First Blood (1982) ♥Movie Reaction♥ First Time Watching!

For monthly polls, early access, extended ad-free videos, and watch-along versions*, check out my Patreon: / whimsory
And there I was, expecting this to be a run-of-the-mill action movie. Sometimes it's so nice to be wrong! I have a lot to say about this movie if you stick around for the end!
00:00 Intro
00:35 Reaction
23:24 Outro/Discussion
*must own/rent a copy of the film to sync up with me

[@bmatt2626]

The franchise factory turned Stallone into a cliche action hero, but Rocky and First Blood are unusually deep dives into male psychology.

[@Balleehuuu]

I agree and I hated the second and third Rambo. I didn't liked the Rockys (2-4) that much, but they are somehow a nice addition and worth watching at least once. For a really good Stallone I recommend "Cop Land"

[@olpossum5186]

yeah. i wouldn't say to "never" watch them, but you also wouldn't be missing anything if you skipped the other rambo movies. the first stands alone as a great story and showcase of stallone's acting chops. that end scene gets me every time.

[@Jordan-Ramses]

He wrote Rocky. People like to hate on Stallone but he wrote a screenplay.

[@Balleehuuu]

@@Jordan-Ramses yeah and deserved that oscar

[@Nicholasmcmath-cr1xl]

Agree

[@zedwpd]

My dad served in Vietnam. I served for 20 years in the military and watched my dad's eyes over and over when people thanked me for my service. No one ever thanked him. He has since passed away.

[@Grnademaster]

Jesus Christ...I WAS having a good day until I read this comment.

[@alexconn7473]

I'm really sorry that happened to your father. The war was a no-win situation for everyone involved, especially the American soldiers who were sent overseas, unlike the soldiers who came before them in World War Two those men were fighting for a questionable cause that many of them were forced into and they were dealing with an enemy they didn't understand and that the so-called higher-ups had completely underestimated the boys who survived came back to a country that treated them like monsters this movie shows that particular problem very well just like its first sequel shows the problem with the higher-ups particularly well honestly the people who didn't know what the soldiers went through should have just shut up because if they weren't there they didn't have any right to judge if they had been to Vietnam they would have had a different mindset and if the higher-ups wanted a war they should have just gone themselves than again those cowards weren't too keen on the idea of having bullets whizzing past their heads the generals of world War two would have agreed with me because I know that some of them actually fought on the front lines with the soldiers they were giving orders to

[@shanwyn]

Something people all over the world usually forget: soldiers don't 'go' or 'do' something on their own accord. They are sent. Looking down or insulting a soldiers is like cursing a sledge hammer that landed on your hand instead of blaming the one who swings the hammer. Soldiers are 'instruments', usually of politicians. And they have no choice in a matter. That is the life of a soldiers. There is an old saying: No one wishes for peace more than the soldier fighting other mens battles

[@alexconn7473]

@shanwyn yep and honestly there was a time when the men who ordered for war to be waged actually fought in them as well and you know what I think I think that sort of thing needs to be brought back those people who want a war wouldn't be so eager for it if they were the ones who were fighting in it

[@shanwyn]

@@alexconn7473 I remember one thing my grandfather told me when I was little. He explained to me soldiers and firefighters are very much alike. Your instinct is to run away from the fire, but as a firefighter you are drilled to run into it. Same goes to soldiers. Fighting is a part of human nature, but our technology makes it horrendous and there is a mental breaking point that is easily overstepped. And the times you are mentioning are from hundreds if not thousands of years ago. Not even Napoleon was in the front once he seized power. In fact, if leaders of countries want a fight, I say put them into an arena. Just the leaders, and let them fight it out by themselves. I bet that would make war far less common. But again, in the end, I think we all have a long long way ahead of us til we overcome those basic instincts in our human nature. And until then, simply stop blaming soldiers, blame their leaders. And that rings true for all the soldiers in the world

[@Harv72b]

First Blood and Rocky: two early Stallone movies that are *never* what a new viewer expected. 😁

[@schroedingers_kotze]

Presumably because the image of the two characters was more shaped by the sequels, some of which are much more clichéd than the originals. But the first films are both great.

[@PerfectHandProductions]

Rocky is so great, one of the best of the 70s for me.

[@taberjohnson1901]

Yeah, like Schrödinger said, the sequels are exactly what everyone expects.

[@Raven5150]

Stallone first movie was a porn that since the popularity of rocky renamed itself the Italian stallion but you probly won't find that on imdb

[@PerfectHandProductions]

@@Raven5150 lol that's funny

[@WarriorOfGhengisKhan]

"For being like 90 minutes long I cannot believe how much protein this movie has." You young lady are a wordsmith. That's the most succinct description of this film I've ever heard. 10/10 reaction.

[@lennyvalentin6485]

Another 1980s action movie which isn't incredibly long and isn't wasting a single moment is "Predator". It too has a wicked soundtrack also by the way.

[@pencilnecked1579]

Stallone is mostly thought of as "action star" but when the man gets a role, or creates it himself, he really feels he can act his ass off. Cop Land (1997) is another example of his ability because he holds his own with true acting heavyweights in a star studded cast.

[@Scottie_S]

Cop land was such a great movie! Both Stallone and Liotta were fantastic in bringing their characters to life.

[@shabbafett8520]

Copland is both my favorite "cop" film and Stallone film... or it was until I watched First Blood. Incredible performances!

[@benprewitt4600]

THANK YOU FOR GIVING COP LAND A SHOUT OUT!

