First Blood: Understanding the Themes & Subtext of an Action Masterpiece (Analysis)

Rambo: Last Blood (2019), the final entry in the Rambo Franchise, was released today! In response, I wanted to take an in depth look at one of my favorite action films, the original Rambo film, First Blood (1982). In this video, I will delve into the films themes, characters and breakdown how First Blood used action sequences to deliver a powerful message.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the latest Rambo entry and how it compares to the original in the comments, as well as your thoughts on this video. Please keep in mind, this is an opinion piece and some of the statements in it are my personal theories or interpretations of First Blood.
Instrumental Produced by Ryini Beats / @ryini
Please support StoryDive by donating to the channel Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=13589263
or visit the channel on Facebook: / storydivetv
#rambolastblood #firstblood #rambo

[@lazarus.mp4893]

it seriously angers me how people just think that rambo is a mindless action franchise because of the sequels when first blood is a somber yet action filled masterpiece

[@VINTAGE1959]

Now you know how I feel about people targeting Violent video games.

[@ericlopez7120]

They should not have made sequels

[@hello_there571]

@@ericlopez7120 they were enjoyable, but their message didn't have a deeper meaning. Sequels are made for entertainment

[@andresrodriguez8289]

You got mad for that but not for the people who vote for democrats? You dont help in nothing

[@mullaoslo]

I kinda see it as good thing.. New fans will come to the series expecting a.. RAMBO movie and they will get first blood.. They may not even like it the first time around but for most of them eventually it will become their favorite

[@holmgeirgautreksson2451]

"Poor is the nation that has no heroes, but poorer still is the nation that fails to remember its heroes." -M. Tullius Cicero

[@Persiatic]

Well said

[@jordandansie2190]

God I love Cicero

[@elderrusty541]

“It wasn’t my war! You asked me, I didn’t ask you” perfectly sums up what’s wrong with how extreme some anti-war protesters are, content with putting down those used by those in power when they’re mocking the victims in war

[@justinwainwright5069]

Im a combat infantry vet who has a pretty nasty case of PTSD. When he breaks down and starts talking about his memories get me every fuckin time

[@mikesbookreviews]

This movie will always be special to me because as a kid it was the first movie I saw my dad, a Vietnam vet, shed tears at. That was the moment I realized how much that war, and the treatment of vets upon return, really messed up a generation.

[@TheFree2last1]

I am so glad to hear someone address this movies goals and themes. I'm a veteran myself, I fought for Russia in the 1980s in Afghanistan. Short to say It didn't go down to well, only 15 of my entire platoon made it back. Since my return I've been suffering from severe ptsd and had often flashbacks. This movie always had a deep and emotional impact on me, it surely had an even bigger impact on those who fought in Vietnam. My deepest compliments on how You addressed this and with respect. Great channel and amazing host.

[@JDEEZ6969]

Thank you for your services sir! Even though you may have been fighting for another country, you still have my up most respect ✊

[@TheFree2last1]

@@JDEEZ6969 Thank You very much for saying that. That's also all we want for people to be polite and see us as humans and show respect. I for one don't ask for much, I did enough damage. But I try to be better and reach out to my fellow human beings. Many thanks and your welcome always.

[@acumennova3929]

I don't agree with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. That being said I wasn't even born at that time nor that nation so I will not hold hostility towards you. I hope that you recovered from your PTSD as a fictional character once said "The flag is different, but the methods are the same." Ultimately at the end of the day it was humans fighting humans, and dehumanizing your struggles merely because of your banner would be hypocritical.

[@TheFree2last1]

@@acumennova3929 Neither did I. But Russia forced the draft in those days. Terrible things have happened and Russia has a lot to answer for. It's people like me that suffer for it. Not to forget a lot of Afghanistan people. Every since I left the Army, I uphold a strict stance against governments and it's nonsense ideals. Russian nonsense first. Thank You by the way and let's hope nothing happens again like that. I for one did enough damage which I can never make up for.

[@acumennova3929]

@@TheFree2last1 It's always those at the top who start wars yet lose nothing while those below risk everything to recieve nothing, eh?

[@madpatriot7464]

One of the first films to expose the hypocrisy of badged egomaniacs

[@The_Custos]

Very relevant, continually so.

