/2009)

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... (07/08/2007)