Rescue Dawn
Rescue Dawn is based on the true story of German American pilot Dieter Dengler who was shot down over enemy territory during the Vietnam War.
Christian Bale takes the lead role of Dieter and plays it with the commitment and passion similar to his role in The Machinist. A brilliant character study of a man who just won’t be beat down; who is determined not to give up on pro-active hope.
However, its feisty little Steve Zahn playing the lesser key role of fellow escapee Duane Martin who takes the thunder out of Bales leading role and puts in the best performance of the movie, and possibly his entire career.
Essentially nothing more than a POW escape movie, it’s the portrayals of the two main characters than carry the movie. They are instantly likable, and Dieter’s infectious hope captures you as you find yourself willing them to escape, and cheering them on their journey through the Jungles of South Asia.
It’s a brilliant movie for nothing more than it’s portrayal of not giving up, having a steadfast hope, and two brilliant actors working together flawlessly.
Sadly Rescue Down isn’t a perfect movie. The beginning is incredibly cheesy, especially in the effects department. It’s also totally unnecessary. We don’t need to see Dieter’s plane getting shot down and crash landing, especially when the movie doesn’t have the budget for it. Minor point really.
Food for thought
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. -Romans 12:12
Reviewed by: Jonathan Read.
Rating: M – Violence, Offensive Language.
Duration: 126 mins.
Genre: Drama.
Actors: Steve Zahn, Christian Bale, Jeremy Davies.
Director: Werner Herzog.
Distributor: Hopscotch.
Release Date: 21-02-2008.
