First Blood (1982) is the first film in the iconic Rambo series, directed by Ted Kotcheff and starring Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo. The film is based on David Morrell’s 1972 novel of the same name and introduces John Rambo, a former Green Beret and Vietnam War veteran struggling with the trauma and isolation caused by his experiences in the war.

The plot follows Rambo as he travels to a small town in search of an old friend, only to be mistreated by the local sheriff, Will Teasle (played by Brian Dennehy), who arrests him for vagrancy. After being abused by the sheriff’s deputies, Rambo’s war instincts kick in, and he escapes into the wilderness, sparking a manhunt led by Teasle. What begins as an attempt to subdue a seemingly harmless drifter escalates into a full-blown military operation as Rambo uses his survival and combat skills to outsmart and overpower his pursuers.

One of the film’s key themes is the mistreatment of Vietnam War veterans, with Rambo representing the struggles many soldiers faced when returning to a country that did not understand or appreciate their sacrifices. The film is as much a psychological drama as it is an action movie, with Stallone’s portrayal of Rambo capturing the character’s deep emotional scars.

First Blood was a critical and commercial success, praised for its intense action sequences, Stallone’s powerful performance, and its exploration of the aftereffects of war. It set the foundation for the Rambo series, though later films in the franchise would emphasize action over the psychological depth of the original.

The movie has since become a classic in the action genre, with John Rambo becoming one of Stallone’s most iconic roles. First Blood is known for its gripping story, tight pacing, and social commentary, making it a standout film of the 1980s.