Rambo (2008)

About Rambo

"Rambo", also titled "John Rambo" or "Rambo IV" is an adrenaline-pumping action film directed by Sylvester Stallone, who also stars as the cloistered Vietnam War veteran, John Rambo. Set twenty years after the events of "Rambo III", the storyline involves Rambo living in isolation in Thailand, earning modest income as a snake catcher and river guide. He reluctantly agrees to lead a group of missionaries into Burma, where they are viciousely attacked by a local militia. Fueled by anger and empathy, Rambo takes it upon himself to single-handedly rescue the remaining captured missionaries, using his unparalleled combat skills to defeat a corrupt, violent military regime.

Making / Production

After a hiatus of 20 years, Sylvester Stallone reprised his iconic role and directed the film, aimed at capturing the intense emotion and brutal violence of insurgency and civil unrest. Filmed in Thailand, the production team faced numerous challenges including weather extremes and language barriers. However, Stallone's deft handling of the action sequences and story pacing resulted in a unique film that balanced explosive action with subtly nuanced character moments.

Actors

• Sylvester Stallone reprises his role as John Rambo, portraying his character's vengeful journey with a grounded, gritty reality.
• Julie Benz plays Sarah Miller, a missionary whose capture lights the spark of rebellion in Rambo. Her performance adds a human element to the brutal world in which Rambo operates.
• Matthew Marsden as School Boy, a mercenary who aides Rambo. Marsden brings an air of professionalism and skill to his character, providing a contrast to Rambo's more raw, survivalist approach.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the only Rambo movie where he uses a pistol as his primary weapon.
• It's the Rambo film with the highest body count - 236.
• There's a 20 year gap between "Rambo III" and "Rambo".

Awards

"Rambo" didn’t receive any major film awards and mainly centered on action-loving audiences who appreciated the film for its raw brutality, classic Stallone style, and its political underpinnings.

Quotes

• "Live for nothing, or die for something. Your call."
• "You know what you are... what you're made of."
• "War is in your blood. When you're pushed, killing's as easy as breathing."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Brian Tyler, who crafted themes that encompass Rambo's isolation and the intense battle scenes.
• The theme song "It's a Long Road" from the original Rambo film is reworked and featured in the ending credits.