[@waterbeauty85]

An interesting thing about Gault is that he and Teasle serve together in the Korean War. I can imagine Teasle having a sense of loyalty to Gault because to the horrors and hardships they went through together and keeping him on as a deputy (despite the fact that he was clearly mentally unfit) because the war had left Gault so messed up that he would have ended up unemployed and homeless if it weren't for Teasle letting him work for him. Back when "First Blood" came out, some vets complained that Rambo was a stereotypical dangerously unstable war vet, but it seems to me that Gault is the vet who's more unstable and dangerous.

[@molasorrosalom4846]

Wow, I didn't know that.

[@joeblankenship377]

This is one of the best "they messed with the wrong guy" movies. The sequels are more about the action, but this one really drives home how poorly we treated soldiers returning from Vietnam. And we still don't give Veterans the respect and dignity they deserve. Especially the sick and injured.

[@dondunco2538]

This movie was a gamechanger for so many people across America. The prevailing theory was that every Viet Nam vet was as guilty of losing the war to lesser people in a crappy foreign land as they were of being part of the Mai Lai massacre. A group of our soldiers wiped out a whole town, men, women, children.....all of them because the grunts believed them to be North Vietnamese sympathizers. There were a few other negative items that hit the news from Nam and Americans were so filled with loathing that they protested the vets as they came home. Jane Fonda (actress, fitness guru) spit on a soldier for being a baby killer. This behavior followed Viet Nam vets for years. No one was sympathetic to their cause at all. Until this movie. This movie redeemed and rehumanized the vets as they realized that not every vet was a scumbag, that they needed help, both physically and mentally. All because of the Teagles of the world.

[@carlgibson285]

Stallone's speech at the end of this movie is one of the greatest bits of acting ever commited to film. Stallone is so good in this, it makes me wish he'd done more "proper" acting during his career instead of concentating on being an action hero (although he's great at that too!).

[@paristo]

Stallone's serious acting are characters like Rambo or Rocky. Those characters are very deep, and the error many does make is think that his characters are just action heroes. Like from the start of the First Blood, the Rambo is extremely broken by finding out that his only army buddy is dead... He has no one else in the world to trust. Everyone who has been in combat, knows that in unit you will bond with your squad deeper than in normal life. The trust level is totally another level. The Rocky character is as well very deep, it is life story of a street thug to become greater than life and then still fight to stay simple as he is but try to be a fair and good through all. The love story, the family and all is about the Rocky character. Many see Rocky movies just as a violent boxing movies about some love story and so on, but Rocky delivers a lot more through all movies. Even the last two Rambo movies are great by the character, but I can't just like those movies past the sloppy visual effects (speeding up some scenes, blood splatters etc) and it does ruin them for me. Stallone wouldn't have been great in a melodrama movies etc. He is great delivering characters that has conflict for right and wrong, and to do it by himself.

[@jackspringheel9963]

He's also not bad at comedy, e.g. Demolition Man

[@oystersnag]

I'm so glad you pointed out Jerry Goldsmith. He's a very accomplished composer that has done music for so many films. Back in the early 2000's, I was able to go to Hollywood and have a 13 hour workshop with Jerry. The orchestra I was performing in at the time got to have Jerry conduct for us and he gave us instruction and pointers for 13 hours straight. It was the most exhausting, yet absolutely amazing experience I ever had while playing the cello. Jerry not only loved music, but loved teaching others and helping pull out the best in each individual musician that was in that group that day. It's something I will never forget.

[@Chris-ji4iu]

That is an amazing experience! I am a huge fan of soundtracks and I collect them. I still have my first OST Album (yes, on vinyl) Star Wars - a double LP! Jerry Goldsmith's Rudy soundtrack is one of my all time favorites.

[@richardvillafana8111]

John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, and the late greatly lamented James Horner the Godfathers of contemporary film composers.

[@Mike-rw2nh]

I predict there will be tears at the end. PTSD is a shitbox situation to be in. My heart goes out to veterans and civilians alike, who may be struggling with this condition. ❤️❤️❤️

[@CrazeeAdam]

Some people have it and don't know they do even. Can happen from a lot of things really. :(

[@Mike-rw2nh]

@@CrazeeAdam☝️100%. Apologies for the mini rant, but you make an excellent point. If anyone reading this is suffering, just remember, although there are many people who do not know how to deal with comprehending your situation, there are many, many people out there who will treat you with the dignity you deserve. It doesn’t matter if you’re suffering from flashbacks, a sense of guilt, night terrors, anger issues or the myriad other wholesale crap floating about in your head. Help is available. Where? Samaritans, your employer, GP/MD, support groups. Please, please do at least find someone who has been through the same horseshit you have suffer and is who is further down the path to healing/coming to terms.

[@earthwormandruw]

@@CrazeeAdamI met a vet who shared his ptsd experience with me. I had been wondering if the death of my fiancé had given me ptsd. So many things about his story and symptoms resonated. I went to a therapist a few weeks later. it's been 3 years ago now since getting help and I am forever grateful to that vet for being open and sharing his experience. I never served, but am forever grateful to those who have for me any my fellow Americans.

