Chris Stuckmann reviews First Blood, starring Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Brian Dennehy, Bill McKinney, Jack Starrett, Michael Talbott, David Caruso. Directed by Ted Kotcheff.
The first cut of this movie was 3 hours long, which included extended versions of Rambo Vietnam scenes. Stallone hated it so much that he tried to buy the footage to burn it. When he couldnt, he asked at least to cut much of the Vietnam scenes and most of his lines so that Rambo would become more mysterious. I must say: Its one of the best decisions of his career.
In one sentence, "he simply didn't want to be pushed anymore." That's the entire reason the first movie happened. He was on the edge of being a citizen of the US or being a someone who just wouldn't take it anymore. The end of the film shows his breaking point of course. Modern audiences do not understand that this was before PTSD was considered a real thing, so he was really and truly alone.
I think it's a good observation, or maybe "he simply didn't want to be blamed for what he was anymore" - Vietnam vet, PTSD victim, drifter who can't hold a job. It's a good point in the novel, much toned-down in the movie, that Rambo was tired of trying to fit into a civilian world that wouldn't accept him, so he sought out a fight in which he was the master.
It should be noted that Rambo doesn't intentionally kill anyone, in fact, there's only one kill in the whole film, and it was a complete accident. Rambo throws a rock at the helicopter chasing him, he didn't really account for the guy shooting at him to fall out. Also, I think it's pretty interesting that Rambo's most iconic feature: his bandana, was just a piece of cloth used to treat an injury. It's like the Terminator's sunglasses, there was an actual reason why that is there, then the sequels just have them have these things because they're too iconic not to include.
I've always wondered if the bit where Rambo is driving a truck and causes that cop car to collide with a stationary vehicle should be added to the body count...
“A man who’s been trained to ignore pain, ignore weather … to live off the land, to eat things that would make a billy goat puke” Colonel Troutman (Crenna) delivered one of the coolest endorsements a surrogate father could give his “son” . We would spontaneously recite this in class during college. Classic movie 🏆
As a veteran that just left Special Operations in the military two months ago , this movie resonates with me so much more now than when I was younger . So many in the civilian world don’t “ get me “. You miss your brothers and the platoon .
@@AverageJoe483 it really is a different life and different when you’re in and when you’re out, I admit it gets a little under the skin once you’re ready to leave because so much of value and respect that you earn there and just a different way of living and being there, it’s not the same once you’re a civie. It’s crazy dude but that’s the reality and even my closest homies can’t figure me out now they way they did before I enlisted. It’s just really is a different and sometimes, yes a bit hard once you have to adjust once gone from there
A lot of people have panned it, but what did you think of The Hurt Locker? I think the best scene in it is when a guy used to making life-and-death decisions is sent to get cereal and is confronted by a wall of meaningless options.
Real life Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic shared on the documentary "Hollywood Vietnam" that he hated the original Rambo film. Because it depicts the stereo-type Vietnam Vet going nuts and on a rampage. But he countered if the movie makes the audience look back at the Vietnam War to understand what veterans went through, he's okay with that. AMC use to rerun that documentary often with real life veterans contrasting Hollywood depictions of the Vietnam war.Unfortunately, it's not streaming anywhere currently.
When I was like 13 or so, I must have watched Rambo 3 about 10 times. But as an older adult in my 40s, I appreciate First Blood much much more than any Rambo movie that came later.
Ron Kovic portrayed by Tom Cruise in "Born on the 4th of July" shared he hated the movie overall. Maybe he's hard to please. But he shared he hated it because of it depicting a stereotype of a Vietnam Vet going nuts and then on a rampage. He did share if the movie makes people look back at the war to understand what people actually went through,he's okay with that.
@@davidpick1076 I can totally see his point of view. I'm only talking about the monolog. Chris said people complained about the monolog, I think it's some of Stallone's best work
@@waverlyking6045"She tricked me into raising two BASTARDS!!" Its awesome how he disowns and insults them about 15 seconds after getting the information.
Thank you for mentioning Jerry Goldsmith and his classic score. He was a master at scoring movies and especially action. John WIlliams got me hooked with scores with Star Wars, but Goldsmith became my favorite composer. His Rambo scores were many times the best part of the movies❤️
This is one of your most in depth and best reviews chris. The way you shed light on the mind of john rambo and how action scenes were shot ad edited regarding the Decade it was made was brilliant.