[@ItsButterBean1020]

And also how we abuse and treat our veterans like ass after we expect them to run into the meat grinder

[@thewreckofisgard6380]

Teasle wasn’t like that in the book though,

[@spearfisherman308]

Especially in small community oriented police forces.

[@fokionbogris]

@@thewreckofisgard6380 we are discussing the film here

[@mgtowdadYouTubeSucksCoxks]

"it's all in the past now." Rambo: FOR YOOUUU! this is what most humans cannot process, let alone when trying to understand Veterans. Hearing and seeing people be annoyed with, or stop wanting to talk with you, because they simply think that you should be over or beyond something, is one of the most disheartening things.

[@AbrasiousProductions]

agreed.. I was never in a war but I'm still struggling with abandonment issues, even at 19 years old it's hard not to be distressed by the fact that my dad didn't love me...

[@thomasweeden2683]

@@AbrasiousProductionsI hope things get better for you!

[@AbrasiousProductions]

@@thomasweeden2683 thank you, lucky things have been better❤

[@Menhtrol]

The sad fact is that America and other countries shows more care and respect to their dead soldiers than those who survived but was broken by what they experienced

[@kjj26k]

Don't gotta pay a corpse's medical bills. Just a one time pittance to the family. Corpse can't tell young boys it ain't worth it either.

[@Menhtrol]

@@kjj26k Sad but true.

[@ThePedroornellas]

I've always had a sense of sadness when I think about the Rambo franchise as a whole. First Blood is such a great, well paced and meaningful action movie that proved how deep Rambo actually is and could be as a character. Watching Rambo II and beyond, he is transformed in a simple model of the foreign political vision of the USA and how the country is depicted as the good side against the evil side that was represented by the Vietnam or the USSR, without almost any relation to the main point of the movie that started it all. I had the opportunity to interview Ted Kotcheff, the director of First Blood, a couple of years ago and he confirmed he never returned to any the further sequels exactly because of that: the lack of development of who Rambo was and what he truly represented.

[@greatest_bumble_bee_dude]

Agree - even though, john rambo should have just explained he was there to meet a friend the over zealous arrogant and selfish cops 👮 👮 👮 👮 👮 💂 💂 💂 💂 💂 🚓 🚔 fabricated the charges - not rambo didn't resist arrest and what of law to breach is vagrancy even though, concealment of a dangerous weapon as a knife which falls under the blade section of the code act so it's my firm belief that they should have just taken rambo's knife and sent him on his merry way but, no the sheriff had to keep pushing and threaten johnny with a 3 months prison sentence if he doesn't comply

[@greatest_bumble_bee_dude]

Next thing us viewers see is a scene trying to shave someone who clearly isn't interested in getting rid of the facial hair instead of say let's, a haircut

[@clumsydad7158]

that's true, early stallone had courage ... but soon to sell out , it was realized his faith to money

[@Ruylopez778]

While I agree that both Rambo II and III were over the top, and failed to develop the character, they still had a few brief moments of dialogue for Stallone to deliver an anti war sentiment, elevating them above similar popcorn nonsense, to a degree. There was still an earnest and tragic core to the character, despite the jingoism.

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

Rambo 2008 and last blood I beloved had him return to what the first film was trying to say.

[@danielwilliamson6180]

10:02 Stallone should had got a Oscar nomination.

[@deenixon3225]

This is one of the very best representations of what a PTSD/Anxiety flashback episode looks and feels like. If you know, you know.

[@Itchy__]

I am a pretty slow person, I didn't always understand what was happening when I watched this movie. But there are still some things I remember about it. The most memorable thing is at the end when I see that Trautman actually cares about Rambo(I thought he was manipulating him at first for some reason), and how Rambo opens up to him. I usually cry from watching movies, but this made me heartbroken. Yes you see how Rambo was interrogated at knife point, and you hear that everyone he knew in his service(except for Trautman) died. And he doesn't have anywhere to go, he isn't welcome in most places. And you see him act out when he is being mistreated, or when he remembers something. But when he actually starts crying and opening up I see him as a person, someone who lost almost everything to war his country put him in. And when he was done the people of the country he sacrificed everything for even himself cast him out. It's very much about an idea of how heroes can become the enemy in the eyes of the ignorant, because the ignorant don't always know what it takes to be a hero

[@jesuzleonardo]

When I was a 7/8 year old kid I asked my mom to get me the all Rambo movies and she did, Mom I love you.