[@ajstyles5704]

​@@earthwormandruwPTSD is an exaggerated term. The problem that majority or 90% people don't understand, war PTSD is much more severe than you think, during the Vietnam war, it was first for 1st World country to face these issues, governments, psychologist/psychiatrist didn't have a clue how to deal with it. It was a political war, turned to a coup, turned to guerilla warfare, turned to full war. Most of the US soldiers in the beginning faced success after success with no repercussions of their actions, it got out of hand as Vietnam grew desperate and more desperate until Russia suddenly provided them what they needed and all hell broke loose. These had massive impact, but back then they considered as mentally weak and couldn't handle the pressure and eventually was one of the reason why US lost that war. US was in full gear making sure it doesn't happen again, instead of listening to them. So PTSD from war veterans was more like "you couldn't handle it" situation than "you need help". People don't understand this part, other soldiers who didn't suffer PTSD, war veterans looked at these guys with PTSD as whiny babies and basically they didn't want soldiers with PTSD with them. And severe cases of PTSD are always linked with soldiers from Aggressors that lost, not defenders. Weak PTSD are considered as shell shock, soldiers that simply were rookies and couldn't handle what war looks like. Its considered weak because the more privileged a country is, the more their minds are unprepared, the only cure fast enough to work is trial by fire, well that's a variant what soldiers call them back then, push them further into the war until they are used to it. What you faced, losing a fiance, is actually much harder than PTSD, not to downplay the word, but you aren't even trained to deal with it. Soldiers are trained to have certain ticks or behaviours when in uniform, what to do, where to go, who to listen to, pay attention, muscle memory, do something familiar, to keep pushing forward. But you, none of that, you can find similarities when you or the war vet don't know what to do, but don't ever put in the same situation, both didn't experience both situations except very few cases, and both experience it differently. The difference is in the healing, where your hardship and stress are much easier to heal than war PTSD, even weak ones. I'm just saying weak in the term, between PTSD not the people who suffer PTSD or severe stress as weak. Strong PTSD is nearly incurable, it only happens to those who lost too much while kept moving forward, repeated events that eventually broke someone apart. I hope this helps understand why many war vets didn't get help(im totally oppose not helping, as if the soldiers couldnt find a reason to be there, to fight or die because of politicians decision, then they should already know, PTSD would be in great numbers).

[@sparksdrinker5650]

Nope no tears til the re-watch

[@user-vz8gi4gh6g]

To all the many people on here please hit the subscribe button , because Whimsory works so hard on her Reaction Videos.(also hit the like button)

[@Harv72b]

7:30 "That looked like it hurt so bad!" That's because it actually did. Stallone did most of his own stunts in this movie, and broke multiple ribs filming that particular shot. Edit: I should have known you'd discover that yourself afterwards. 😄

[@Eliphas_Leary]

Whimsory again showing that she's the best there is at what she does. And what she does is watching movies and really getting into the depth of it. After First Blood maybe Full Metal Jacket would be interesting...

[@richardwilliams6256]

agreed and oh boy FMJ is a big pill

[@damon6126]

A little homage to Wolverine? 🙂

[@sjuthberg]

There are plenty of movies to depict the insanity of Vietnam. 'Casualties of War' with Michael J. Fox is one I would also recomend in addition to 'Full Metal Jacket'. The 'theme' of that one can be quite disturbing for sensitive viewers though. Another one that shows the insanity of the Vietnam War is 'The Platoon'. Although I haven't seen that one myself, apart from a few clips. Edit; 'Casualties of War' was inspired by a real event btw. 'The incident on Hill 192'

[@JoshSmith-wo7zw]

Stallone should have gotten an Oscar for the last 15 minutes of this movie. I think of this every day for the past 7 years. Ramboo had severe PTSD. All the Ramboo movies are good but this one is by far the best. The Rocky movies are really good as well.

[@jaketherake71]

Whimsory has an almost CGI face, her smile almost looks like Disney designed it for maximum cuteness.

[@erwinquiachon8054]

Outstanding job of editing. You caught the key plot points with minimal visual obstruction of important frames. Top notch review, as always. You're very thoughtful.

[@namelessjedi2242]

I really appreciate how in-depth you go in researching films afterwards. That shows a level of respect and interest in each film that is so cool to see. In this case, I learned from you that Teasle was a Korean vet in the book, which does add another layer to his character.

[@lidlett9883]

This movie is almost criminally under rated. Discounted as a action movie. Its truly a drama of the struggles with PTSD which at this time was just called flash backs and ignored by the Veteran Administration The mention of "Soldier of Fortune" was a magazine at the time read by many former military men. The magazine also had a classified section. That section was found to have been used by at least one murder for hire. The magazine was sued out of existence shortly after this movie came out. You wouldn't like the book ending. As we find out what Troutman would do.

[@firedoc5]

Agent Orange was a defoliant that killed off the heavy vegetation of the jungles, and any other kinds of plants. I've lost a number of older friends that died from the effects of it. One was in the Navy on an aircraft carrier and loaded it on the aircraft that would drop it. There were a number of times he was drenched in it, and he died of cancer of the esophagus. The PTSD is very real. Stallone may not be the greatest actor, but he nailed the portrayal of someone suffering from it. Love the way you do a movie to show your initial reaction, then go back and re-watch it for the commentary.

[@pennie2387]

It's important to note that it was targeted against the Vietnamese population, so of course the horrors were not limited to US servicemen. 4.8 million Vietnamese were exposed to it and current counts are that 400, 000 died from it. It still affects people to this day. Another US atrocity among atrocities nested within the overarching atrocity that the entire war was. It was an important portrayal of PTSD too, as you say. A surprisingly important film that brought some awareness at the time before becoming a ridiculous franchise.

[@lincolnhawk5650]

Stallone is actually a great actor. It just depends on the role he acts/gets. He can play the cool 80s action hero, or a very deep character.

[@TheFalconerNZ]

Agree that Whimsory's way of reacting to videos is unique & gives it a special feel.

[@Blue-qr7qe]

Note, too, that the makers of Agent Orange(Dow Chemical, Monsanto, and others) accrued millions of dollars supplying the Military with these defoilants. When American veterans came home from Vietnam and began having serious persistant illnesses caused by exposure to these chemicals, Dow, Monsanto, et al, went to the courts to claim that they should not be held liable for damages.

