First Blood (1982) is an action thriller film directed by Ted Kotcheff and based on the 1972 novel First Blood by David Morrell. It is the first installment in the Rambo film series and stars Sylvester Stallone in the iconic role of John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam War veteran. The film marked the beginning of a series that would become one of the most recognizable action franchises in cinematic history.

The story of First Blood revolves around John Rambo, a former Green Beret and Vietnam War veteran who is struggling to adjust to civilian life. Rambo arrives in the small, rural town of Hope, Washington, searching for an old friend, but when he is stopped by local sheriff Will Teasle (played by Brian Dennehy), things quickly escalate. Teasle, seeing Rambo as a drifter, orders him to leave town. Rambo, feeling mistreated and with his PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) triggered, is arrested on a minor charge.

However, after being subjected to brutal treatment at the hands of Teasle and his deputies, Rambo snaps. Using his military skills, Rambo escapes custody, retreating into the surrounding woods. What follows is a tense and violent confrontation between Rambo, the law enforcement, and the military as they try to apprehend him. Rambo’s experiences in Vietnam and his skills in guerrilla warfare make him a formidable opponent, leading to a cat-and-mouse game in the wilderness. The film reaches a climax with a confrontation between Rambo and Colonel Sam Trautman (played by Richard Crenna), a former military commander who understands Rambo’s psychological trauma and the extent of his abilities.

First Blood was a major commercial success, grossing over $125 million worldwide against a budget of $15 million. Critics generally praised Stallone’s performance and the film’s emotional depth, with particular attention given to the way it handled the character of John Rambo as more than just a typical action hero. Unlike the later Rambo films, which became increasingly focused on high-octane action and explosions, First Blood was grounded in a more thoughtful exploration of its protagonist’s internal struggles.

Many also appreciated the film’s blend of action and psychological tension, making it stand out from other action movies of the time. It was particularly praised for its realistic approach to violence, with Rambo being depicted as a man pushed to his breaking point rather than a mindless killing machine.

While First Blood is often overshadowed by the more action-heavy sequels that followed, it remains the most critically regarded film in the Rambo franchise. The character of John Rambo became a cultural icon, and the series continued with Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), which leaned more heavily into explosive action and the larger-than-life persona that Rambo would come to embody. However, First Blood retains its status as a classic due to its more nuanced portrayal of its protagonist and the impact it had on the action genre.

The film also helped redefine Stallone’s career, moving him beyond the Rocky franchise and establishing him as an action star. Additionally, it opened up discussions about the treatment of veterans, which would continue to be a theme explored in the sequels and other media in the years that followed.