First Blood is a 1982 American action film directed by Ted Kotcheff, marking the first entry in the Rambo franchise. The film stars Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, a former Green Beret and Vietnam War veteran who finds himself at odds with local law enforcement in a small town. The story is based on David Morrell's 1972 novel of the same name and was co-written by Stallone and screenwriter David Morrell.
The plot begins with Rambo, a drifter searching for an old war buddy, arriving in the fictional town of Hope, Washington. Upon his arrival, he encounters Sheriff Will Teasle, played by Brian Dennehy, who views Rambo as a vagrant and drives him out of town. However, Rambo returns to Hope, leading to his arrest on charges of vagrancy and possession of a concealed weapon. The situation escalates when Rambo's combat skills come to the forefront after he is mistreated by the deputies during his detention. Using guerrilla tactics, he manages to escape into the surrounding wilderness, prompting a manhunt led by Teasle.
As the local police and National Guard pursue Rambo, Colonel Samuel Trautman (Richard Crenna), Rambo's former commanding officer, arrives to advise Teasle on how to handle the situation. Trautman warns that Rambo is highly trained in survival and combat, emphasizing that they are dealing with an expert in guerrilla warfare. The film explores themes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the struggles faced by veterans reintegrating into society after the Vietnam War.
Released on October 22, 1982, First Blood received mixed reviews initially but became a commercial success, grossing over $125 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $15 million. It has since been reappraised as an influential film in the action genre, noted for its depth and portrayal of the psychological effects of war. The film's iconic line "They drew first blood" has become emblematic of Rambo's character and his struggle against authority.
First Blood not only established Stallone as an action star but also laid the groundwork for subsequent sequels that further explored Rambo's character and his battles against various adversaries. The film remains significant for its commentary on war veterans' experiences and its impact on popular culture.