[@olpossum5186]

@@pennie2387 nope, it wasn't targeted at the vietnamese population. it's a defoliant, as the OP said. it was targeted at the canopy of the jungles that hid the trails used by the vietcong and the north vietnamese army to move supplies and troops into the south. also important to note in 1961 the south vietnamese president asked the US to help defoliate the jungles after using his own air force to begin the defoliation campaign. were there secondary effects on both US servicemen and the vietnamese? yes. i have a relative that has agent orange poisoning. but that doesn't change the fact that it wasn't targeted at people. that doesn't even make sense from a military perspective. if a military intends to kill people, it will do so with bullets, bombs, and artillery, something that is immediate. it doesn't do so with a chemical agent that takes decades. and no, the war was not an atrocity. the vietnamese communists murdered half a million of the south vietnamese after the war, and sent another million to concentration camps for "re-education." in addition to them murdering their own civilians in the north while purging their own party and military during the war. (100,000 killed, 100,000 imprisoned) and when south vietnam fell so too did neighboring cambodia to the communists, where the khmer rogue also murdered 1.5-3 million, nearly 25%, of their own people. trying to prevent murderous communists from taking over and murdering their own people is not an atrocity.

[@chrisnoonan9486]

Hi Whimsory, thank you for another wonderful heartfelt outro. They are the main draw to watching your reactions, no-one else does such a thorough job of analysing the films that they review. Cudos to you.

[@pleutron]

new viewers expect the legacy of most of the sequels and rarely expect what this is actually.

[@ThePharaz]

Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." If you haven't seen The Green Mile (1999) consider it if you're in the mood for a great movie and a roller coaster of an emotional ride. It isn't a short film. Stallone went back and forth between doing these movies and the Rocky movies. The problem was that each required a different body build that he underwent. Rocky has a more bulky muscle build and Rambo has a leaner meaner build.

[@Azhalan]

First Blood is one of the most iconic 80s movies. And way deeper than many people give it credit for.

[@mickluchsinger486]

Herodotus (an ancient greek) said in peace sons bury their fathers, in war fathers bury their sons. There have been lots of variations on it since. I also come from a military family, my grandpa was a Marine in WWII, my uncle was a Marine in Vietnam, I was a Marine in the middle east. If your family was in then all of your family is part of mine also. I will drink a horn with them in Valhalla one day. Thanks for watching this movie. My uncle had a hard time coming back from NAM. This was one of the first movies to touch on that. Great reaction as always.

[@williamjackson4469]

As a Vietnam Veteran you did a great job

[@pasteye1671]

Around this time (1980s) Stallone was popularly regarded as an "Action Hero" with no real talent, just beefcake with slurred speech (especially after Rambo II). The end scene in this and his performances in the early Rocky films showed that he was as good an actor as anyone else in Hollywood. Only now is he being lauded for his skills. So powerful. Gerry Goldsmith had been doing his thing for decades.

[@voodoomaestro4295]

I live in a very small town in Massachusetts. Both Brian Dennehy (The Chief) and Michael Talbott (Balford) came into my work often. They lived one town over in Woodstock, CT. Talbott lived in his guest house. They were best friends. They play very hateable characters in this movie. But they both were always the nicest guys ever. I had several interactions with them. Brian Dennehy would even go out of his way to drive out during bad snow storms to buy all of the local town employees coffee and donuts for while they were plowing snow all night. A great human being. RIP.

[@seannovack3834]

The Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart in the shadow box on the shelf behind Teasle's desk hint at it, but he's basically the Proud Warrior from a proud tradition that made it back from a lousy but accepted war in Korea and became the Protector of his home town by getting elected Sheriff. There were a huge number of people pretending to veterans around this time because of a massive fire at the Records building, and so the already poor reputation of Vietnam veterans was being tarnished daily by beggars and vagabonds claiming to be veterans for some kind of special status or handout. This problem continued late into the 90's.

[@McPh1741]

I have to say, you do excellent reactions and reviews. You’re the first one to note that Teasle is a Korean War vet. And that war is known as the forgotten war because it is overshadowed by Vietnam. You’re actually reading the book. It’s nice to see a reaction channel not just watch a movie for the first time and just give a personal opinion along with questions for the viewers, but actually educate viewers that may not know these things. Keep it up young lady.

[@jasonlmeadows]

This is one of those rare occasions where the movie is superior to the book. I was 10 when this movie came out and like you I always thought the scenery was beautiful. Not too long ago I found out the movie was filmed in a small town called Hope in British Columbia. After I moved to Washington state I looked up Hope and discovered it was only a two hour trip from my home. A couple of months ago I finally went to Hope and visited the filming locations and saw the statues of Rambo and Sheriff Teasle. It was pretty cool.

[@P5YcHoKiLLa]

7:23 That reaction is real, Stallone decided to do the bottom third of the fall himself, and in the process, broke one of his ribs when he landed on the tree branch

[@renaandou]

My dad is a veteran from the Gulf war, was in Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and the early days of Enduring Freedom when he got out. Rambo's breakdown is one of the most realistic depictions of PTSD because my dad did the exact same thing if he really thought about his service.

[@Martman5150]

I joined the Army in 1987, because of the Cold War. There was a movie made in 1968, the year I was born called the Green Beret. I was actually born in Thailand, because of the Viet Nam War. I am so glad you can appreciate this movie. You're such a sweetie.

[@cass4114]

I served 20 during cold to help prevent ww3

[@TheLordofthewolf]

The most heartbreaking part is when he screams "MI FRIEND IS ALL OVER ME" 😢

[@theylied1776]

This was one of the first movies that directly dealt with PTSD. Up until the Vietnam War, it was called Shell Shock. And it was mostly ignored by the military. But First Blood started a national movement that forced the military and mental health care to do something.