[@dustinperez545]

When you first saw them what did you think? When I first saw the first film when I was little I already got scared from Rambos flashback and I turned off the TV immediately

[@jesuzleonardo]

@@dustinperez545 I though it was badass, I used to watch these movies a few times in the months, as a kid I remember I wanted to be a marine, than I forgot about it as life changed in my teens....

[@featherinthewind333]

great memories of yr dear mum buddy

[@Veldtian1]

She's based AF!

[@TrashTVTreasures]

Incredible

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

First Blood is one of my favorite movies. I think I could literally watch it on repeat. The effects still hold up remarkably well too. And yeah, the "Nothing is over!" monologue at the end really does constitute Stallone's finest moments on screen I feel. Don't care for the sequels, but this movie is a stone cold classic.

[@Rodelero]

Saw First Blood Uncut for the first time just 5 minutes ago. The last scene ... I did not expect it. When he went on his monologue my chest, my heart ,as a man I.. No need to describe it , you either know or you don't I guess . I was born in the 80s and saw most action movies of the early 90s later on, but first blood passed on me ,just never saw it. Assumed it was like commando. Now in 2022 seeing it and it's ending with the last speech.. it wasn't just another commando. Nice video

[@Kazutopia808]

Spot on. Rambo still in my top 10 perhaps even top 5 action films of all time. And that end scene where he breaks down is the best. "I wanna go home Johnny, I wanna go home.....we can't......I couldn't find his fucking legs" That look on Trautman's face. Priceless cinema.

[@vanessamontenegro601]

First blood is literally one of my favorite movies. And you hit on so many good points to help me understand why. I went to the movies to see last blood and it wasnt a bad movie in my opinion, very bloody. But first blood holds a special place in ny heart

[@Maximus1Decimus]

Last Blood was atrocious, and the only one out of the franchise that comes close to the emotional roller coaster that was First Blood is definitely John Rambo. But having said that, Stallone didn't direct Last Blood either, and I kinda wished he did because I feel like it would have been a much more memorable experience. To me, it was the weakest out of the franchise.

[@Persiatic]

Its so unusual to c women like this kind of movies.., Wonderfull to c u likes it. God knows how many times i have tried to c This Movie with My exes.. 😅 Its The best action movie i have ever seen, maybe becuase it has a message..

[@michaelmcconnell7302]

Last blood was just closure.

[@falcon8105]

@@Maximus1Decimus I would say the 3rd one is the weakest out of all of them

[@tgriffin3059]

@@falcon8105 Rambo 3 is a magnificent action spectacle. One of the finest movies of its' kind ever made.

[@jackjeager8785]

As a vet from 06….we got almost the same treatment…now a days us vets from the 911 era are forgotten

[@Shutupletstalk]

I love this movie because it attracted the typical Hoorah war types but gives you this haunting insight after the glorified violence.

[@littlestsoul4099]

I watched First Blood over 20 times when I was young for all the reasons you so well describe. It's one of the rare great action movies. Thanks for giving it some of the recognition it deserves!

[@mithundias]

I cried at the last scene in solitary when I was in high school. This movie speaks volumes.

[@MikeJones-qn1gz]

Rambo 5 be like "He was a simple man, living on quiet farm in Arizona, When suddenly ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE!!

[@andriygriffin4782]

It's a shame how the second film overshadowed the first into an over the top Regan era Superhero. Planning my own video essay focusing on the striking difference between the first two instalments both in the character and quality. First Blood deserves Criterion

[@niels25chr1]

You can actually saythe same about First Blood 2 and the theme about American prisonors Who were still held captive in Vietnam. I actually think the first movie better, even though the ending isn't as powerful. The last scene in First Blood inside the police station where Rambo cries is among the best endings of any action movie.

[@RelativelyBest]

Me, after watching First Blood for the first time: "...Wait, this is a classical tragedy deconstructing the idealization of war heroes. How the hell did _this_ guy turn into an action movie icon?"

[@tgriffin3059]

What are you talking about? The strength and courage that people have tended to admire about soldiers were the primary area of emphasis in the sequels. The pathos of the underappreciated Vietnam vet dominated the original. They're different, distinct films, but most of the series' entries are very strong...for what they are...I look around these forums, and find it amazing that, in the real world, many veterans are actually quite proud of their service....and their families, as well...poor sentimental rubes...

