Iffy for 14+
Intense POW film explores torture, survival.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this intense POW film isn't for younger viewers. The sometimes-bloody action (which is both heroic and not-so-heroic) is filtered through complicated historical and political contexts that aren't exactly kid friendly. Also, the prison camp abuse scenes are visceral and potentially upsetting, with violence that's both physical (beating, dragging, shooting, machete attacks) and psychological. Starving prisoners look extremely thin and weak; they also eat live maggots and a snake (these scenes are explicit). Characters smoke cigarettes, and there's some language, including "s--t."
- Families can talk about the impact of the movie's violent torture scenes. Which abuses are worse -- the physical ones or the psychological ones? Why? What is the effect of showing the violence from the victims' point of view? What statement is the movie making about prisoner abuse -- no matter who the prisoners or the captors are? How are the captors in this movie characterized? Is what they're doing different from what characters like Jack Bauer do to suspected terrorists on shows like 24? How?
What to watch for
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Violence: The film opens with discussion of the Vietnam War's start. Early images include bombs dropping and exploding from pilots' perspective. Dieter's plane goes down, and he falls through trees, resulting in minor (but a bit bloody) injuries. In prison camp, abuse includes beating, kicking, tying up, dragging behind vehicles, hanging upside down (including a disturbing POV shot), tying a hornets' nest to a victim's neck, shooting near the head (ears ringing effect on soundtrack), chaining to planks, and starving (prisoners become alarmingly thin). Escape involves shooting, fighting, and knifing, resulting in bloody corpses. Brutal violence includes machete attack (bloody splatter on witness' face, decapitated body visible), and leads to an unnerving hallucination/ghost.
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Sex: Brief suggestive talk ("nice ass for a sailor").
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Language: Military men's language includes repeated uses of "s--t," plus occasional uses of "goddamn" and "son of a bitch."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Frequent cigarette smoking by pilots, prisoners, and guards.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
If you don't see this, you are a communist. by VC4life
Ho Chi Minh himself would have worshiped the sexy Christian Bale for contributing to the cinematic perfection that is Rescue Dawn. This work of art was unprecedented in its compelling, yet entertaining examination of the true struggles of a real American hero in a time when the Commies were trying to take over the world. Rich with themes of heroism, determination, and pro-capitalism, Rescue Dawn takes the heroic journey to a WHOLE NOTHA LEVEL. For you traitors who think this movie is just the lame exploitation of some random soldier's military experience in the dense, sultry jungles of Southeast Asia and has no artistic, emotional, or intellectual value, you can march your communist *** up the Ho Chi Minh Trail to North Vietnam and have a bowl of Pho with Jane Fonda. Rescue Dawn is the jewel of all Vietnam related movies, not only because of its complex plot and intriguing themes, but because it didn't dehumanize the audience with outrageous special effects or kinky sex. Simply amazing
5
INCREDIBLE!!!!!! by sam2323
GO!!! GO!!! GO!!!! Incredible movie. Compelling, and brilliantly acted. it is a must see!!!!
4
Rescue Dawn - A Powerful Lesson in Survival by Phyllis Woods
Rescue Dawn gives an unflinching look at life in a prison camp during time of war. I personally left the theatre with a new appreciation for the amenities of life that are a part of normal living in the USA.
The film also provides some insight into the type of attitude needed for survival under horribly difficult circumstances - In Dengler's case it was his feistiness, faith, and sheer desire to make it. Christian Bale does a great job of making the viewer see these qualities in this man. The brutality of life in the prison camp is depicted vividly, as are treacherous aspects of the jungle itself.
Surviving in this environment would require everything a man had to give.
The ending was the best part. The viewer can really feel the miracle of the rescue, and can rejoice in the euphoric moment that follows. It makes you grateful such a thing was possible.
4
Excellent Movie...Worth the Bucks! by DocNemo_Medic
In this age of expensive movies ? where a movie costs $10 and if you?ve brought a date, you?re looking at half a Franklin with food and drink ? there is rarely a movie worth the money spent to see it on the big screen. This movie provides an exception.
While not the typical blood and guts, ?let?s get some? style, this movie lends itself willingly to a thought-provoking approach. Christian Bale plays a believable soul whose dream as a boy is realized when he receives his wings to fly for the US Navy.
While some artistic license is taken for dramatic purposes, the story is honest, heartfelt, and for this veteran ? a sincere look at becoming a prisoner in a conflict where many young Americans were never heard from again.
Afterward I wondered ? is this what happened to the men still missing? Is this why so many families do not know what happened to their fathers, sons, and brothers?
Bottom Line: See the movie ? well-done, well-acted and a story worth telling and knowing
4
Great film! by moviegal27
This movie had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I enjoyed watching Dieter Dengler's (Christian Bale) almost childlike optimism as he attempts to escape a nightmarish existence in a POW camp. This is an inspirational movie with lots of emotional ups and downs. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical accounts, war movies, and is moved by man's unyielding and unbreakable spirit.
5
Rescue Dawn by imyrhcklbrry
The story impelling. The acting superb by both Christian Bale and Steve Zahn. Riviting true story that touches your core. Will own this movie.
5
Bale at his Best. by adapter0086
The movie takes place in vietnam with the cinematography and choreography done so well it catches you takes you for amazing ride. The plot moves so prefectly and the genius work of Werner Herzog keeps you sitting in the seat for an anticipating escape until the end. I recommend this movie a to anybody that liked Tom hanks Castaway or movies with suspense and drama.
5
A good friends perspective by cortreno
The movie seems to pretty much follow what Dieter related to me over the years. The most glaring error,was the portraiture of fellow POW, Gene De Bruin.Dieter spoke very highly of the real Gene. The only reason he did not want to escape the prison camp was that one of his Thai friends,had come down with malaria and was too weak to travel. Gene in his loyalty and friendship wanted to stay behind with his friend.My only comment with regard to Director Hertzog's interpretation here, would be a directors desire and discretion to create an anti hero and make the plot a bit more in-depth and entertaining. One must remember this is a Hollywood movie, not a documentary. I do not blame Director Hertzog for this erroneous character depiction in order to attract a larger audience, but feel for those friends and family of Gene De Bruin, as the film does not portray him correctly at all.With that kept in perspective, beside a few nit picky aviation technical errors the film was well done.
5
jeff of new city by see u know u
Riveting action packed drama. Will make you appreciate the sacrifices of the soldiers from the Viet Nam era.
4
I'm not a war movie fan, but this was good. by Good clean movie lover
My husband wanted to see this movie, and I went because 1, it wasn't rated R, and 2, because it was based on a true story. The acting was excellent, the scenery outstanding, and I enjoyed the music. The movie flowed well, with no slow or boring parts. Even though it portrayed an American fighter pilot's capture and incarceration in a POW camp, it was not too graphic. Some would be grossed out with scenes of leaches and a "lunch" of worms, but that is as bad as it gets. The escape was exciting, and what happened when Dieter was returned to his ship was hysterical. Ladies, don't be afraid to see this movie. Guys, my Vietnam Vet husband says you should go see it.