[@MrHritz]

I absolutely love your deep dive reviews at the end. So many people just react without adding any value to the experience and you are incredibly insightful.

[@mostvaluableproduction]

Your post-viewing commentary is always so thoughtful and well-presented. This movie always breaks my heart at the end, even though I know it by heart.

[@johnnyboy6707]

I saw this movie a few years ago for the first time and thought it was going to be a cheap 80’s action flick. Never thought I was going to love it…and then cry at the end, which was the biggest surprise.

[@davidterhune8277]

Sometimes people equate a young age with a lack of maturity. Don't let this happen to you. You are a wise and well-informed individual, very refreshing to see in a reactor. Thank you for not being shy about reacting to some "older" classics!

[@GuyFleegle]

Your outro to First Blood was extremely touching, and is a credit to your insight and compassion. ❤

[@blakewalker84120]

26:15 "I kinda like Mitch." Yeah, he's a good guy. When he gets older, he moves to Miami and runs their CSI department, and he has the most badass sunglasses ever.

[@rgerber]

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

[@LordEriolTolkien]

The leap from the cliff and subsequent self stitching from his knife cemented Rambo as an epic soldier in the minds of boys all over the world. Hardcore badass

[@chrisbanks6659]

Brian Dennehy (RIP). One of the most recognisable faces and in so many movies (over 180 of them), but not many people were able to name him. What a great actor and one of my favourites.

[@ulyssesfilmchannel]

Smartest reactions on the Internet right here. Great movie and a great reaction/commentary as always. This film and The Deer Hunter were two movies that made me realise that war isn’t the great adventure it seems to be when you’re a little kid and you watch it on TV.

[@jackbrigoli7452]

Thanks to the sequals being action-packed thrill rides, the Rambo series has been lost in the sea of 80s action movies, and Rambo himself has joined the roagues gallery as another action hero. But that's actually kinda sad because the original purpose of this story was to draw attention to the PTSD suffered by war vets and their mistreatment after Vietnam. It had a much deeper meaning and a sympathetic lead character as opposed to a mindless lunatic who went around blowing shit up. This is honestly one of the few movies that actually exceeds the book, and it makes me cry every time, not to mention the fact that it stands out from its sequals due to its deep meaning and character building, not to mention its brilliant storyline. Filled with emotion and fantastic performances. This movie is absolutely amazing. It's a true masterpiece.

[@SAtownMytown]

It was the movie that finally got the US to understand what PTSD was all about. Also, it was a small exaggerated depiction of the hard times, for a soldier to transition from soldier to every day American. I'm referring to Rambo's venting his anguish in the police station, at the end: "Out there I flew million dollar equipment, back here I can't get a job parking cars!" and throws his gun in rage. Technically, Vietnam vets didn't have that hard of a time seeking employment. The few exceptions were from soldiers that actually had PTSD, so . . . . Aside from that, the movie kick started a string of war movies and glorification of the All-American Soldier, and such. After Rambo, came movies like Missing in Action, and Commando. But the major of war movies came with an anti-war theme to them from this point on. Glad you liked it. Will be waiting for your next reaction. 😊

[@andoncroft5154]

You weren't even born when this movie was made, ADORABLE

[@joshb6960]

Wow Whimsory! your reaction was great as always! Your analysis was above and beyond expectations... others 10-15 min outros usually feel cheap like trying to push somethin out of the experience. your deep analysis make is worth staying with all the knowledge you gained from the research you put in... also, it hit me hard when you stated the rewatches also made tear up as well. love all your videos! keep it up!

[@IDLERACER]

😎👍 Jerry Goldsmith had an incredible half-century long career creating the incidental music for hundreds of TV programs and theatrical releases. In addition to this, "Poltergeist" and "Alien," I'm certain you'd also be impressed with his work in "Total Recall" (1990), "L.A. Confidential" (1997) "Mulan" (1998) and "The Mummy" (1999).

[@gallendugall8913]

This movie was very socially impactful. Post Vietnam the US military was always depicted as the bad guys - that is how the public saw the US military and treated them accordingly. It was hard for former service people to get jobs, and active service people had to wear civilian clothes to leave base. After this movie there was serious work done on what would become known as PTSD and it was discovered that over half of all homeless were vets unable to adapt to civilian life. While only lip service has ever been provided to resolve the problems facing vets the public perception did change, and there is public sympathy in the place of hostility.

[@taoist32]

Well, the military is in some ways bad, but that falls on the leaders of the military, although there at times a few bad apples as soldiers as well. A lot of secret wars going on that none of us will ever know about. A lot of agendas that are complicated, but always portrayed as good for national security. Agent Orange was sprayed by US military, but got quite a few of their own soldiers.

[@craigplatel813]

While there was a lot of bad feelings towards vets and the homeless Vietnam vet is a big trope studies have shown that Vietnam vets succeeded better in civilian life than non vets.

[@RootinrPootine]

No that’s an insane fantasy, there was no mainstream anti Vietnam sentiment basically at all, at any point-that’s just reconning. Total propaganda. Go check. Look at public record at the time. However, Vietnam was the worst post ww2 war crime ever committed by the US and you’d have to willingly sadistically ignorant to not know that at this point. ‘This movie was impactful’ god you are a clown. Pathetic.

[@RootinrPootine]

‘Anti war sentiment grew hugely, it was a big deal. YET, None of it was “mainstream”. What are you talking about. War of aggression started in 62 and literally no one said a thing about it until the 70s. Hippies were not “the public” Jesus you get your history from movies?

[@bryanobrien2726]

It wasn't everybody who saw the military as bad people , it was the hippies who did this .

