Rambo - First Blood

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. (28.09.2003)

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!" (04.09.2007)

Eine Art zaghaftes Oszillieren zwischen Action und Psychothriller, das mit einer gewissen Nostalgie betrachtet werden kann - auch wenn der Actionteil überholt ist und Psychologie nie überbewertet wurde. Als solches ist es ein hübsches kleines Denkmal der 80er Jahre, das noch immer erhaltenswert ist. (12.08.2010)

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)

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. (18.03.2006)

Er heißt Rambo. John J.. Sein Aussehen erinnert an den verwachsenen Tramp Forrest (der war schließlich auch im Vietnam), der nicht bis zehn zählen kann. In Wirklichkeit jedoch verfügt er über die unglaubliche Fähigkeit, mit der Natur zu verschmelzen und mit partisanscher Noblesse darin seine Feinde zu eliminieren. Er ist eine Kampfmaschine, von der weder ein Sturz von einer Klippe noch die Nationalgarde abbringen können, geschweige denn ein aufgeblasener Polizeichef Wiggum (oder Teasle oder wie auch immer). Johnny mag eben keine aufgeblasenen Polizisten und sie mögen ihn nicht ("Was für eine Jagd? Wir jagen ihn nicht, er jagt uns."), auch Ratten mag er nicht besonders, daher ist sein einziger Begleiter sein Jagdmesser mit chirurgischen Utensilien. Sein erstes filmisches Abenteuer wirkt zwar etwas kammermusikalischer als seine actionreicheren Fortsetzungen, dafür aber umso frostiger, roher und vor allem realistischer. Einfach ein Klassiker. (06.03.2014)

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)

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. (26.10.2006)

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)

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%. (14.06.2011)

It's not even completely dumb for the period, Stallone surprises with his acting at times, and some of the action moments are a treat. Except I'm not really into static camerawork in action sequences these days, but that's because I grew up on The Rock. (12.10.2010)

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)

Finally, I got to the point where I watched the first episode of this action legend. Let's face it, I still have a few gaps in movies. This was one of those gaps. And I have to say, I was really pleasantly surprised that this film still works great. It's not just action, there is something more to it. The trauma of war can be felt, but above all, the trauma of how people looked at veterans. Those who were not in the war were obviously blameless, so they threw stones. Excellent action sequences. (30.11.2013)