[@mamunestor]

Did you ever see the Billy Jack series? It was before Rambo and dealt with PTSD of Vietnam vets also.

[@StoryDive]

Yes I did, but only the first one. Great movie! That's why I didn't say First Blood was the "first" to portray PTSD, but it was one of only a few early action movies that did.

[@greatest_bumble_bee_dude]

The special services Vietnam War veteran cobra 🐍 kai karate group sensei Kreese : within the original karate kid films was also likely suffering from post traumatic stress disorder as well

[@jakemoore4851]

@@greatest_bumble_bee_dude Nah. Kreese was probably a psychotic war criminal

[@escriptonauta]

Amazing review. In my opinion that final movie is the pinnacle of everything that went wrong with the rambo movies.

[@StoryDive]

I'm ashamed to say I haven't seen it yet. I wanted to but it happened to come out when I was really busy with other things. I will watch it when it's on Itunes at the latest.

[@rafaelquinonesjr.8552]

I was a kid when the film was first released, remember the toys and everything else… as a 36 year old man who came back to it bc of a comedy radio show (The Bonfire) pointing out the impact and importance in a funny yet truthful way brought me here! I hope that the film helped create emotional help and empathy to the soldiers who served and are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan currently!

[@danielwilliamson6180]

First Blood is a great movie. It's my favourite Rambo movie. Sylvester Stallone should had got a Oscar nomination for his outstanding performance as John Rambo. I felt really sorry for poor Rambo in the movie. It was disgusting the way Sheriff Will Teasle and his deputies treated Rambo. Sheriff Teasle abused his authority and Deputy Sargant Arthur Galt was the worse. He threatened, abused and attempted to kill Rambo. They triggered Rambo's PTSD causing him to go berserk when they dry to shave his face. Teasle and his deputies unjustly opened fired on Rambo when they wrongly concluded Rambo killed Galt. Rambo crying at the end of the movie was really acting good by Sylvester Stallone. First Blood is about PTSD and bullying and mistreatment of Vietnam Veterans and PTSD sufferers. The message behind the movie is that we shouldn't be hard on the Vietnam Veterans and that they were in Vietnam doing a job and risking their lives for their country.

[@vinnykster]

Spot on Daniel. I would also add that what Galt did to Rambo down in the cell, THAT is police brutality by definition. When certain people ( usually lefties ) say that there's an epidemic if police brutality in the USA, they have no idea what they've talking about because it's not true.

[@jovenalasis4468]

This is a good analysis of the movie, and the movie deserves a rewatch. This movie has one of the best hero backstory introductions in film, and, if you ask me, only second to the way John Wick's backstory was laid out in the first John wick movie.

[@MrDenzal27]

Totally agree with ur analysis first blood is one of my fav films. It has it all, great action, storyline and a important point about the way solders were treated after Vietnam war. Great video my man. :)

[@mikek9297]

I never would have picked up on the generational divide theme and the Vietnam/Korea thing on my own. You have blown my mind about this movie and I'm less than 5 minutes in. edit: Last Blood while better than 2 and 3 and packed with emotional scenes, didn't have the raw message First Blood had

[@fokionbogris]

Last Blood can't possibly be better than 2 and 3. I mean come on, he even has a family in Last Blood. Where did that come from? Rambo was always a loner character. In the last one, all of a sudden, he has a family? 2 and 3 are not what anybody would call "good movies" but really deliver in terms of action and Stallone was at his physical peak. Also, those sequels look like real films, because of their production value. Visually, Last Blood looks like your average Netflix movie, or any other modern crap that is shot on digital.

[@rexrocker1268]

It’s a masterpiece, the novel is excellent. I prefer the end of the movie to the book. I won’t go into detail and spoil things.

[@PozerAdultRacingTeam]

Love this movie. Rambo has PTSD but they didn’t know about that back then.

[@clumsydad7158]

it's even worse than that, , , it's about living in a land of hypocrisy as well .... yes

[@gsxerwhite]

Sure they did, but it was called “shell-shocked”.

[@speedygonzalez913]

I have my tickets for last blood, will let you know what I think after I watch it Saturday.

[@rrazelp833]

you never did :(

[@rhetoricjester934]

@@rrazelp833 it sucked

[@sk8rpro321]

@@rhetoricjester934 It was cool but it didnt really have a purpose or message.

[@capcomman1]

Ed Boon and the team did a fantastic job with Rambo in MK11.

