Movie of the Month : RESCUE DAWN (2006)

IN A TIME when blockbuster means sequels and remakes galore delivering high powered special effects but not much human soul, we need a picture like this. A film with enough intelligence to let its audience digest the material without insulting us with biases or unnecessary special effects, a film that moves at a perfect pace, an almost naturalistic approach to film-making, and rooted, masterful performances from a capable group of actors.

Synopsis;

Based on the real life story of Dieter Dangler, a German-American fighter pilot shot down in Vietnam while on a secret mission and is captured by Viet Cong. He is then taken to a POW camp where he meets two Americans and three other captives, who have been imprisoned in the camp for over two years. Over the course of many months, Dieter and his fellow prisoners of war devise a plan of escape, while enduring torture and starvation. However, once they've successfully fled the confinements of the camp, they face even more sever conditions in the jungle.

Review:

Vietnam movies nowadays are a dime a dozen, and to be honest, most of them all seem the same. "Rescue Dawn" sticks out from the pack because its an accessible film about the hellish war loaded with the existentialist touches we've come to except from Werner Herzog. Herzog may be working for Hollywood now, but don't fret. His films are still full of the beautiful imagery and survivalist themes that prefigured many of his 70s and 80s masterpieces. "Rescue Dawn" is the same Herzog we know and love. Its filmed in a cold and distanced style, yet the story and setting manage to ultimately make it an emotionally powerful experience. Its free of the audience manipulation that often comes with these films. In my mind, its the best Vietnam War film since "Apocalypse Now". Just like "Apocalypse Now", whatever war its set in is irrelevant. This could've been set in World War II or the Gulf War and the story would have the same impact.

Like most POW and prison break movies, "Rescue Dawn" follows the same basic premise and structure as any other. There is the life pre-capture, which in this case introduces us to Dengler, a brash young U.S. Lieutenant with a passion for flying, getting ready for his first aerial mission; the capture and introduction of other cast members and the subsequent escape and rescue after 23 days in the jungle. What makes it different from other similar movies is that "Rescue Dawn" isn't the run-of-the-mill escape story, with a shallow story focusing only the main cast members and a cunning escape plan, but rather a work viewing the war as it affects both parties in a very realistic way, touching on war fatigue and famine on the Vietcong side. And it's beautiful, with both close-up and wide shots of the details in the surrounding nature that reminds you of director Herzog's relationship with naturalism

What makes this film unique is that it does not wallow in over-glorifying itself. It doesn't try to pump up the audience with patriotic blather or "gee whiz, what a guy" feel good stuff. It simply tells the story of this incredibly courageous and resourceful man, Dieter Dengler. This is a great example of how films should be made. Also Like any great POW movie, the film has many moments that aren't totally tension filled or with exposition relating to escape: there's humor, like with a prison guard who's a midget named Jumbo, or a dog with a few hind-leg walking skills, or the one prisoner who doesn't say a word but conveys "yes" without even nodding.

This is also a refreshingly truthful patriotic film - in which Dengler himself espouses some of the most profound reasons why many Americans still love America. Dengler illustrates that, even when engaged in an unjust conflict, America is its people and their spirit of liberty, not a government and not its military might. Dengler is a true American hero - not because he saves lives or fought expertly (after all, he hardly fought!) but because of his will to survive, to help those deserving of his help, and his desire to come home to the country he loved.

Director WernerHerzog manages to capture a sense of reality that would escape many other directors, he utilizes his skills to show how the harshness of their predicament is derived from the conditions and the surroundings in which they are imprisoned, not just by the captors or prison guards. Also he does a great job of depicting tiny bits of humanity and dignity shining through in the most inhumane conditions, and how the will to survive can triumph over death..Some of the finest scenes in the film are presented in long takes with no dialogue just the all encompassing sound of loneliness which is reinforced by the unforgiving weather conditions. The film has breathtaking cinematography of Laos and Vietnam from Peter Zeitlinger and a triumphant and evocative music score from Klaus Bedelt.

The characters really stand out here... Christian Bale, in perhaps his most humane role yet, plays Dieter. He had shredded over 100 lbs for the role, embodies his German-born subject with ferocity and fervor.Bale as Dieter appears to eat live worms at one point; struggles with a wildly writhing six-foot snake and strips it with his teeth. His character, Dieter, has such a will to outlive the unbearable circumstances, and Bale exemplifies that will with chilling conviction. The real revelation from this film, however, is Steve Zahn., who often has been typecast as the comic relief sidekick, Aside from having lost forty pounds and being almost completely unrecognizable, he gives amazing performance as Deiter's friend Duane, thus showing his true potential and dedication as an actor. And the relationship between Zahn and Bale is pitch perfect. Also Jeremy Davies is incredible in his role as whacked-out P.O.W. named Eugene. He’s spooky without being unbelievable, and he is scarily thin.

'Rescue Dawn' makes for one of the most harrowing movie experiences that will inspire tears, smiles and, ultimately, an appreciation for what this man endured for the country he loved so much. Herzog has created a masterful film here which can be appreciated by all. You will feel all your emotions come out watching this film, with scenes of heart wrenching anguish and scenes of rapturous joy contrasting together perfectly.

Title : Rescue Dawn

Director: Werner Herzog

Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Zahn

Rated Pg-13 for some disturbing images

Country :USA

Language : English

DVD Features: Feature length audio commentary with director

Deleted scenes

The Making of rescue dawn

Trailer Link:www.kewego.com/video/iLyROoaftXlf.html

Torrent File Name :Rescue Dawn [DVDRip][Eng][2007][BugzBunny]