Review of Red Dawn (1984) by Raphael R — 07 Oct 2010

This film has an interesting background. It was made during an interesting time and has interesting actors. The film Red Dawn was made and released close to the end of the cold war, when there was rampant suspicion and fear. Now living in a time of relative peace, this film has less impact than it would have. But this film was not made for the now, but for the then. This film was also intruiging because we are able to see Patrick Swayze alive and in his youth. So does seeing Charlie Sheen in his youth as well.

Red Dawn follows highschool students who are forced to become guerilla fighters when world war III breaks out and parts of America is conquered. The film was a bit long though, but I can understand that it is supposed to show the lives of its young protagonists. The depiction of the antagonists of the film though was relatively flat. The story relies on some suspension of disbelief, especially due to the fact that the small number of protagonists with little to no training could kill large numbers of trained enemy soldiers.

The acting was mostly average. Patrick Swayze though stood out from the rest. He had some scenes which were quite good. I especially liked the part when he reacted to the execution of one of his men who betrayed them.

The film had some beautiful scenery; wide fields, forests and mountains. Its a refreshing backdrop that gives a moments respite to all the violenece in the movie.

This film is not for everyone. Its quite long. Its a film based on a time of prejeduice, suspicion and fear, and it reflects these emotions. Its a film that is no longer applicable to the present time. But regardless, it does have some good parts, beautiful aspects that has at least for now withstood the test of time.