[@OrdnanceLab]

Great analysis on a complex character. The subsequent movies totally jumped the shark, but the first one was a brilliantly nuanced film that gets mistaken for a mindless action film.

[@Wastelander1972]

So I’ve seen every Rambo from first to last blood. I’d love to give you my opinion. I agree with the fact that Rambo 2 and 3 see Rambo as an over-the-top superhero, and Rambo 4 has some of the roots of first blood in it. But 2-4 strike me as a film series trying to depict a soldier who tried to escape his war but got drawn back in. One of the best scenes in 4 is at the end, when Rambo goes home. I felt that it portrayed John finally willing to put his wars behind him and let the human he lost in Vietnam and Afghanistan live his life. Then... there’s Last Blood. Personally, I feel that 4 gave an ending we could all be satisfied with. Last Blood seems to drag the soldier willing to move on into yet another senseless war. And by the end of Last Blood, Rambo only seems to come to the conclusion that his life will always be war, and that he must begrudgingly fight it for what is his. It just seems to retcon an ending we all could have lived with for the sake of Rambo being an “eternal badass”. They should have just let Rambo be so he could live the twilight years of his life in peace. So... yeah. I felt Last Blood was unnecessary. But what do I know? I’m not a Hollywood guy.

[@luqmanrosman6289]

I'm late for this but I must say last blood just made the life of Rambo to be even more tragic than it should've been. Like he found the very last of the world's purity that he gets to protect and taken care of after the hell he had been through, but that purity had to be defiled by the brutality that always circulates through John's life. I was really sad tbh what happened to the niece because that's the only one thing that John could've treasured in the world he's trying to recover from

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

I like the action of last blood but it was a insult to first blood and Rambo should have been the last film.

[@toonpacha2396]

Yeah, Last Blood was unnecessary. I’m a huge Rambo fan and even I rolled my eyes when I heard this movie was coming out

[@TeresasSweets]

@@toonpacha2396 I agree. Definitely didn't feel a Rambo movie at all

[@knnthp3]

Agree with your take on Last Blood. I enjoyed the ending that Rambo gave us, and I like to think he found peace returning home to a country that could finally accept him. In Last Blood, it felt like a different character and it was like he was Liam Neeson version of Rambo. Very strange.

[@Lowlight23]

Great video! Really good synapsis of the unique time period this movie takes place in. I love to show this movie as a history lesson and some new viewers are always amazed that we treated veterans that way.

[@Locadel2003]

RIP Richard crenna & brian dennehy

[@liamcarey560]

Yes Rest In Peace to colonel trautman and sheriff teasle

[@corbanrdl]

I'm so glad to have a video here that truly explains what I noticed the first time I saw First Blood. It's so deep, full of serious themes despite it's action movie facade

[@GruesomePizza1992]

I watched rambo as a child but recently rewatched it 2 days ago, now 30 and served in Afghanista, the breakdown scene hits me hard, its more than just the shot we did and saw, it's the lack of brotherhood out side of the military. Is feeling everyone around you is incompetent and weak because they breakdown under the slightest pressure. It's trying to go from having your boys pushing you to be the absolute best out of you because it keeps them alive, in the civilian world they want you to fail because your an obstacle to success.

[@GruesomePizza1992]

When he says "where is everbody" I couldn't help but breakdown myself

[@Jovi_Wan_Shinobi]

The message was leave people the phuck alone and you won’t get phucked with!

[@byzantineroman2407]

Great analysis. Just rewatched the movie. Every time, I am impressed by the story, themes, and of course, Stallone.

[@jumblesaleboo]

