| | | | First Blood
(1982) |
n 1972 America was going through a certain turmoil, disaffected students and activists protested over the war raging in Vietnam. Violence erupted on campus as riots broke, resulting in civilian deaths at the hands of the police and President Nixon's establishment. It was at this time a young writer had an idea for a novel that would somehow bring the conflict in Vietnam back to his hometown.
David Morrell was a disillusioned student who unwittingly created an icon of the 80's and one of the most successful anti-hero's in modern cinema.
First Blood tells the story of John Rambo, a war veteran who is alienated from the society he has returned to and resorts to violence in order to free himself from the prejudice that engulfs him. Shot in British Columbia, the picture is a triumph and in may ways an initiation for the all-out action movie.
Directed by Ted Kotcheff, who took on the project after it passed through many hands. Sylvester Stallone was given the role after his success in Rocky and other films where his underdog persona was spotted by producers Kassar and Vajna. They decided to incorporate this into their movie and tone down the stupendous violence contained in Morrells novel (the death count being around 200 in the book).
After being ousted from a "small hick town" by an overbearing and brilliant Brian Dennehy with his team of deputies, including David Caruso (NYPD Blue, King Of New York, Kiss Of Death), Rambo is hunted by Police, Army and the National Guard. Presumed dead, he returns to the town community and wreaks havoc and in an emotional finale surrenders to Richard Crenna's, Colonel Traughtman, his mentor and commanding officer in 'Nam.
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An 80's landmark and superb action film, good performances from all involved and photographed with care showing the true nature of the wilderness adventure. the movie became the perfect vehicle for Stallone's testosterone fuelled career. Sequels followed but by now the true character of John Rambo was a parody of what David Morrell had created. Rambo 2 & 3 were a success worldwide but you can't help thinking that First Blood was the only realisation close to the original authors heart.
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The gas station which Rambo blew up as a diversion was built specifically to be destroyed, as was The Outpost Gun Shop. 
The novel 'First Blood' takes place in Kentucky during the summer. At the end, Rambo dies. Trautman kills him with a shotgun blast to the head. -Thanks to Tim
In the book, Rambo kills all of the cops, instead of only killing one in the movie. -Thanks to Mitch Ryder
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Find much more great trivia in the filmmaker's commentary on the First Blood DVD.
Rediscover your favorites! If you like
First Blood or 80's Action classics, then be sure to
check out this list: ..... Angel ..... Raiders of the Lost Ark ..... Beverly Hills Cop ..... Die Hard ..... Predator ..... Terminator ..... Black Rain ..... 48 HRS ..... Untouchables ..... Lethal Weapon ..... Rocky IV ..... Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior ..... Top Gun ..... Highlander ..... Streets Of Fire ..... Commando .....[More]
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The name Rambo came about when Morrell's wife brought in some apples for the author, at the time he was struggling to find a name for his character... the apples were a rare variety named "Rambo"! This seemed to fit perfectly and a modern day movie legend was born.
Steve McQueen was originally in line for the role of Rambo. The charismatic icon was attracted to the script, in particular, the anti-establishment virtues of the picture and the motorcycle chase sequence which appealed to his sense of freedom (a la The Great Escape).
The First actor to be seriously considered for the role of Rambo was Al Pacino, but he lost interest when the intensity of the book was toned down. I believe that Gene Hackman was also considered. -Thanks to Neil Pike
Kirk Douglas was originally cast as Colonel Trautman but backed out a few days before filming began when his character couldn't "kill" off Rambo as was originally scripted. Rock Hudson was also considered for the role of Colonel Trautman, but was tied up with his short-lived series "The Devlin Connection". -Thanks to Kenneth Sutton
The dogs in the manhunt scene, were kenneled at a house in Hope that was ruined while the dogs were there, and had to be torn down, after being condemned by housing authorities after the filming was done. The house was paid for from the movie budget, but was still a black mark on Hollywood from the locals point of view. -Thanks to Graham Hawkins
Stallone originally thought of this as a buddy movie! None other than John Travolta was suppose to play buddy from 'Nam in the original script. -Thanks to Manuel Soto
In the scene where Rambo falls through the trees, Stallone's look of pain is real, he cracked about six ribs doing that fall!
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|  |  |  | | First Blood
Locations |
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 Featured Movie Location: The Sheriff's office
Wanna see the real life filming location used for The Sheriff's office in the movie? These scenes were actually shot at The Sheriff's office, located at Wallace St. and Third Avenue in Hope, BC, Canada.
First Blood was filmed on location in Hope in British Columbia. A map of the locations used and some behind-the-scenes details can be found here.
Featured Link: A fan's tour of the filming locations
See any errors? Something we've missed? [Let us know]
|  | | | | ![[16:9 -Widescreen Enhanced]](16_9.gif) | ![[5.1 CH SURROUND]](dd5.gif) | Trailer, Commentary, Featurette |
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Comments: New Ultimate Edition with SLY commentary |
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Jerry Goldsmith's score was perfect for the high tempo direction and seemed to compliment the picturesque wilderness with some style. Use our search facility to locate it.
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Soundtrack Available:
On CD
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