First Blood: A Movie First Love
Every generation has a decade that they consider to be the numerus unus of cinematic greatness, and that is a thing that each individual will simply not budge on in opinion. For me, it was the joy of growing up as a young boy in the 1980s. We had it all: John Candy, Ghostbusters, The Brat Pack, Cyborgs trying to kill John Conner, kids having fun days out skipping school, lovable robots, unforgettable extraterrestrials, learning martial arts through waxing cars and painting fences, nightmares on Elm Street, the unmatched brilliance of John Hughes, Patrick Swayze proclaiming that ‘no one puts Baby in the corner’, Patrick Swayze pushing a small coin up a door, Patrick Swayze kicking arse in the Double Deuce… a lot of Patrick Swayze (sadly, never enough).
To be honest, I could continue down that road for a much longer paragraph, but you get the point. It was just a wonderful time for movies. There was fun and innocence in them, the likes of which you just don’t see anymore. Sure, most of the time, they were cheesy as hell, but that was the was half the appeal. It took you out of the real world; something that modern-day movies fail to do in consistent and frustrating ways. Anyway, I digress. I have fond memories of certain Saturday nights. Me and my brothers would settle down in one of our rooms, put on a movie, and Mum would bring us up a plate of food and a fizzy drink and that would be us happily set up for the evening. They were great times. It was one of these memorable Saturday nights when I was first introduced to First Blood.
Based on the 1972 novel by David Morrell First Blood, the movie adaptation, directed by Ted Kotcheff and written by David Morrell, Michael Kozoll and William Sackheim, tells the story of the raw power of one man pushed to the edge. John Rambo (portrayed by Sylvester Stallone), a former Special Forces Green Beret, finds himself entangled in a deadly game of survival as he battles against both forces from within and the relentless pursuit of a small-town sheriff, Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy).
After returning from the horrors of the Vietnam War, John Rambo finds it impossible to reintegrate into society. Seeking solace in the peaceful town of Hope (ironically), Washington, he merely aims to find an old friend and move on. However, fate has other plans for Rambo when he is confronted by the local sheriff and his deputies, who view him as nothing but another vagrant troublemaker, who is criticized for wearing army colours, whilst looking run-down and shabby. There is one deputy in particular that really serves as the catalyst for the whole thing, and that is Galt, played brilliantly by the late Jack Starrett. Galt is the epitome of a small-town deputy who loves to wield his power over those he deems below him. The problem is, he has no idea what he is about to unleash and is far too arrogant to comprehend it.
Driven to the brink of his sanity and fueled by an innate survival instinct, John Rambo finds himself hunted like an animal in the unforgiving wilderness, by Teasle and his deputies. Drawing upon his unparalleled combat skills, he unleashes a series of meticulously executed traps, making it clear that he is not a man to be pushed. Ultimately, the town spirals into chaos, with Teasle desperately trying to protect his town, whilst Rambo defies all odds to survive.
First Blood delves into themes of unchecked power, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit, pushed to the very edge by negative forces. The film explores the psychological toll of war, highlighting the harsh realities faced by veterans as they struggle to find their place in an indifferent world. It also deals with the reaction of people who view such a person negatively and the repercussions of how we treat people, absent thought to what is going on beneath the surface of someone who has seen things that we could not possibly imagine.
Sylvester Stallone delivers a powerful performance as John Rambo, imbuing the character with a deep vulnerability and quiet stoicism that is both captivating and heart-wrenching. As a child, I watched this movie and viewed it as nothing more than a one-man-army action flick. That being said, as I grew to adulthood, I really started to appreciate just how great Stallone was in this role. It’s easy to dismiss it as a brainless action film when you’re younger, but the multiple levels of emotion that Stallone was able to portray, are simply wonderful. From the very first scene to the very last, you are taken on an emotional journey that you can feel, due to his exceptional portrayal. It is not just cat-and-mouse entertainment, it is an incredible character study, and I don’t think that anyone else but Stallone could have executed it so perfectly. His performance is perfectly complimented by the late, great Richard Crenna, who portrays his former commander, Colonel Sam Trautman.
What sets First Blood apart from every other action film before it and after is its beautiful handling of thought-provoking themes. Alongside the adrenaline-fueled action sequences, the movie delves into the post-war trauma experienced by veterans and sheds light on the mistreatment they often face upon their return to civilian life. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring consequences of war and the urgent need for society to address the plight of those who have sacrificed so much for their country.
The impact of First Blood extends far beyond its initial release, as it paved the way for a highly successful franchise that continues to captivate me to this day, including Rambo: First Blood Part2 (1985), Rambo 3 (1988), Rambo (2008) Rambo: Last Blood (2019). The film's influence on popular culture cannot be overstated, as it became a cultural phenomenon, with Rambo becoming a symbol of resilience and heroism. The legacy of First Blood resonates not only within the action genre itself but also in the broader context of storytelling and the exploration of complex characters.
As I look back at First Blood, even after all these years, its enduring appeal and the mark it has left on me remains undeniable. Its combination of heart-stopping action, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes cements its status as a true classic, effortlessly standing the test of time. First Blood will forever be remembered as a triumph of storytelling, creating an indelible imprint on both the action genre and the larger fabric of popular culture.
For me, it is not just an action movie, but an experience that I’m thankful has existed within my lifetime. I don’t know what the future holds for the Rambo franchise, but I know that I will continue to watch it year after year, and appreciate what an incredible piece of filmmaking it really is. If you haven’t seen it, I implore you to do so. There is so much more to it than face value, and I hope that others will see it and appreciate it as I do.
It is, and always shall be, my movie first love.
Take a look at the trailer below.