# First Blood

> 1982 film directed by Ted Kotcheff

**Wikidata**: [Q244963](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q244963)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Blood)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/first-blood

## Summary
First Blood is a 1982 American action drama film directed by Ted Kotcheff and starring Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo. It is the first installment in the Rambo franchise and is based on the 1972 novel by David Morrell.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: October 22, 1982 (United States)
- **Director**: Ted Kotcheff
- **Writer**: David Morrell (novel), Michael Kozoll, William Sackheim, Sylvester Stallone (screenplay)
- **Studio**: Carolco Pictures
- **Sequel**: Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
- **Franchise**: First film in the Rambo series
- **Cast**: Sylvester Stallone (John Rambo), Brian Dennehy (Sheriff Will Teasle)
- **Runtime**: 93 minutes
- **Budget**: $15 million
- **Box Office Gross**: $125,212,904 (worldwide)
- **Genre**: Action, Drama, Thriller
- **IMDb ID**: tt0083944
- **MPAA Rating**: R (for strong violence and language)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Language**: English
- **Filming Locations**: Includes Hope, British Columbia, Canada; parts of Washington State, USA
- **Awards/Nominations**: Nominated for multiple awards including Saturn Awards, People's Choice Awards
- **Distribution**: Theatrical release by United Artists
- **Home Media**: Distributed on VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms
- **Music**: Composed by Jerry Goldsmith
- **Cinematography**: Andrew Laszlo
- **Editing**: Robert O. Ragland, John F. Link
- **Production Designer**: John A. Alonzo
- **Producer(s)**: Andrew G. Vajna, Mario Kassar
- **Based on**: Novel "First Blood" by David Morrell
- **Distributor**: United Artists (original theatrical), various for home media
- **Color**: Color
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
- **Sound Mix**: Dolby Stereo
- **Filming Dates**: Began in 1981, released in 1982
- **Sequel Announcement**: Followed by *Rambo: First Blood Part II* (1985)

## FAQs

**What is the plot of First Blood?**  
First Blood follows Vietnam War veteran John Rambo, who becomes a target of local law enforcement in a small Washington town. After being arrested and humiliated by Sheriff Will Teasle, Rambo escapes and wages a guerrilla war against the authorities, leading to a violent confrontation in the forest.

**Who stars in First Blood?**  
Sylvester Stallone plays the lead role of John Rambo. Brian Dennehy plays Sheriff Will Teasle. Richard Crenna portrays Colonel Samuel Trautman, Rambo’s former commanding officer.

**Is First Blood based on a book?**  
Yes, it is based on the 1972 novel First Blood by David Morrell. The film adapts the novel's themes of post-traumatic stress and societal alienation.

**What genre is First Blood?**  
It is classified as an action, drama, and thriller film. It also fits into the war veteran narrative and anti-establishment subgenres.

**How much did First Blood earn at the box office?**  
The film grossed approximately $125 million worldwide, with $47 million from the U.S. domestic market and $78 million internationally.

**Who composed the music for First Blood?**  
Jerry Goldsmith composed the score, which became iconic for its emotional and dramatic tone.

**What is the runtime of First Blood?**  
The film runs for 93 minutes.

**Where was First Blood filmed?**  
Principal photography occurred in Hope, British Columbia, Canada, and various locations in Washington State, USA.

**What awards did First Blood receive or get nominated for?**  
While it did not win major awards, it received nominations for Saturn Awards and other genre-specific honors.

**What is the rating of First Blood?**  
It is rated R by the MPAA for strong violence and language.

**What is the significance of First Blood in cinema history?**  
First Blood launched the Rambo franchise and redefined the action hero archetype. It also sparked cultural discussions about Vietnam veterans and trauma.

**What is the connection between First Blood and the Rambo franchise?**  
First Blood is the inaugural film in the Rambo series, followed by four sequels, with the character becoming a global icon of 1980s action cinema.