I am a long term fan of First Blood...I have a few screen used props, and costumes, and a number of displays...I visited the filming locations from the UK twice now. I have to say, that First Blood works very well, with the lack of dialog from Stallone, like with Pacino, Stallone can say a 1000 words by one facial expression. The movie was saved in the editing room, as were many films, such as Star Wars. The choice of actors was very well executed...Wilfred Teasle's character was very complex, and he wasn't the bad guy, as many believe him to be..The same could be said for Clubber Lang in Rocky III...Teasle was a bully, and pompous, but he had morals, it was Deputy Sgt Arthur Galt who was the antagonist. Many people can relate to the Rambo character, the almost semi-autistic way he wanders through life, with no purpose. At the start, we see him smiling, the sun is shining, we see kids playing, then when he finds out his sole remaining friend (apart from Trautman) Delmar Barry has passed away, his only link to mainstream society, has gone..We then see a melancholic Rambo, the sky darkens, and the Rambo character wanders with a dark cloud over his head... Last Blood was a terrible movie...I had high hopes, and the first few minutes, I was optimistic, when the Jerry Goldsmith theme started playing, and we see the camera pan along the Rambo (2008) Gil Hibben machete, I got goosepimples...THEN, unfortunately the movie changed for the worse...Once the Rambo character sits down to eat, we see him pontificating with small talk... The movie over all seemed cheap, a generic Taken script ...The kicker was at the end, when the Rambo character cuts out the heart, and it is still beating...I bowed my head, and slowly shook it in shame...I couldn't believe that Stallone did this movie. Stallone's acting was the only good thing about the film...Yes, he tried to diversify the characters traits, but alas it felt like an insult to all the hard work that was put into the previous movies in the franchise, especially for the first 3 movies. The movie felt like a cash grab on Stallone's behalf, and felt more like a DTV movie from the 1980s. Apart from the Hibben machete, the choice of knives was also a BIG mistake, those two other knives, kinda reflected the movie in general, which was that they had nothing to do with the franchise what-so-ever, and something you would find in a bargain basket at Walmart.

[@JokerM6]

They drew first blood, not me! They drew first blood! Love this movie, before it all got America, FUCK YEAH with the second and third movie!

[@resonmon]

I always saw this movie more way more than Action movie. It's basically one man's outburst to the world that he has no longer place in it. They turned him into killing machine after that "Oh war time is past buddy just turn into your normal life lul" And that's basically what happened. Alone man lost every single friends, who also knows nothing but warfare and surviving. This movie for guy like me hits even harder. In my country Military Service is Compulsory. After i came back. I was so lost for couple months. I couldn't even sleep on my bed. I was getting nervous about car honks. You back to civil life but you don't feel civil anymore. It's was such an odd feeling.... That's why i have such a high respect and bound with this movie.

[@mouhib23]

One needs to see this video to truly understand first blood. Excellent work

[@rosswatson3993]

Stallone is a class among himself with all the 80s and 90s action stars. He's a phenomenal dramatic actor as well. I hope he is remembered as much more than just the gun toting killing machine he's portrayed in many of his films.

[@kattharsismic]

I think when all is said and done, he'll be remembered for his writing ability in the Rocky saga and his portrayal of Rambo in first blood, the first shows an understanding of the American dream myth, both the truth and lies of it, and the script is extremely well executed.

[@vinnykster]

First Blood is a very important moment in movie history. Especially the 80's and beyond. If nothing else it's one of the THE G.O.A.T. action movies E-VER! It spawned a trend of films, including it's sequels of fictional and non fictional war/military/Vietnam films. Uncommon Valor was my personal fave. There was a slew of others as well. Plus even sci Fi/horror.movies like Predator were totally influenced by First Blood. Also stuff like The Fugitive, GREAT movies but that follow in First Blood's footsteps. The only movie I can think that are equal in vibe is Southern Comfort which is awwwwesome. But Southern Comfort is sadly for whatever reason not very well known as First Blood. ( Glad I have that one on DVD too, because it's virtually never on tv or cable ever ) I know Deliverance which is badass is huge and popular too but again, nobody was bigger than Sly in 1982. Rocky 3 only came out months before First Blood's release. So it was a perfect storm of success for Stallone

[@duckman23]

I love how you said King shit cop. I was dying laughing with that serious voice that was great

[@vermontsmostobesetubaplaye1988]

I remember from 1982. Gut-wrenching. I was stationed at Bragg when I watched it.

[@Zoki4444]

Not only did it deliver a message about veteran trauma, but also police stubbornness. This could have all been avoided if Teasel just left Rambo alone, but he wanted to impose his power on him. Every time Rambo resisted, that hurt the power-obsessed ego of the officers. They called in the National Guard. If it kept going, I guarantee the police would have burned down the town just to get one man. Scary how well it predicted the future.

[@jmigoe75]

An excellent analysis of a truly underrated film. Keep up the good work.

