Review of Rescue Dawn (2007) by Omri H — 03 May 2010

Acclaimed for his rigid style and dedication to the details of nature, Werner Herzog captivates his viewers by capturing the beauty within any and everything he so chooses to film. His latest project, "Rescue Dawn", though exceptional, is no exception. Herzog, who writes and directs for the film, again focuses his lens on Dieter Dengler -- also the subject of Herzog's commended 1997 documentary, "Little Dieter Needs to Fly" -- and, with cinematographer Peter Zeitlinger ("Grizzly Man") at his side once more, creates an account as compelling and commanding as it is lusciously photographed.

Taking place at the start of the Vietnam War, the film wastes no time before throwing Dieter's plane over Laos, where it is shot down just minutes after his highly classified mission had commenced. After surviving the plane crash, Dieter finds himself being very closely pursued by Vietcong, and ventures out into North Vietnam's unforgiving jungle, where he is eventually captured and bound. He is then taken to a POW camp where he meets two Americans, Duane and Gene (Zahn and Davies), 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, where -- with only a machete and a rifle -- they must survive the climate, the hunger, and themselves.

Christian Bale, who shredded over 100 lbs for the role, embodies his German-born subject with ferocity and fervor. His character, Dieter, has such a will to outlive the unbearable circumstances, and Bale exemplifies that will with chilling conviction. Strong supporting performances by Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies -- whose character, Gene, is sitting on the brink of insanity -- depict fearlessly the terrible state to which these men had been reduced to. With Herzog's veteran hand at the helm and Bale's further-progressing talent illuminating the film, "Rescue Dawn" makes for one of 2007's 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.