First Blood, the iconic war film that launched the Rambo franchise and is credited with changing the cultural and political landscape, airs on ITV4 tonight at 9.35pm. Released in 1982, the movie stars Sylvester Stallone as John J Rambo, a Vietnam veteran and drifter who faces brutality and prejudice from a small-town sheriff in Washington state.
The film follows Rambo as he searches for an old friend but is arrested and mistreated by Sheriff Will Teasle and his deputies. Triggered by the abuse, Rambo experiences flashbacks to his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and unleashes his fury, escaping into the wilderness where the hunters become the hunted. Based on David Morrell's novel, the film was directed by Ted Kotcheff and was a box office hit despite initial negative reviews from critics.
Over time, First Blood has been reappraised and is now regarded as a genre-defining action film. It holds an 86 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised its cultural impact, with one stating: 'Ted Kotcheff’s terse action thriller is a significant American film that changed culture and politics back in 1982, and still packs an 89 minute punch today.' Another noted Stallone's 'intense physicality' and 'hangdog vulnerability.'
Fans also hold the film in high regard, with one commenting: 'Great action movie with an amazing monologue at the end that sums up what most Vietnam veterans felt like when they returned from the war.' Another added: 'Unlike most modern action movies, this movie doesn't go over the top with special effects and unrealistic action scenes; it's very simple and sticks to the plot.'
First Blood airs tonight at 9.35pm on ITV4.
