Review of Red Dawn (1984) by Bryan K — 20 Nov 2012

Though the film has a well-earned reputation for being both a bit cornball and far-fetched, this one still reaches the realm of classics, both for its accomplished 80s cast and the surprisingly deep philosophical undertones it includes.

A web of Cold War paranoia, military tactics and family relations, this film continually challenges viewers by simultaneously capturing fierce patriotism and the exhausting toll of combat. And while the action scenes in many cases turn high schoolers into Spartans, there are enough mistakes shown to keep the film plausible.

There are elements of everything from Heart of Darkness to All Quiet on the Western Front here, with harsh domestic realities to boot.