"I was in charge of million dollar equipment, here I can't find a job parking cars!" That final monologue with Trautman was so heartbreaking, easily one of Stallone's best scenes of his whole career
I love that you reviewed First Blood, Chris. It's one of my dad's favorite films and one that I watch with him over and over because it also made fall in love with cinema. In 2013, when I was in college here in Brazil, Ted Kotcheff, the director of First Blood, came here to talk to some students about his career and I asked him why he chose to not return to Rambo 2. And his answer was pretty much everything I thought he would say: the focus on the character and his trauma was gone, and now they wanted to use Rambo as a way to feel like America could have some kind of victory over Vietnam. Everything that made him fall in love with the story had shifted and he simply didn't care for telling his story anymore because everything that Rambo represented in the first movie was exactly why he shouldn't be transformed into a war machine once again.
Ive grew up in Vancouver and now live in Prince George BC Canada. This movie was entirely filmed in Hope BC, which is a major transit point for BC highways. This movie is their main claim to fame and there are several wood carved statues and painted murals celebrating First Blood all over the town. it's a gorgeous place, right next to the Fraser River and they truly utilized the natural beauty of Hope in this film.
I worked for Blockbuster in Canada for 12 years right up until the end when I was the one to lock the door on the last day. Back then the internet was just gaining ground but for so many I was Movie Google, befor Google. Watching you, really takes me back to that time and I miss it so much. I'm a voice actor and cartoonist now, but brother we are cut from the same cloth. I share almost every opinion you have on this stuff. I just wanted to say Thanks. for real. Thank you.
That whole monologue at the end of the film is one of the best scenes in cinema, in my opinion. I'll never forget watching the film for the first time when I got my own room. It was one of the first blu rays I got and when it got to that monologue, I was in tears by the end. Such powerful acting from Stallone.
The original ending had the Colonel shoot Rambo, but given how much of this story surrounds Rambo's vulnerability and journey of self worth I'm glad they changed it.
That was the original ending of the book. I am very glad they didn't end it like that. Too many tragic suicide deaths of soldiers in the US and Canada after each war / conflict.
So pleased you mentioned (and showed) the maestro Jerry Goldsmith. 1982 remains, to this day, my favourite year for his wonderful scores (and there are many years to choose from to be honest!)
Chris killing it once again…one of my favorite movies of all time. The kind that makes you love the art of film. Can definitely said he held back and could have spoken even longer about it. Thank you!
Don't pay attention to your recent criticism Chris, you have a passion for Cinema and that's a wonderful thing. Recently picked this up on B ray so damn good
Agreed! Chris’ positive attitude is so refreshing in this information world of negativity, plus I feel like there are tons of old movies that deserve a spotlight for younger audiences.
First Blood is one of the all time best action films ever. I mean it's one of the only most unique films of its kind. The fact they show Rambo, not just this unstoppable killing machine. But as a broken human being who's lost everything, and how others have treated him like dirt when he returns from the war. The ending still brings such emotions.
My father and I love movies and watch them together, mostly the old stuff from the 70s 80s 90s. The last scene of Rambo First Blood when Rambo breaks down, we just sit there and listen in awe, and we're not even American. This film is a masterpiece.
Love that you mentioned my favorite film composer Jerry Goldsmith. His work on the original Rambo trilogy is often lauded for his kick ass action music. But, as you point out, his work on "First Blood" is equally impressive. Not only did he give us a wonderfully lonely theme for Rambo, that really captures the essence of the character, but Goldsmith nails the tone of the film. It isn't an action movie, it is more about the building suspense of a thriller. Goldsmith's work in those scenes, quiet, but menacing is wonderfully done, and kind of a lost art these days. Most modern film scores would use droning or simplistic repeating phrases that are barely audible for a film like this. But Goldsmith would deconstruct his themes, and use elements in counterpoint to create these wonderfully intense moments, that play as real music and work with the film wonderfully. "First Blood" shows you how to make a top notch suspense score without relying on boring drones or endless ostinatos.
The end scene were Stallone breaks down in the sheriff's building and tells the stories of his guys getting killed and starts crying. It goes down in history with me is one of the best most emotional acting scenes I've ever seen. It gets me every time I watch it
One of my all time favourite movies - Stallone at his best - went to see it at the cinema back when it was released in the UK - loved it so much I went back the following week to see it again - I also discovered Jerry Goldsmith through his amazing soundtrack to the film - I ordered it on vinyl & still have it to this day - outstanding 🎥🎵🎶 Movie and Music - A Perfect Fit 👍❤ have watched it so many times over the years - so good !!
The first blood movie shows Stallone's incredible and still underrated acting ability and versatility. I heard he got nominate for an Oscar for this performance. It's definitely worthy of it. it's a really great and underrated film.