[@user-ml9pm3ut9b]

Whimsory, you went deep into the research here. Teasle is not only a Korean War combat vet, but he won the Silver Star, which is the 3rd highest award for valor in the U.S. Army. He's no pushover, but he resents these young Nam vets who he seems to see as young punks.

[@egk2584]

Rambo was supposed to die at the end of this movie but they changed it because it didnt test well with sample audiences. You can find the outtake of that scene on youtube. This movie was more of a serious examination of someone coming home with PTSD. After this one, they turned Rambo into a cartoon character. The movies were good action movies but totally different from this one.

[@Dman425]

I’m pretty sure they wanted to make sequels also

[@kryptonianguest1903]

There was literally a cartoon at one point 😅

[@boboboy8189]

This movie Just like die hard 1 were adapt from book and both main character died in book, but studios decide to change the ending to happy ending

[@egk2584]

I don't think there was a lot of thought to sequels until they saw the box office for the first one. The funny part is this movie did not do well with critics originally but with the passage of time, critics hae jumped ont he bandwagon for it.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

I loved your reaction to this, and the compassion that you showed for the story. I'm so glad the Sylvester Stallone put so much into his performance to make the film what it is, it's really appreciated by a 63 old ex Serviceman.

[@Henchman_Holding_Wrench]

One of those movies I've rewatched countless times. 2 things that usually happens: 1, I quote the ending dialog and 2, I imitate Galt's screams when he falls out of the helicopter and blow a raspberry on impact. Fantastic job by actors who can really get me to hate a character.

[@terrycollumjr.4870]

I'm a veteran. And it's true, you don't just turn off what you go through. You're not the same person. Like he said unless you were there and been me. It's been close to 20 years for me and it's always there

[@nolataoists8575]

When I wake up in the morning, and my puppy crawls out from the covers and stretches, I greet her with "hiya! How ya doin?" This seems to make her very happy 😊 Thanks for being adorable Whims

[@brentfugett2700]

What's really great is how movies like this so effectively tell the story of the Vietnam vet. As always I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into these reactions and analysis. PLUS, gosh you just make me smile ear to ear, you're a side dish that should accompany every movies main course. You just make it better. Keep on keepin on!

[@rofyle]

Colonel Trapman's dialogue is so very 80s movie teaser trailer voice. "He's an expert, a warrior, a lethal, trained assassin . . . so unless you want him to pay you a visit, then you'll get your tickets to see him now."

[@baronvg]

This channel is one of the rare reaction channels that I watch from beginning to end.

[@tomr5577]

as always, i cannot praise enough the depth and breadth of your thoughts on this movie! your "outro" is unmatched! i will echo what so many have said - post Vietnam soldiers were far to often vilified, and treated with hostility. this shows that (yes to a bit of extreme, but not by much), and did have a positive influence on returning veterans. And, i believe others have also said to look at Full Metal Jacket. it's another wild ride, and honestly pretty disturbing in the depth of the characters developed. keep up the amazing work!

[@shawnskelton4736]

I'm not even that big of a Rambo fan, but if Whimsory is critiquing, I AM HERE for it!

[@dukecunning7046]

Same 🙂

[@barstro]

This is Stallone's finest performance. I really appreciate your analysis of the movie it shows that you paid attention to the details. Yes, Rambo has PTSD and it was definitely hard for him to fit in with the average citizen. He just wanted to see one of his old was buddies because they understood what he's been through. As a vet, we know what we signed up for. It's great to travel the world to see and experience different cultures. But we also have responsibilities and missions that may put you in harms way. Support systems and proper counseling can help many to cope with their PTSD, and there are some that just can't and it can be tragic. The military and the VA are trying to help those who need it but they still need to do better. Appreciate this reaction.

[@DylansPen]

The entire nation wanted to forget about Vietnam after it was over as well as the men that came back. This was one of the first movies that looked at them seriously and his soliloquy at the end opened the door for a lot of people to start talking about the Vietnam war back then. Great movie.

[@Beligana]

Great review, as always!!!! Teasel's service awards are behind him when he is sitting at his desk in the movie, I think he had a purple heart so he was wounded in combat at some point. I think he does allude to it a little when he is sitting in the bar/diner talking to Troutman.

[@RichardM1366]

This is so heartbreaking! This is a movie that gets me every time! My cousin was in Vietnam and thankfully he came back in one piece. This is a great one. but a sad one.

[@alexconn7473]

It's good to hear your cousin made it back home in one piece but is he doing okay mentally? I ask this because war of any kind can really mess up a person's mind if they are directly involved in it either as a soldier or a civilian

[@Thylonicus]

You're right about the sheriff in the book. He's a Korean War vet, and the Korean War was called the Forgotten War, because they were ignored by the country. Even at the time, Vietnam vets had their supporters. Korean vets, on the other hand, didn't. No one talked about them. No one cared about them. Then the Vietnam vets come home and half the country wants to string them up, the other half wants to throw a parade. Even now, all these decades later, they aren't remembered like the Vietnam vets are. The sheriff was chafing because Rambo, as a Vietnam vet, symbolized a country that gave him, the sheriff, the middle finger. That doesn't excuse him, of course, but it does put him in context.

[@jaketherake71]

Stallone is an American treasure. I can't watch this movie enough, or enough reactions to it.

[@o0pinkdino0o]

Great film. Was in development hell for years with everyone from Burt Reynolds to Robert Redford being in line for the role. The original script had Rambo as a menace to society killing many before dying in the finale, but Stallone got the script and gave Rambo his heart. A strong film about PTSD and the horrible way NAM vets were eventually treated when they returned home.

