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This is a subjective opinion of course, but this film just is Sylvester Stallone's greatest work for me. I realize there's another Rambo coming out but I don't know how it can compete or should compete with the Rambo 2008 entry.
First of all, the subject matter of this Rambo entry was interesting, very unique: a group of Christians aid workers go into help a small village in war-torn Burma; the village gets obliterated by a ruthless local infantry unit, the aid workers get captured.
Stallone is at his biggest, most-jacked, self. But he actually pulls it off, better than his character in the later - much weaker - franchise, The Expendables. He is an absolutely believable Vietnam War veteran killing machine. His line, "When you're pushed, killing is as easy as breathing" resonates so believably. He even understands himself, who he is: that he's a killing machine, remembering bits and pieces from his past and those who created him for the Vietnam War. His story and character are so well crafted.
And then there's the war violence. IMO, the violence is most brutal and realistic of any mainstream cinematic offering. Yes, more than even Saving Private Ryan. I read one review awhile ago that called it a gore film. But yeah, the village destruction, the killing fields, and then the lengthy last battle scene? Extremely brutal, raw, and intense. It blows you through the back of your seat. And the action is quick-moving, articulate, creative and believable.
If you haven't seen this film, it's a must-see. It still holds up very well 11 years later. Stallone doesn't get nearly enough credit for this film nor his character portrayal. I don't throw out the term masterpiece very often, but this film is in that stratosphere for what it is.
First of all, the subject matter of this Rambo entry was interesting, very unique: a group of Christians aid workers go into help a small village in war-torn Burma; the village gets obliterated by a ruthless local infantry unit, the aid workers get captured.
Stallone is at his biggest, most-jacked, self. But he actually pulls it off, better than his character in the later - much weaker - franchise, The Expendables. He is an absolutely believable Vietnam War veteran killing machine. His line, "When you're pushed, killing is as easy as breathing" resonates so believably. He even understands himself, who he is: that he's a killing machine, remembering bits and pieces from his past and those who created him for the Vietnam War. His story and character are so well crafted.
And then there's the war violence. IMO, the violence is most brutal and realistic of any mainstream cinematic offering. Yes, more than even Saving Private Ryan. I read one review awhile ago that called it a gore film. But yeah, the village destruction, the killing fields, and then the lengthy last battle scene? Extremely brutal, raw, and intense. It blows you through the back of your seat. And the action is quick-moving, articulate, creative and believable.
If you haven't seen this film, it's a must-see. It still holds up very well 11 years later. Stallone doesn't get nearly enough credit for this film nor his character portrayal. I don't throw out the term masterpiece very often, but this film is in that stratosphere for what it is.
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