1982 First Blood

John Rambo started out as an ex-Vietnam veteran Green Beret who returned home to poverty and separation, unable to adapt to life following the horrors of war. He is pursued by a cruel sheriff who tries to oust him from his peaceful town. Rambo takes to the mountains as the sheriff and his deputies hunt him down.

The film is based on the book by David Morrell, with the same title; the movie was co-written by Sylvester Stallone who also stars as the titular anti-hero. It is a sombre film, not the flag-waving machismo of later instalments and more akin to the early Rocky movies than the latter ones. Stallone is excellent in the lead, driven by a desire to survive, he is forced to use the skills the army taught him during those turbulent years.

The setting is beautiful, neatly acting as a contrast to the horrors which it holds. The movie was shot in British Columbia and has a bleak, grey might to it. The supporting cast of Brian Dennehy and Richard Crenna also shine.

The original book depicts Rambo as a cold killing machine, whereas Stallone wanted there to be more sympathy to the character. This was achieved by not having Stallone's Rambo directly involved in killing any of his pursuers.

Another interesting fact is the casting. Gene Hackman was approached to play the sheriff, and Rock Hudson had signed on to play the colonel. Both had to turn it away for different reasons. Richard Crenna was quickly signed up and this became his signature role.

On a budget of $15m, the movie was a hit with audiences and grossed $125m. A sequel would be in no doubt.

Get the original book by David Morrell here at Abe Books -   First Blood