Rambo III is a 1988 American action film directed by Peter MacDonald and is the third installment in the Rambo franchise. Sylvester Stallone reprises his role as John Rambo, alongside Richard Crenna as Colonel Sam Trautman. The film is set against the backdrop of the Soviet-Afghan War and follows Rambo as he embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue Trautman, who has been captured by Soviet forces.
The story begins with Rambo living in a Thai Buddhist monastery, where he has settled down after his previous exploits. Colonel Trautman visits him, seeking his help for a CIA-backed mission to support Afghan rebels fighting against the Soviet invasion. Initially reluctant to return to combat, Rambo refuses the mission, feeling exhausted from years of fighting. However, when Trautman is captured while attempting to assist the Mujahideen, Rambo decides to go back into action to save his friend.
As Rambo infiltrates Afghanistan, he encounters various challenges and engages in intense battles against Soviet troops. He teams up with a group of Afghan rebels led by Mousa Ghani, who are also fighting against the oppressive Soviet forces. The film showcases Rambo's guerrilla warfare tactics as he uses his combat skills to take down enemy soldiers and rescue Trautman from a heavily fortified Soviet base.
Released on May 25, 1988, Rambo III was notable for being one of the most expensive films ever made at that time, with a production budget estimated between $58 million and $63 million. Despite its high budget and action-packed sequences, the film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed approximately $189 million worldwide, which was less than its predecessor, Rambo: First Blood Part II.
The film is often criticized for its portrayal of the Afghan conflict and its perceived jingoistic themes. However, it remains popular among fans of the franchise for its action sequences and Stallone's performance. The film culminates in an epic showdown where Rambo uses a tank to take down enemy forces, ultimately leading to a triumphant rescue of Trautman.
Overall, Rambo III continues the saga of John Rambo as a symbol of resilience and combat prowess, further cementing his status as an iconic character in action cinema.