RESCUE DAWN

[Moviefan1234]

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Release Date: July 4, 2007 (NY, LA; top 10 markets: July 13; top 50 markets: July 27)
Studio: MGM
Director: Werner Herzog
Screenwriter: Werner Herzog
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Marshall Bell, François Chau, Jeremy Davies, Craig Gellis, GQ, Zach Grenier, Pat Healy, Toby Huss, Bonnie Z. Hutchinson, Evan Jones, Abhijati 'Meuk' Jusakul, Mr. Tony B. King, Mr. Richard Manning, Mr. Garrett D. Melich, Mr. Kriangsak Ming-olo, Mr. Yuttana Muenwaja, Teerawat Mulvilai, Somkuan 'Kuan' Siroon, Mr. Chorn Solyda, Mr. Saichia Wongwiroj
Genre: War, Drama, Action
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some sequences of intense war violence and torture)
Premise: In the annals of history's great escapes there is no other story like that of Dieter Dengler, the only American to ever break out of a POW camp in the impenetrable Laotian jungle. After months plotting his getaway from a harrowing prison and a death-defying journey through some of the world's fiercest wilderness, Dengler appeared at his first press conference looking like a dashing movie star and showing neither sentimentality nor bitterness - simply an indomitable will to survive that allowed him to triumph against impossible odds.

Now, from legendary director Werner Herzog ("Grizzly Man," "Fitzcarraldo") and starring acclaimed actor Christian Bale ("Batman Begins," "The Prestige") comes the incredible true story of a man who, from the depths of total darkness, blazed his own willful path to freedom. A blistering action-adventure and a stark epic of survival, "Rescue Dawn" reveals how Dieter Dengler relied on the most primal qualities of evasion, endurance, tenacity and courage to find his way home.
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This looks fantastic, I can't wait to see it.

[Lazy Boy]

The one film this week I'm even more excited to see than Transformers, and that's more for Werner Herzog directing it than Bale.

[Backstabba]

I've been wanting to see this for such a long time. Every time I heard a release date was made, suddenly it was postponed.

But yeah, if it ever comes to a theater near me, ass in seat.

[Shockwave]

I remember seeing a trailer to this a long time ago....


..but yeah, whenever it comes out ill see it for sure. Looks pretty sweet and i love escape movies.

[ilovemovies]

I hope my local theater gets it in one of those dates because I think this movie looks amazing.

[EVILxxx]

July 4th? Talk about crappy advertisement.

[Powerslave]

Originally posted by Lazy Boy
The one film this week I'm even more excited to see than Transformers, and that's more for Werner Herzog directing it than Bale.
Yes. I'll see anything by Herzog and this one looks great. Hopefully I'll be able to see it on Wednesday.

[TylerDurden182]

Can't wait to check this out. Herzog and Bale is a great collaboration.

[dman476]

Originally posted by TylerDurden182
Can't wait to check this out. Herzog and Bale is a great collaboration.
Yeah, I'm pretty busy this week so I don't know if I'll have time to catch it (this week), but if not, I will certainly watch it on Monday.

[Powerslave]

I'll be seeing it tomorrow. Can't wait!

[Lazy Boy]

7/10

This answers the question of what it would look like if Werner Herzog directed an audience accessible feature. It works, mostly because Herzog knows his subject matter so well, as last seen in his documentary Little Dieter Needs to Fly. There's a lengthy middle portion of the film that covers a daring escape from a POW camp in Vietnam, with Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale) summoning a ragtag group of prisoners (among them Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies, who needs to stop taking every scene as a crash course in overwrough method acting) to make their way to freedom. Herzog captures the insane heights (or depths) Dengler will go to maintain his sanity, and the central foray into the jungles of the wild will be no different to fans who connected with Herzog's earlier Don Quixotes. Unfortunately, the film has that irritating knack of a screenplay written by a German director translated into English, giving the dialogue and performances in the opening and concluding military base acts a feel of stale cheese, and the ending itself is about as bad as what Peter Jackson came up with for the soft glow bedroom finale in Return of the King. Even though I didn't watch the Dieter doc, nor can I deny the effort given by Bale for this role (dude, the ups and downs in weight gain might cause some permanent metabolic damage), I never knew if the real Dieter Dengler was a soft spoken ex-German boy who now loved and fought for his country of America, or just an eccentric, worm eating weirdo with flashes of poetic wit and crazed lunacy. It's an uneven performance, and in terms of taking hold of the audience sympathy, I'd say Zahn gave the better performance.

