this film is often maligned for its so-called mindless action. however, that is mainly due to the sequels. none of those sequels touch the ankles of this action movie with a heart for its characters. rambo is here not yet the fighting machine he later becomes, but a flesh and blood human traumatized by what he experienced during the vietnam war. one fact: in this first movie, rambo doesn't kill anyone. there is only one death and that is largely his own fault. it is no secret that stallone is not the greatest actor, but this role is made for him. all he has to do is look sadly ahead and occasionally open his tormented jaws to scare the enemy. and yet the final monologue is touching. this is far from the perilous stranger he is accused of. this is a man who doesn't know how to stay with himself and his nightmares of that terrible war. i remember seeing this print in the cinema once and had a 'wow' feeling. an hour and a half of unpretentious entertainment with a message. and even now the film remains intact. the action scenes are rough, but feel real. this is mainly because the use of cgi was not yet an issue at the time. and the supporting roles are also fantastic, with brian dennehy in the lead as the unscrupulous sheriff teasle. a classic among action films and still very enjoyable today.