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Rescue Dawn [DVD] [2007]

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Director: Werner Herzog
Actors: Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Zach Grenier, Jeremy Davies, Marshall Bell
Studio: Pathe Distribution
Category: DVD

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Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

14 reviews
Sales Rank: 10199

Format: PAL
Languages: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired), English (Original Language)
Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 120 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6

EAN: 5060002835937
ASIN: B0012OTRO8

Theatrical Release Date: 2006
Release Date: April 7, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days

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Customer Reviews:

Showing reviews 1-5 of 14

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Modern Day Classic March 19, 2008
S. EDGELL (Ireland)
29 out of 33 found this review helpful

Why is this a modern day classic I hear you splurt out?!? br / br /My main reason is that the performances are on par with classics such as deer hunter and apocalypse now, the obvious comparisons given its content. Never before have I seen a director obtain and almost gauge out a fabulous performance in a supporting role from an actor who's past credits can only be described as, on the most part, a complete waste of time. Steve Zahn just encapsulates his character's persona with immense effect that its gut wrenching to watch and bleeds you of emotion. Jeremy Davies gives a performance that almost mimics that of his character in Solaris but delivers with immediate effect, he is indeed a very talented and under stated actor. The weight loss that these two actors went through for their roles is astonishing, truly astonishing. br / br /Then of course there is the power house that is known as Bale. This man just does not know how to give a dud performance on any level (although I maybe eating my words if this whole new Terminator franchise he is rumoured to be cast in goes ahead, I shudder at the thought) he is just such a tightly disciplined and intense actor. When we first meet his character Dieter he's a wide eyed pilot with illusions of grandeur but as the movie progresses we see the change in Dieter both mentally and physically. The way that Bale can take a character and take you through every emotion and physical change as if it were you yourself going through these changes is just a master class in the art of acting. The obvious comparisons to other actors are there but remember the name Bale as his films, if they keep to this level of quality, will be around for a very long time. br / br /As for the director Werner Herzog, this is not new and untouched territory for him as it is a dramatised account of a true story upon which he made a documentary about in 1997 called Little Dieter Needs to Fly. This is his first time making this kind of movie but he delivers with ultimate finesse and really does show his versatility as a complete director. The fact that he went through all the things the actors did, including weight loss, eating live snakes etc really shows his dedication to the film making process. br / br /I also have to comment on Peter Zeitlinger's cinematography. The way he captures the plush and absorbing colours of the jungle is just sublime. It really is breathtaking when you see the sweeping shots over Laos, one i would definitely suggest for blu-ray or HD. br / br /If you are a fan of the previous films I have mentioned in this rant......i mean review, then you will not be disappointed in Rescue Dawn. br / br /A wonderful film.

5 out of 5 stars

A triumph of the human spirit! May 9, 2008
C. O'toole (co. down N ireland)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This incredible Werner herzog film follows the true story of US Navy pilot Dieter Dengler, a native of Germany who went to the US as a 17 year old with no english. He became impassioned to become a pilot when he made eye contact with an American Fighter Pilot who was flying low over his Black Forest village as a child during WW2. Dieter became embroiled in the nascent Vietnam conflict and was shot down over his first mission, a secret bombing run into Laos. He is captured and tortured by the Vietcong. He is offered reprieve from torture if he signs a pro communist disclaimer-he refuses. br / Christian Bale as usual gives an outstanding performance of a most resourceful ebullient character who even finds time to smile at a child when being dragged into the village. He flirts with a female guard to keep a chunk of mirror that he uses in a periscope. Whilst in prison, he meets Steve Zahn's character, another pilot shot down as well as Jeremy Davies whose sanity is all but gone. Dieter motivated the prisoners and successfully breaks out of the camp, but the real prison is the formidable jungle terrain between them and safety. br / I defy anyone not to have a lump in their throat and a tear in their eye about this amazing man who had no room for hatred or pettiness. This film is a bolt of spirituality. Also look out for the excellent real life documentary on Dieter Dengler in the bonus features.

5 out of 5 stars

Good Stuff April 14, 2008
C. J. P (uk)
5 out of 9 found this review helpful

A great film, great acting and a fantastic true story. The extras are good also with more insight given to the story by an amazing director Werner Herzog.

4 out of 5 stars

Beautiful and convincing. April 10, 2008
genejoke (uk)
9 out of 12 found this review helpful

This has a really old school feel to it, an no I don't mean the Will Ferrell comedy. I mean that the style of film making in more reminiscant of Classic Kubrick or Terrence Malick as opposed to the latter day Speilberg. It looks natural, the images are not affected, or do not appear to be. br / The performances are excellent, Christian Bale is always very good but here he excells. His performance seems natural, he stutters he ums and ahs. He makes Deiter Dengler seem like a real person, rather than a fictional view of a real person. br / Steve Zahn is very good, maybe even excellent, the haunted look permanantly etched on his face (an affect of a year in a POW camp)marks his performance, he is convinces you he is physically and mebtally frail. Jeremy Davies does a similar job, only his fear and weakness have forged a different kind of strength in him, a super strong desire to survive with as little trouble as possible. br / I am not overly familiar with Director Werner Herzog, although I know the name and have seen his 70s version of nosferatu, However he is clearly a very talented director and I will look out for his other works on this strength of this film. br / Having said all that the film may be a little plodding for the playstation generation.

4 out of 5 stars

A Powerful Film April 28, 2008
Sam (Reading, Berkshire)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Based on a true story `Rescue Dawn' follows downed fighter pilot Dieter as he is captured and held prisoner by the Vietcong in the time just before the Americans official entered the war. During his time in the prisoner camp he meets others who have been there for over 2 years. Rather than suffer through starvation and madness Dieter decides to plan an escape. With the aid of his new friends Dieter helps bring new hope to a desperate situation. Highlighting the suffering of both the Vietnamese and prisoners of war `Rescue Dawn' proves a powerful watch. br / br /Christian Bale as Dieter is the one of the most remarkable things about this film. He is one of the few actors around at the moment that can reinvent himself in every role. As Dieter he is an eccentric who will try anything and is very charismatic. With a relatively small budget the film works because the cast is so good. Steve Zahn as Duane and Jeremy Davies as Gene also shine making the film feel very intermit, almost like a play at times. This is not to say that Director Werner Herzog does not make the most of his location. The film is beautiful with shots of rich jungle making sure you know that the actors are there for real. The only negative is that it is quite a hard watch because of the dark subject matter and the pace may be too slow for some. However, with such a progressive director and leading actor `Rescue Dawn' is a great film that explores the Vietnam War in an intelligent and entertaining way. br /

Showing reviews 1-5 of 14

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