[Powerslave]

The most noticeably commercial and conventional thing Herzog has ever done, but that rarely detracts from the film. It does in the ending, which was fairly jarring and, though I wouldn't say it really altered my opinion of all that had come before it, left a sort of sour taste in my mouth. I thought that the beginning of the film, which took place on an aircraft carrier, was fairly well handled. The whole first act, which follows Dieter from the aircraft carrier to the prison camp, comes off as somewhat awkward and off-putting, but I didn't realize until the end that this sort of helps the movie because it really shows the situation from Dieter's POV. The aircraft carrier scenes are all somewhat Ra-Ra American, but then you see the crash, and all the following scenes between then and the time he arrives at the camp are somewhat fragmented and disorienting, which I thought actually worked very well. I would've liked to see the character of Dieter Dengler more firmly established in these early scenes so that you could get a better understanding of his behavior once he does actually get to the prison camp but I don't think it has any major effect on the film because really he's a fairly simple character. He sort of embodies optimism and loyalty and I think this comes through repeatedly throughout the movie, thanks both to Bale's performance and to Herzog's understanding and passion for the character, particularly to show him as this sort of great, optimistic, virtuous man.
Steve Zahn also pulls off one hell of a surprisingly impressive performance as Dieter's friend Duane. Considering the guy's repertoire, you wouldn't think he had it in him to pull off this kind of performance, but he does, and it's pretty stunning. He also adds alot of depth to the movie that wouldn't exist if it focused entirely on Dieter. The contrast between Dieter, Duane, and Gene (Jeremy Davies), as well as the relationship between Dieter and Duane, helps to build up Dieter's character considerably.
The whole middle section of the movie is incredible. Herzog, as he did (though to a greater degree) in Aguirre, makes the jungle into a strange, dominating presence. The whole struggle to escape and to survive is determined by the conflict between Dieter and Duane and the jungle. It's like Gene says earlier on, "The jungle is the prison". The also a sort of lack of definite structure within this section of the movie, and so it creates this sort of spontaneous nature where things can and do happen with no logical pretense (both in terms of logic and reality and in terms of typical storytelling). This is the section of the movie where it feels most like vintage Herzog. It never reaches the hypnotic strangeness of his earlier films like Aguirre or Fitzcarraldo, but considering the type of film this is, it gets pretty close. This is the most emotionally involving part of the movie. It's the part that will stick with me for the longest.
As for the end of the movie, like I said it left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. It could've been improve maybe if it was toned down a bit, or maybe if it extended for a scene or two beyond (or if it didn't end in a God-forsaken freeze frame). One the whole, though, it didn't really bother me too much. It becomes more of a troubling afterthought. Still it took the movie down a point. for me at least.

And so after this largely disorganized and not-particularly-well-thought-out discourse, I'd give Rescue Dawn a solid 8/10

[Moviefan02000]

This has been doing solid in limited release, thus far. With some nice marketing, it should do pretty decent in wide release throughout the summer.

[Cronos]

rather looking forward to this, looks like it's going to be a while before it appears over here though

[optimus1]

Bale rules bigtime..I could watch that dude eat a sandwhich and be entertained.

[ChemicalRomance]

I enjoyed the film but before we all go too overboard in praising how amazing the "trueness" of the film you might want to give this is a look. Jeremy Davies portrays the character of Eugene and this is written by family of Eugene who have major issues with the film and they don't nearly have that much to do with how their dear one was portrayed.

http://www.smokejumpers.com/nsa_news/item.php?nsa_news_id=418

*SPOILERS* within.

[dman476]

That's a very interesting read Drew, thanks.
Makes me feel a little bad for the people screwed, but I don't think it reflects on the quality of the film.

