October 22 1982 

Adapted by Michael Kozell, William Sackheim and Sylvester Stallone from David Morrell’s same-titled novel, Ted Kotcheff’s First Blood premieres. In what is destined to become his signature role (along with Rocky), Stallone is John Rambo, a decorated Vietnam special ops veteran whose fateful encounter with the belligerent, redneck sheriff of a small town in the Pacific Northwest quickly escalates into an explosive conflict that puts his specialised combat and survival skills to the ultimate test. Eschewing the bombastic, cartoonish heroics that irrevocably blighted its sequels, Stallone's first Rambo adventure is the jewel in the franchise's crown; an exemplary, socially conscious action vehicle of uncommon empathy.Co-starring Brian Dennehy as the recalcitrant cop and Richard Crenna as Rambo’s former commanding officer.

 

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