[@TheRodentSama]

The best PTSD movie ever made. Nobody really realises though, Sheriff Teasle is also a Vet, and served in Korea. The Korean War Vets also suffered PTSD and mental health problems but they were forgotten about by the public and the press because Vietnam was such a huge deal. To defend Teasle a little: The story of Teasle is he resents Rambo, but probably doesn't realise it, because Rambo and Rambo's comrades got all the press, good and bad, and Teasle got forgotten. Good press or bad, doesn't matter, Teasle and his comrades, got left out. It was as if it didn't happen. Teasle also shows behaviours of someone with PTSD in that he became a hard-ass Sheriff, someone with authority. And his behaviour AS the Sheriff is hard, brutal and unbending, which is another post-trauma defence mechanism. When a Vietnam Vet, someone he (maybe subconsciously) despises, comes into his town, he immediately goes into a passive-offence-is-the-best-defence, disguised as kindness and duty "This town doesn't want vagrants, and I've been tasked with making sure that doesn't happen, get out of my town, and I'll even drive you out to the border to be nice". That's a PTSD trait. Passive aggressive, but with hints of genuine, actual threat... and when Rambo crosses Teasle's line, the threat is then brought forward without a second thought. Teasle has something to protect, and he has authority to do it in a harsh way should he need to... so, simply, he does. PTSD can make people overly protective of what they have, paranoid even, and they tend to go OTT with how they keep control over a situation... and that's the point of Teasle. Teasle NEEDS to have control over who does and doesn't come into his town, he NEEDS to have full control and authority in every situation, even standing against the Army and telling them this is "his town". A sure fire red flag for PTSD.

[@DougRayPhillips]

There's just some quick shots of Teasle's desk in the film, with mementos that show he was a Korea Vet.

[@thefalloutshelter7799]

That "nice town" is Hope, British Columbia about an hour East of Vancouver.....and it is a nice little town The fall in the tree really did hurt that bad......apparently Stallone broke a rib when he hit that branch

[@Lord_Legolas_Greenleaf]

😺Whim!!! 😺 Wasn't till about 1977 when they finally acknowledged PTSD. Yeah - back in the day we didn't learn all that. We got physical ed, sociology (later), history, math, and the rest of the 'general stuff.' My brother was drafted just before he graduated in 69, got PTSD - was never the same; we're happy that he did come home! Yes, it was thee first time 'we' got a tiny glimpse of PTSD and 'their' experience when they came home. I remember watching all the news cause my brother was there. Then the protests started happening. Thank you 😺Whim!!! 😺

[@miller-joel]

They called it "shell shock" after WWI.

[@alexconn7473]

​@@miller-joelhonestly even if they didn't acknowledge it when it was still called shell-shock the name at least sounded like something to be taken seriously names can be a powerful thing in that regard

[@miller-joel]

@@alexconn7473 George Carlin had a bit about that.

[@2971username]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your reactions!!! So detailed and your quirkiness just adds to it 1000%. Well done!

[@user-xj7hq1pp3x]

I know, isn’t she cute? 🥰 I was just thinking of Whimsymimsy jamming out to the cheesy end credits song in this. Made me think of another one in the Stallone movie COBRA! It’s kind of a Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen soundalike of sorts (dare I say ripoff?)

[@2971username]

@@user-xj7hq1pp3x voice of America’s son, by John Cafferty. I used to jam out to that soundtrack and others like quicksilver on my Walkman riding my Raleigh technium tri-lite back in the 80’s 😂😂😂

[@rescuetweak]

Jerry Goldsmith is my all-time favorite composer/soundtrack guy. From Lilies of the Field to Sand Pebbles, the original Alien and countless others I don’t really know of a close second. Though there are many others that I love as well. The Vietnam war was not a fool’s errand and I know many south Vietnamese people as well as our veterans that feel cheated for not getting to finish what they started. And I’ve spoken to many older South Vietnamese who said that they were terrified when the US pulled out with endless stories of what happened when the communist moved in to slaughter rape and pillage. I was a film student in college for a time and have always watched movies through and including this current era, and I have to say that movies, even with huge budgets have generally become more shallow and overdo there’s special effects to such a degree that it gives the movie a general fake feeling. Even when the special effects are amazing. Anyhow thanks for the great reaction!! Oh, I believe the first one is by far and away the best with several of the following ones being good and several of them being a little more crackerjack.

[@CousinWhatIsIt]

You know what's not sad? The 80s comedy, Better Off Dead, starring John Cusack in his comedic prime. Lots of memorable quotes from that movie and a great soundtrack!

[@OneEyedJack1970]

"Two dollars!"

[@davezwieback4208]

Hands down one of the best action movies ever made.

[@NVidea-yz1fg]

Hiya! If you enjoyed this one, you may also want to try "Deliverance" (1972)

[@paulstelter8273]

It's not subtle, but it's still a nice touch that at the beginning Rambo decides to turn back towards "Hope" -- but can't stop himself from destroying it (literally and metaphorically). I'm sure it's not a coincidence that Rambo's first makeshift robe makes him look like a humble medieval monk. THE BLUES BROTHERS is a massive police chase movie that's much more lighthearted. 😄

[@agxec2932]

The intro song often served as Rambo's theme music for further sequels. The song's name is "It's a Long Road". First Blood is a masterpiece novel by David Morell and even a better movie about PTSD (unknown to many at that time) , possibly Stallone's finest acting performance.

[@quixote6942]

The Book goes into Teasle better... His Backstory would've explained alot and Blurred the lines between Hero/Villain by showing their Similarities. I saw this when I was in the Navy... It was aboard my ship in the middle of the Pacific during Movie Call. It really hit home with alot of us (especially Rambo's Monoloque). The Song at the end was sung by Dan Hill... He had a few love song hits back then ("Sometimes when we touch") and a duet with Vonda Shepard called "Can't we try"... GREAT Musician!