[@SuperCuttyBlackSow]

One of the best films ever period

[@BobbyToombs]

Love this vid. Rambo makes me cry every time and takes on a different context since my pops took his life after the war in Afghan. This was his favorite movie. A lot of ppl don’t know about the alternate suicide ending. If ur a fan gotta peep

[@IMBAFIRE]

Such an Underrated Gold Video

[@alexh2790]

As much as I love the original film I'd kill for a remake that follows novel more closely. When I first saw No Country for Old Men I thought "damn that's how you'd do it".

[@vinnykster]

Remake, Reboot would be interesting. Wonder who would play Rambo? Perhaps a series so they can delve more fully into Rambo's past and events leading up to the events with the cops

[@alexh2790]

@@vinnykster Or, put more emphasis on Teasle, he comes across a lot more reasonable in the book and his character has more going on than Rambo. He's a pretty interesting character that is kind of wasted in the movie aside from Brian Dennehy's great performance.

[@vinnykster]

@@alexh2790 I wanna check out the book. I've never actually read it. I just know Rambo dies at the end

[@alexh2790]

@@vinnykster It's a very enjoyable read, especially after seeing the movie. You'll get a sense of how different the movie could have been that's for sure. It's more than just Rambo being less sympathetic and I'll leave it at that. I'm not sure if it's still in print (i got one years ago) but the audiobook version is good and readily available. I got my copy from downpour which is drm free, but you can get it anywhere. They also have Morell's other Rambo books which are surprisingly decent.

[@rohenogayle8825]

The taken jokes were hilarious bravo

[@bigbaddannyboy]

Stunning analysis.

[@ralpushiyeyo]

I made a pact to myself that I would watch First Blood, every year and intend to keep it.

[@RaisedVintage23]

Something that is sad is that in First Blood Rambo only smiles once and its at the beginning of the film

[@tee9828]

Just watched the movie, what a brilliant analysis of the film

[@demontropolis7742]

I just watched this movie last night. It was great at what it set out to do along with some funny moments, plus the breakdown at the end was tough to sit through.

[@chandlerh5232]

excellent review

[@mom4moms793]

If you like this movie listen to the song “First Blood” by Necro. Really puts the movies themes into music!

[@krownheart1978]

great breakdown

[@riteshjadhav1382]

No sequel can match up first blood, I liked the 2008 rambo too

[@Stormbringer2012]

I had a neighbor who's son got out of prison and got in a program where he was given a job working for Ford. Bennies, good pay, paid vacation etc etc. All I could find is a job digging ditches for 8 dollars a hour. It didn't stop there. I read an article where 25,000 Iraqi POWs were given good paying jobs in Texas. My family disowned me, my long time friends abandoned me. Combat infantry vet that lost most of my hearing with a chuck missing outta my ear from "friendly fire" The thing that sickened me the most (and still does) were those wretched license plates that read "I support our troops"

[@JonathanLundkvist]

First Blood and Last Blood are honestly companion pieces. I find these two movies to be the better ones in the series honestly.

[@wtdenton4090]

Spot on anaysis! Great job! While in College the 1990's . I took a lot of course work in The Military Sciences. I had a great Professor. He was Lt. Col. U.S. Army Ret. He gave a wonderful breakdown of this movie, as well as, contrasting it with differences from the Novel. Some years later while in Grad. School. I had the option to add in a few more Military Science Courses as electives. This was after 9/11/01. Had the same Professor, but reactivated and had received his "Star" This time he gave an intensive critique and breakdown of Saving Private Ryan. If you get a chance take a few Military Science offerings. They don't have to be all intense and for a career driven Professional Soldier. Some of the ones that contrast "The Military and Popular Media" are well worth the time.

[@bridge-nu4vm]

As a vet. 2 tours in Iraqand 2 in Afghanistan... that scene with Trautmen brings me to tears every time....

[@philhazel4810]

Solid movie. If you haven't already, read the book, makes one look at the characters very differently and there wouldn't have been sequels.

[@lorcanwolfe5188]

I’ve seen last blood when it was in theaters. In my opinion, it shows the effects of long term ptsd.

[@SeriousRodger]

First Blood is one of my all time favourite films. If i watch the sequels I miss Part 3 as it still makes perfect sense. Part 2 ends with Trautman asking "how will you live, John?" and Rambo answers "day by day" as he walks off into Thailand....... 23 years later you find Rambo living a quiet life still in Thailand. Even when asked about his past: SARAH: Where are you from? RAMBO: Bowie, Arizona. SARAH:Why'd you leave? RAMBO: I got drafted in 'Nam. SARAH:And you just stayed? RAMBO: It's complicated. Still works. Ignore Part 3.