I just saw this recently for the first time because, like you, I wasn't allowed to watch Rated R movies as a kid. I absolutely loved it. A lot of the time, especially the helicopter scenes, I thought it looked like it would make a great video game. The helicopter scene alone looked like a boss battle.
Wtf?? People don’t like the ending monologue? His performance throughout the film is incredible, and I found his poignant monologue both heartbreaking and relatable. I wasn’t special forces, but I am a retired Marine combat veteran (OIF/OEF). The first seven months I was off active duty, I nailed any woman with a heartbeat, drank myself to sleep every night, and would intentionally go to bars, hoping to pick a fight just so I could feel something. I was completely out of control, and felt like an alien in a foreign land. Hell, I applied to Home Depot and the best job they had for me was a cart corral person. That’s a job for freakin’ teenagers. Anyway, an incredible monologue. I’ve always felt like no matter how hard Stallone tries, so many people just don’t take him seriously as an actor. And that’s a damn shame.
Agreed. I love this movie and Stallane's Rambo talking to his squad commander and mentor and father figure in Col. Trautman was one of my favorite moments in the series. They tried this again in Rambo First Blood Pt. 2 but it was not as strong as this was. Thanks for bringing this and your thoughts on this modern classic to your channel.
Richard Crenna is a great supporting actor here too. He adds more depth to Rambo’s character without having to say much…you just feel how much he cares for him and knows how dangerous he can be. Great casting and a great film!
As a veteran, history major, and having friends who deal with very real PTSD from their service, I've always considered this movie as criminally underrated in its depth and emotion. I make a point to watch it once a year.
I remember seeing this for the first time. I thought it was gonna be an action packed movie, but it turned out to be a thrilling action piece with veteran commentary. Really puts vets in perspective as they are treated as either heroes or villains or monsters, when people forget they fought for our country and take them for granted. That final speech he made was very poignant, and made me wanna thank every single vet for their service for our country regardless.
Stallone is generally speaking mocked and underrated. But he has a lot of heart, and this is an unique quality in the world of filmmaking. That's why I can't help to shed a tear whenever he acts his heart out. Love your channel, Chris, best wishes.
I absolutely love this film! It is not only one of my personal favorites, but it helped to form my view of my uncles that fought in Vietnam, and how I could better understand why they were so reluctant to talk about it. Thankfully, they moved on with their lives, and became wonderful men, but early on it was very hard on them. this movie has one of the most emotionally devastating endings, and makes the entire film more of a drama with action, rather than an action film with drama and this is how I describe the first film to someone who has never seen it. I remember showing this movie to an ex-girlfriend, who expected it to be just a big shoot them up blow them up, mindless film, but at the end she was crying her eyes out, and was completely blown away by the last four minutes. Brilliant review Chris!
Part 2 was the first Rambo film I watched back in the day, and the first time I swa First Blood, I didn't really enjoy 'cause I'd been programed (like most, I presume) to think Rambo was this bad ass action character. But as I got older and watched it a few more times, this is probably one of my favorite Sly films, just because it's so story/character centric. Great review! ❤
Saw this in the 80s with some brand new dorm mates in college, freshman year. Woah we could not believe how great this was. Talking about with these guys over pizza after the movie as so much fun. One of the guys was going to fail out and go into the army I would not be shocked if this was a factor. I thought the ending was amazing and very touching. Richard Crenna was one of the most underrated actors ever.
The sequels are actually fun but First Blood is definetly the best of franchise and also started the golden age of action films in the 80´s and 90´s.John Wick and Extraction have been carrying the torch nowadays.
Really loving this segment, Chris! Also don’t worry about all the baseless hate from your Madame Web video, it’s your channel, man! I personally greatly enjoy your content where it’s just you talking about what you love, what you’re passionate about, and what matters to you. Many artists understand where you’re coming from, you’re not throwing shade on people who negatively criticize, you simply don’t feel emotionally good or fulfilled by doing it anymore now that you are finally achieving your dreams. And that’s okay! It’s your channel and I think it was incredibly brave of you to be honest about something so crucial to the timeline of your channel KNOWING it would cost you in some ways. Mad respect, always. I love watching you talk about what you love and I can’t wait to see your film!
I would not say the hate is baseless. I would say fans of his old channel are confused why he no longer critiques movies and only praises them which is obviously due to him wanting to make a movie for the people he critiques. it is not rocket science and I understand but I will not longer be watching his channel as much due to him just being a shill that praises now - without negative feedback things do not improve. Sure, critique online is at a low (crit drinker is the worst and a grifter) but I would expect some nuance from Chris...not whatever that video was.