[@howardb.6205]

Anna in California and Orvell are a big part of Teasle's actions

[@islandgreenstrong]

Such a great movie and Whimsory...you did it again with the outro. I can't say it enough, and I know I'm a repeat offender saying it...I love how you dig in and learn so much more about the movies after watching them. Seriously the best reaction channel ever. Have a great weekend, and I hope we'll get something scary for Halloween!!

[@travismcdoyal]

Fun fact Rambo was based on a real soldier, Raul Perez "Roy" Benevidez.

[@NoneYaBidness762]

I’m glad you recognized the pre-CNN reporter.

[@McPh1741]

Great reaction. I love that you take the time to research movies afterwards and then share your thoughts. I have the special edition interactive DVD. At certain points during the movie you can select characters and a mini bio will come up. I was a kid when this came out and it’s still one of my favorites. Watching it an adult, Rambo’s breakdown at the end has a different meaning to it now after I found out what PTSD was.

[@chrisbanks6659]

"They drew first blood, not me...." Like dropped for your channel, young lady, and for the algorithm. I will have to watch later. Looking forward to it 😎😃

[@rgerber]

Jerry Goldsmith is an absolute legend

[@dannyropero4216]

Cool movie and reaction!! This movie was a commentary on the treatment of our returning Vets from Vietnam, who were fighting a harsh, barbaric, and unpopular war. For reasons too complex to get into here, but essentially the US was fighting a very covert, hidden, stealthy, and well organized enemy in Vietnam who would often use and hide amongst their own people, often pitting our soldiers against these innocent civilians, hence at the end when Rambo says when he returned home they (our civilians) were spitting on him and calling him babykiller. Many returning Vets found it difficult to adjust back to civilian life and sadly, were seen as dregs of society, men without honor. When this movie came out, the issue of Vietnam was still a very hot-button topic. Very embarrassing time in our history.

[@silvernova354]

I saw this movie when it came out. I was only 7 and it left a lasting impression.

[@calise616]

At 7 years old you could not even understand anything fo this movie. Who would let a young kid watch that movie? Only very stupid or ignorant parents.

[@Hail_To_The_King]

*_'Don't push it! Don't push it or I'll give you a war you won't beliiieve....'_*

[@justwatching6186]

The sheriff is right up there with Umbridge in most hated villains in movies.

[@michaelodonnell824]

Great parallel Teasle and Dolores Umbridge.. Both authority figures who use their power because they are absolute bullies who enjoy inflicting pain on those who are weaker than them...

[@goyaassfilms4551]

I love the Outro/discussion where you took time to rewatch, research and analyse the movie in more depth and not just do a first view reaction. Kudos! 👍

[@Sukuun]

Another difference in the novel: Teasle doesn't immediately arrest Rambo when he comes back. He gives Rambo a few more chances, dropping him off at the edge of town multiple times, until he runs out of patience. On one of those instances, Rambo is even able to get to a diner and order some food, but then Teasle enters the diner and says, "Make that To Go."

[@matthewmullins3751]

Love your reactions and always look forward to them keep up the great work.

[@JayM409]

The movie was filmed in Hope, British Columbia, and it really is this dreary and rainy. The mountains rise out or nowhere and make for short days. Very difficult, heavily forested terrain.

[@prltqdf9]

You have a great format going on here that stands out from the rest, especially with the outro/discussion segment. Keep it up!

[@jmr1068204]

You gotta love how cute Whimsory is. Wasn't familiar with her until I came across one of her movie reviews on youtube a while back. Seems like she came from another platform at some point, as well. I feel like she was probably a theater fan in school or something. lol What accent is that, out of curiosity? Midwestern? FYI that scene where Stallone elbowed the guy at the police station, he didn't pull back enough and actually broke his nose by accident. Those were real pain screams. Also, when Stallone jumped from the cliff and fell onto the branch with his side, he also literally broke at least one rib if I remember correctly. That pain was also real. Also, the sheriff in this movie was and might still be a real sheriff in reality, though probably not like the prick in the movie.

[@daeldo1]

Big eyes and they are wide open as she watches movies for the first time with her whimsory energy and nature. Much love

[@noah_ncl0223]

Thanks you, I want to rewatch this movie. 😊 I hope you’ll continue the franchise.

[@wheelmanstan]

Stallone almost burned this film. It was like 3hrs long and basically just a guy killing hunters and guardsman and police and saying cheesy one-liners or something..and he died at the end and the test audience hated it, but he somehow managed to trim it down and change the ending and BOOM, it's a fantastic film..and a franchise. It's up there with films like Robocop where they're tainted by bad sequels to the point when people actually see them for the first time they're really surprised how amazing they are. Stallone is such an awesome guy, he gives his films everything, what he did to get Rocky made is unbelievable.

[@TheFalconerNZ]

The scene where Rambo is talking about his life at the end is what makes this movie. The war broke him, he tried to continue on but all he gets is hate & disrespect from the people & country that he fought for by doing the dirtiest of jobs that resulted in PTSD, a condition first recognised during WW1 but not accepted by the military. The sad part of this movie is that it portrayed the way many Americans felt about the returning servicemen but that hate should have been directed at the people that sent them there & fought a war not to win it, but to show that America was prepared to send endless men to die fighting a war they couldn't win (because of the limitations imposed on the military by the government) as a warning to Russia.

[@lincolnhawk5650]

Rambo: First Blood is one of the best movies ever. And one of the best action movies of all time. Stallone is incredible. I hope you're going to watch more movies of him. More Rocky and Rambo movies, Demolition Man, Assassins, Cliffhanger, Lock Up, Tango & Cash, etc. They're classics and some of the best action movies of all time.