## Why It Matters
First Blood is significant for establishing the modern action hero archetype through John Rambo, a complex character shaped by post-Vietnam trauma. The film explores themes of alienation, societal neglect of veterans, and the psychological toll of war. It influenced a generation of action films and redefined how masculinity and violence were portrayed on screen. Its cultural impact extends beyond entertainment, shaping public perception of military veterans and inspiring political discourse. The movie also launched a successful franchise that continues to resonate decades later.

## Notable For
- Launching the Rambo franchise, one of the most iconic action series in cinema
- Introducing the "lone wolf" hero archetype in popular culture
- Being among the first films to explore PTSD in war veterans
- Grossing over $125 million worldwide on a $15 million budget
- Establishing Sylvester Stallone as a major action star
- Influencing the tone and style of 1980s action cinema
- Featuring Jerry Goldsmith's memorable and emotionally resonant score
- Critically examining post-war veteran reintegration into society
- Being adapted from a best-selling novel by David Morrell
- Marking a turning point in Sylvester Stallone's career from Rocky to Rambo
- Highlighting rural-urban conflict through its narrative structure
- Inspiring a wave of military-themed action films in the 1980s

## Body

### History and Development
First Blood was developed as an adaptation of David Morrell’s 1972 novel of the same name. The film was produced by Carolco Pictures and directed by Ted Kotcheff. It was released theatrically in the United States on October 22, 1982. The production faced challenges during filming, including conflicts between the director and lead actor, but ultimately resulted in a powerful portrayal of a veteran's struggle with post-war trauma.

### Narrative and Themes
The film centers on John Rambo, a Vietnam War veteran suffering from PTSD, who becomes a fugitive after a confrontation with local law enforcement. The story explores themes of alienation, societal neglect, and the psychological scars of war. It critiques both the glorification of violence and the failure of American society to support its veterans.

### Cast and Crew
Sylvester Stallone stars as John Rambo, delivering a performance that blends physicality with emotional depth. Brian Dennehy plays Sheriff Will Teasle, whose antagonistic role drives much of the film's conflict. Richard Crenna portrays Colonel Samuel Trautman, Rambo’s mentor and former commanding officer. The film's music, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, adds emotional weight to key scenes.

### Production and Filming
Principal photography took place in Hope, British Columbia, Canada, and various locations in Washington State, USA. The film was shot using anamorphic lenses with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and mixed in Dolby Stereo. The production budget was $15 million, and it grossed over $125 million globally, making it a commercial success.

### Critical Reception and Legacy
First Blood received mixed-to-positive reviews upon release, with critics praising its gritty realism and Stallone’s performance. It has since been recognized as a defining film of 1980s action cinema and a cultural touchstone for discussions on PTSD and veteran reintegration.

### Franchise Impact
First Blood launched the Rambo franchise, which includes five films. The sequel, *Rambo: First Blood Part II* (1985), became a global phenomenon, further cementing the series' legacy. The character of Rambo evolved into an international symbol of resilience and vengeance.

### Cultural Significance
The film is notable for being among the first to address PTSD in war veterans, offering a nuanced look at post-war trauma. It also critiques the treatment of veterans in post-Vietnam America, making it a landmark in cinematic storytelling about military experiences.

### Awards and Recognition
While First Blood did not win major awards, it received nominations for Saturn Awards and other genre-specific honors. Its influence on action cinema and veteran narratives remains significant.

### Technical Aspects
The film runs for 93 minutes and was released in color. It was distributed theatrically by United Artists and later on home media through various platforms. The film's iconic score by Jerry Goldsmith is considered one of the highlights of its production.

### Related Projects and Adaptations
First Blood is based on the novel by David Morrell and has inspired four sequels, each expanding the Rambo universe. The franchise continues to influence modern action cinema and veteran storytelling.

### Industry Influence
The success of First Blood led to a wave of 1980s action films centered on lone heroes and military themes. It also established Sylvester Stallone as a defining figure of the era’s cinema, influencing countless films that followed.

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