[@stipesango806]

Great video

[@AceNinja2112]

I feel that the final scene should have been redone with Colonel Trautman being more sympathetic to Rambo. Trautman should have said something to the effect of, "You're right John. The country let you and your team down. But I created you and I promise that I will protect you as best as I can!"

[@mitrooper]

Nah, it's better as is in the movie.

[@AceNinja2112]

@@mitrooper I mean at the end of the movie, Colonel Trautman barely touches him... I mean the Colonel doesn't have to give Rambo a "reach-around" but at least a little hug... 🤗

[@AngusStewart01]

My dad showed me this movie when I was a kid still love it

[@vinnykster]

6:52 Thank you! 👋👋👋👋👋 Exactly! I hate it when Teasle keeps repeating that Rambo " killed a police officer ". Rambo didn't kill anybody in this movie. Not one person. He through a rock at a chopper in self defense. But as you said, Galt's death was because asshole Galt was hanging outside the chopper and shooting at Rambo instead of simply spotting him which was his direct orders. Plus the pilot couldn't hold the chopper steady. So nope. Rambo is no killer of humans in this movie's turn of events.

[@JonathanLundkvist]

Not the pilots fault, the Pilot TOLD Galt that flying there was unsafe.

[@vinnykster]

@@JonathanLundkvist Yup.

[@levichavez5319]

I like this channel never heard of it before

[@squareinsquare2078]

First Blood is a masterpiece.

[@katherinecampton3963]

Rambo first blood is my favorite movie what’s funny is I ended up married to a army man who is at Bragg lol he got a big kick out of this being my favorite movie ever I said why do you think I call you my badass I am going to school so I can help him Incase of ptsd I can stand how they were treated I had family who fought in Vietnam and now the Middle East Much love and respect from an Air Force brat an Army wife to all who have served

[@jug01]

a work of high art

[@dawonkim9688]

this is a great video

[@leenpels7646]

As a kid I remember watching this being underwhelmed after having already watched Rambo 2. Obviously as 10 year old in the late 80's I couldn't connect dots. Today I view it as masterpiece. I love the depth the main characters, and to me Brian Dennehy's characterization as the Sheriff makes me making mind puzzles in how to define him as a Sheriff in a small town during that time and with the political climate. He's certainly not an "evil" person despite being the antagonist of the movie.... and there's so much I could write novel.............. Edit: Another thing, Rambo's appearance showed all signs, popularized of what could be in a John Lennon's catalogue of anti-war style. IMO Teasle's main reason to "give him a ride out of here" was to avoid the inevitably clash with the rural towns-folk. It was established early on that he knew who his towns-people were, even on the individual basis.

[@steveh7246]

"First draft lottery since WW2" Bullshit. Does anyone still remember Korea, the "forgotten war"?

[@miroslavatanasov5591]

you good , love from bulgaria

[@rockahollic7691]

The reason why I love both this movie, and FMJ, because of this reason, both have an underlying, message, one is to be compassionate for the other man, especially vets, the other, where does humanity lie. what is more humane, to give death, or to give suffering.

[@donny_chang]

He looks like one of the original resident evil cast members which is fucking badass

[@houseofmods2104]

..it is the most heart wrenching part in Movie History. I always cry during that part. I know what he felt. We all have been there... feeling discarded. John Rambo will always live in our hearts.

[@davediamond9842]

Excellent.

[@Watcher6868]

Very nice analysis. Pity the nation that does not look after its soldiers and elderly.

[@kyleryan3582]

I had no idea Sheriff Teasil was a soldier. But it makes since. This video is awesome

[@TrashTVTreasures]

I would’ve loved Rambo like no one else did.

[@pjhue6607]

thank you

[@rogerpattube]

Teasle's character is not a Korean vet in the movie.

[@chrisdee1583]

Always made me laugh when Morrell wrote in his foreword for FB part II even though he'd killed him off he was more than happy to continue writing about his escapades. Integrity? Or royalties?

[@MegaJetty1]

While I found Last Blood enjoyable, the 1st is still better. If they had made Last Blood a few years sooner, it shoulda brought back Sheriff Teasle looking to settle the score and it ends with Rambo and Teasle ending their war.

[@neizanalgren7475]

It was always my favorite movie since I was a child