Rambo: First Blood (1982) is an action thriller and the first installment in the Rambo franchise. The film introduces John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone), a highly skilled but troubled Vietnam War veteran, as he struggles to adapt to civilian life after the war.
The story begins when Rambo visits a small town in search of an old war buddy but learns that his friend has passed away. While passing through the town, Rambo is harassed by Sheriff Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy), who views him as a drifter and arrests him on minor charges. The mistreatment Rambo endures in jail triggers his traumatic memories of the war, causing him to escape into the surrounding wilderness.
What follows is a tense game of cat-and-mouse as the local police, assisted by the National Guard, hunt Rambo in the forest. Using his combat training and survival skills, Rambo evades capture and takes down his pursuers non-lethally, showcasing his resourcefulness and deadly abilities. The situation spirals out of control as Rambo wages a one-man war against the authorities.
The film climaxes with a standoff in the town, where Rambo confronts his pain and anger. His former commander, Colonel Trautman, intervenes and convinces Rambo to surrender peacefully. First Blood is not only an action-packed thriller but also a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by veterans returning from war, making it a standout in the genre.