@@redactedandredactedaccesor7290 I just don’t get the point of hating on someone who isn’t a film critic for not critiquing a film. It’s not his job anymore. It hasn’t been for 2 years. I don’t know why people are so upset NOW when he literally made it clear the transition he was making 2 years ago. I don’t see the point in continuing to berate him for it at this point, it’s been so long. Also keep in mind I became a fan back in like 2014 when he was still strictly a critic on his channel. But even so, just because he likes a movie doesn’t mean he doesn’t have criticisms, he has still given criticism to movies he likes in this past year or two, negative ones. He’s just been more constructive about it and less focused on using words like trash, bad, awful, etc. which is infinitely more beneficial in my eyes because it allows artists to actually take the criticism well and improve their work based on it. A lot of times angry criticism just kills an artists’s motivation altogether. All that being said, I do agree that the Madame Web video specifically still has some issues. The title and thumbnail were obivous clickbait and the fact that the video was sponsored implies that he did that intentionally to meet the viewer requirement presented to him by the sponsor. Cody Leach actually did a great video on it recently that I think contains genuinely valid criticism of the video and it’s not the criticism that most have thrown at it. I’m not blind to the flaws of his content in the eyes of others and certainly not the flaws of the Madame Web video as I myself also have my flaws with it. I just think the level of hatred and controversy surrounding it is pretty unwarranted.
@redactedandredactedaccesor7290 You don`t get it. If he reviews bad movies and makes fun of them, but it turns out his own Movie: Shelby Oaks is equally bad, he`s gona look like a fool. You can`t criticize other Filmmakers, if you are equally incompetent. Dude use your brain next time.
@@slicer777thorn3 This is very true. It’s also just kinda frowned upon amongst filmmakers to trash other filmmakers. It’s not a good look, especially if you want to maintain a respected and well-regarded career in the industry, which Chris obviously does.
@@redactedandredactedaccesor7290He already explained it all, like a few years ago at this point. If people don't like it, there's nothing wrong with that. But I don't know, move on?
I saw this movie for the first time a few years ago and my personal take on it is that while I don't remember much of the movie itself and think it's just ok, I do remember the message that it communicates and also how Sly gives an amazing performance to showcase how that message is so important. The whole thing about veterans and what PTSD can do to a person if you mess with them enough is something that carries weight even 42 years later after this movie has come out...
One of my all time fave movies, I always get emotional watching this knowing what happened to a lot of the Vets who were in this conflict and knew a few from my town one of Stallones best performances ever
Rambo was such a great way to cap off the franchise. He's pretty much in the exact same clothes as at the beginning of First Blood, and he finally gets home.
Watched this as a kid with my aunts & uncles. Several times. Even on repeat viewings my folks would love the anticipation when Rambo was about to do something and totally voiced how they were on his side and how the cops' actions were totally unnecessary. Great memories.
Can’t watch the end without crying. I hear that monologue and get flooded with empathy for this character. It destroys me every single time. My Dad took me to see this in the theater when it came out. As a kid I loved the action. As an adult I loved the emotion. Thank you for the review.
Just wanted to reach out and tell you not to take the negative feedback from your Madame Web video to heart. I don't have any problem with negative criticism towards art, corporate or otherwise, but I do feel that the vehement, angry backlash to your video had a lot to do with toxic critics feeling defensive and insecure. Sending love and support.
I watched this movie for first time a few months ago and I was pleasantly surprised. I went in expecting a schlocky good time, but what I got was a devastating character study on the effects of war and how society discards veterans. This film is now one of my new favorites!
During my time as a History Grad School, I got to write 2 papers about Vietnam War-related Media, and First Blood was a big highlight for me. The commentaries with Stallone and David Morrell (the author of the original novel) brought up some interesting points, like the Sheriff being implied to be a Korean War, and how numerous Vietnam Vets to start talking about their experiences to their wives after seeing the end of the film. It’ll be a big talking point in my book on Vietnam War related media
If you haven’t, you should read the book. They are very different- both great, in their own ways. In the book, Rambo and the sheriff are basically Co-leads. I would argue The sheriff is more sympathetic than Rambo in the novel. I’ve said for years, we need an update of first blood that follows the book.
I recall that. He suggested Adam driver for Rambo and Kurt Russel as the sheriff, I think it was… I could really see that… I don’t think qt would be well suited to direct, but I agree with his statements and overall casting ideas.
As a Veteran this movie is huge!! What’s crazy that I learned a bit ago is Teasel is a Korean War veteran. You have to wonder why a fellow Veteran would do this to another. Movie is definitely a lot deeper as I get older and that realization came into play.
