Rambo (2008)

Sometimes violence is the only solution
From the beginning to the end "John Rambo" delivers.

You could think that this is another nostalgic and closure-bound attempt by Stallone to revive his second aging character for one last time - but it's not.
His previous movie, "Rocky Balboa" was mostly a heartfelt and gentle farewell from the boxer that managed to win his fights against all odds. Nevertheless and anyway you look at it, "John Rambo" is no farewell story, nor is it heartfelt or gentle.

Previous releases of the franchise had political agendas interwoven throughout: "First Blood" dealt with the tremendous difficulties American Vietnam War Veterans faced upon returning to the country that had sent them to a war it later wanted to forget. "Part II" covered the issue of Vietnam War left-behind POWs and "Rambo III" praised the fight of the Afghanian people against the oppressing Soviet occupation. The new Rambo release brings to light the plight of the Karen, an ethnic group in Burma (Myanmar) that is suffering from persecutions under a ruthless ruling junta.

All the way, Stallone's Rambo is the hero everybody knows, and more: tougher than ever, frustrated, strong, courageous, protector of the weak, extremely violent and still capable of wreaking havoc wherever and whenever it's needed. Way back, the name Rambo has become synonym with a description of a soldier that has acted in a heroic manner above and beyond the call of duty and this last installment reinforces this reputation; more than once when all hope is lost comes Rambo to show that God does exist. Over and above, take into account that this film is one of the bloodiest ever and the body count statistics rise well above those of its predecessors. Stallone sums it all up with one of the quadrilogy's best one liners - "when you're pushed - killing is as easy as breathing".

In an extraordinary timing, "Rambo" was in production in the summer of 2007 when the most serious uprising of the last years against the junta erupted in Burma, mostly in the capital Yangon. The protestors, led by revered monks, were rather peaceful and demonstrated by marching along the streets to show their discontent from the persecutions and oppression and their need for a change in the country. The protests were crashed shortly afterwards without any significant changes or reforms. In the face of this reality "John Rambo" carries one prominent message: Defying the totalitarian regime peacefully is futile and in order to be freed the Burmese folks will have to unite, fight, sacrifice and seek help from the outside. Apparently, there is no other way.

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I've been to Burma five years ago and I still remember the generosity, good manners of its people and the warm way in which I've been welcomed. I hope this film will help to bring the struggle of the people of Burma to the fore and raise the attention and interest of the world.

best yet
my favorite of the franchise has always been the first film. it's now the fourth. i can't ask for more in a movie. it was a blast.

Rambo is Back
Rambo is back and better than ever! I will not relate the story as many other reviews do. The film is one of the bloodiest I have ever seen. One of the friends I went to see the movie with said that parts of this movie made Saving Private Ryan look like Toy Story.
A lot of critics didn't like this film, but you don't go to see a movie like Rambo for the meaning of life. It is what it is; an action flick that takes one back to those of the 80's. The movie industry doesn't make them like they use too. This film was fantastic. The heart goes out to the Burmese people who are fighting against their opprestic military government that destroys their own people. I will definitely get this movie when it comes to DVD.