'RAMBO': some observations.

[Jay Rambo]

It's all simple, yet complex.

1- At the very end of 'RAMBO III', John has finally dealt with the undeniable fact he is a living war machine - his status as "ultimate soldier". He gained a big chunk of his once-lost humanity and LOVE (for himself and other beings). That doesn't necessarely mean he learned to love human mistakes or flaws, not at all.

Since 1988, Rambo has carefully watched upon planet Earth, and became increasingly disappointed. Having done full circle in 'RAMBO III', now he can feel compa*sionate towards other human beings. OVERALL, human kind is on a serious downhill and path of self-destruction, and he suffers for us.

The " THE WORLD" attitude he displayed at the beginning of 'RAMBO' is the result of an heavy disenchantment towards Earth's political and social situation.
If he would have not done full circle in 'RAMBO III', his attitude would be very different: not disgusted or bitter... just not paying much attention, careless, cold, empty, void.

In few words: at the very end of 'RAMBO III', Rambo acquired his once-lost sensibility.

2- His dad, Robert Rambo. 'RAMBO' reveals that John was in conflict with his biological father. Think about it, when he returned from Vietnam (1975 or later), why didn't he come back to home? He wandered across the country for YEARS. Much likely, his father was/is a bad person, or just a man unable to love his son.
That's why Trautman was so important to him --- more than a mentor, but an adoptive father.

I also think that originally the Rambo family was poor, maybe did his father buy the farm lately, in late-eighties/early-nineties?

[Night Slasher]

Couldn't agree more.

[Jay Rambo]

nightslasher20 said:

Couldn't agree more.

Thanks. Any other feedback?

[Soquili]

This thread is an interesting read. I once had the book 'Rambo' and I think I literally read it to pieces. Gotta get to Amazon to get a new one. I've forgotten so much of it.
Anyway - I don't remember Rambo's father being mentioned in the book. Was his name Robert? In my tale I named him Rafe; I intend to change that if it was Robert.
Not remembering the book, I somehow figured out that his dad would, indeed, be sorely disappointed in him, and wrote a conflict there. Perhaps his dad was proud at the end of his service - who wouldn't be, with a decorated military hero? Perhaps the conflict arose after Rambo returned and found it so impossible to blend back with society - began drifting -- then destroys Hope, WA. The news would carry that back to his old man - and it would literally hit the fan - the old man would turn his back on him. At the end of IV he goes home again, much older, and his dad is in his 80s. What kind of reception is he gonna get? That's what fascinated me enough to try to write about it.
Perhaps the family was not well to do, but I don't think they were poor. I think it was a middle-America-farmer thing. And I think he was an only child. I really need that book for more backstory.
I fervently hope that D. Morrell will write a prequel. Perhaps a movie isn't the best way to tell it, either; a book would be best. Jay is right about that.
This is simply the most fascinating, multi-layered character I have ever read about or seen in film. His mystique should be completely explored. I'm glad I found this site in which we can do that.
Pay him homage.
We need more like him in the world.

[The Crimson Idol]

Very good read

[Jay Rambo]

Soquili,

In the novel (which I own twice, since I got two different, very rare Italian editions), Rambo recalled how his father attempted at killing him (!), and that he used a bow and hit the bastard with an arrow. So his dad is dead (at least in the book continuity).

... Things are surely different in the movies continuity, granted. They are two separated alternative universes.

[slymick7]

admin said:

Soquili,

In the novel (which I own twice, since I got two different, very rare Italian editions), Rambo recalled how his father attempted at killing him (!), and that he used a bow and hit the bastard with an arrow. So his dad is dead (at least in the book continuity).

... Things are surely different in the movies continuity, granted. They are two separated alternative universes.

Rambo himself also killed many cops, and died in the book himself,
it was a far darker tale originally.

I'm really glad sly kept the charector alive for fans to explore,
and draw our own ideas of what his past may have been like before the war, returning from the war "before arriving in HOPE"
etc, it's a very interesting multi sided charector, that unfortunetly alot of people simpley lump into the category of just another muscle bound slow witted brute of destruction.

[Jay Rambo]

Mick,

Fact is, John (the cinematic Rambo) is a very multi-layered character. He STILL keep a lot of love inside his heart, which can't express itself for many reasons hard to explain. He's not a brute, rather a "war machine".
Emotionally speaking, he is *DAMAGED*, but there's an infinite humanity inside him. He's so indestructible, but also so fragile.

John Rambo is a living paradox.

Like everyone of us.

[slymick7]

Coulden't have said it better myself man,
very well put.

[Thomas From Denmark Loves Sly.]

Thanks to all of you.

This thread certainly expanded my thoughts about Rambo.

[Jay Rambo]

I will write more in the future to come.