First Blood 1982
"This time he's fighting for his life."
First Blood (1982) thrusts Sylvester Stallone into the role of John Rambo, a battle-hardened Vietnam veteran whose quiet return to civilian life unravels when a small-town sheriff's prejudice and relentless harassment push him to the brink.
Director: Ted Kotcheff
Cast
Sylvester Stallone
John Rambo
Richard Crenna
Col. Samuel Trautman
Brian Dennehy
Hope Sheriff Will Teasle
Bill McKinney
State Police Capt. Dave Kern
Jack Starrett
Deputy Sgt. Arthur Galt
Michael Talbott
Deputy Balford
Chris Mulkey
Deputy Ward
John McLiam
Orval the Dog Man
Alf Humphreys
Deputy Lester
David Caruso
Deputy Mitch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is First Blood (1982) about?
First Blood (1982) follows John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam veteran who becomes the target of a small-town sheriff's brutal tactics. After being arrested for vagrancy, Rambo flees into the wilderness, only to find himself hunted by an entire police force.
Who directed First Blood?
First Blood was directed by Ted Kotcheff, a filmmaker known for his ability to blend drama with action in compelling, character-driven stories.
Who stars in First Blood?
The film stars Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, alongside Richard Crenna as his former commander, Brian Dennehy as the antagonistic Sheriff Teasle, and Bill McKinney in a memorable supporting role.
Is First Blood (1982) worth watching?
First Blood (1982) is a must-watch for fans of action-thrillers, offering a gripping narrative with deep emotional resonance. Stallone's performance elevates the film beyond typical genre fare, making it a standout in 1980s cinema.
How long is First Blood?
First Blood has a runtime of 93 minutes, making it a tight, engaging experience that packs intense action into under two hours.
🎥 Trailer
About First Blood (1982) — The Birth of a Legendary Action Hero
First Blood (1982) thrusts Sylvester Stallone into the role of John Rambo, a battle-hardened Vietnam veteran whose quiet return to civilian life unravels when a small-town sheriff's prejudice and relentless harassment push him to the brink. Directed by Ted Kotcheff, this gripping action-thriller transforms Rambo from a tormented drifter into a lone survivor, unleashing a raw, visceral battle against an entire law enforcement system. Set against the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, the film explores themes of trauma, isolation, and the dehumanizing effects of war, all while maintaining a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps audiences on edge. With minimal dialogue and maximum intensity, First Blood redefines the action genre by making the protagonist's fight for survival as much psychological as it is physical.
The movie blends rugged adventure with deep emotional weight, balancing high-stakes chase sequences with moments of quiet reflection. Stallone's performance captures Rambo's vulnerability beneath the hardened exterior, while Richard Crenna's portrayal of Rambo's former commanding officer adds layers of moral conflict. A standout in the action-thriller canon, First Blood (1982) remains a defining entry in the Rambo saga and a testament to the power of a story that dares to question the cost of heroism in a post-war world.