[ChemicalRomance]

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Rescue Dawn – Rating: 8.5/10

Poor Dieter Dengler, diagnosis: the aviation blues. As a 5 year old in his home’s attic in Germany he saw a plane during World War II pass only feet away from his window. Looking out he saw that the canopy was open and the pilot commandeering the massive machine was staring right back at him. From this moment on, as Dieter himself says, “Little Dieter needed to fly”. Unfortunately, Dengler (Bale) enlists and flies for the U.S. in the prelude to full blown conflict in Vietnam by secretly participating in the bombing of Laos. On his very first voyage in the skies Dengler is shot down and held prisoner by ruthless Vietcong in a prison camp where every inch of courage, durability and perseverance within in his soul is twisted to the absolute limits.

Shackled but not defeated, Dengler and his cellmates, both American and Vietnamese, attempt to do the nearly impossible: escape from the hell on earth and navigate the endless jungle back to safety. The extraordinary“inspired by a true story” of Dengler and his struggle was chronicled by famed German director Werner Herzog in 1997 with the documentary Little Dieter Needs to Fly Herzog has returned to take the reins for a live action version which pulses with life and enthralls with equal doses of relentless intensity and hopelessness. It’s an [n]Aguirre: The Wrath of God[/b] kind-of journey, yet not propelled by greed and a legion of dreamers, but by the expenditure of human resiliency.

More than anything, what gives the film its imperative sense of both misery and urgency is the trademark direction of Herzog which can stand on the sidelines and observe but also throw us ruthlessly into sudden action and tragedy. When Dengler is bound and then dragged by an ox for the amusement of the sadistic villagers the camera is down in the mud with him, shaking, as if struggling to free itself from the ferocious bondage instilled. While the imprisoned sit at their shoddy wooden tables deprived of food and water, Herzog uses the camera to sit, linger and occasionally move to further observe the looks of desperation on their faces in the sounds of sadness in their delivery. What is extremely admirable is keeping the gunfire, explosions and spurts of excitement restrained to the point that they still attain our sense of realism and thus keep our blood pumping. They don’t need to be plotting an elaborate exit or satisfying itchy trigger fingers: observing their mere presence, the shifty eyes, the sporadic happiness keep us constantly anticipating what could happen next in this insane environment. Herzog has an uncanny ability to make the ugly look poetically serene.

Herzog also handles the screenwriting aspect of Rescue Dawn and in the process provides a lengthy, mostly even ode to Dengler and his fellow captives. An appropriately cheesy and cheery military is prelude to the devastation to follow and the flick generally moves smoothly from there on. The only sour aspect would be that the film as it approaches its second half and attempts to evoke a more grandiose feeling, ends up becoming slightly repetitive and bland despite the fact that it’s attempting more than anything to be flavorful to the plight of Denlger and company. Whereas telling the “full” story seems sufficient, actually almost mandatory in the case of a documentary, here it seems to hammer in blanks that the audience could have filled in themselves.

It’s a minor quibble because Herzog does so many other things correct with the pen. The camp scenes, be they legitimate arrangements for evasion or mundane fantasies about the perfect fridge food for wherever they call home, retain their place as perfect of implantations as bits that get us into the characters’ minds and hearts. Dengler seems like something out of fiction: a pinpoint of fortitude, heroism and pride under fire but with Herzog’s tactful writing we don’t just believe it all, we find our innards churning with sympathy, our palms sweaty with shot nerves and wishes for the impossible to become reality. The jungle may be infinite abyss, but so are the ways the mere human become exceptional in face of dire straights.

Christian Bale, one of the finest actors working today is a near ace as the almost “so crazy it can’t be true” characterization of Dengler. After an opening slump of unintentional haminess (“Don’t EVER do that!”), Bale zeroes in and makes Dengler into a dimensional time bomb: a momentary bout of content can be erased by the determination and lack of fear that gives him wings. His dedication to character again shines through, much like it did when he played Trevor Reznik in Brad Anderson’s 2004 film The Machinist when he famously dropped 63 pounds (180 to below 120) to play a tortured insomniac. Again weight loss bellowed a call and Bale responded with a transformation that is perfectly succinct with the malnourishment that dominates Denlger as his time in the prison camp lingers on and on. It’s exhilarating to watch and hear Bale play Dengler as leader of the pack, pumping the spirits of his inmates far above the bamboo roof of their prison cell/shack. He makes us believe Dengler as this foundation of faith in the camp with awesome intelligence and charisma.

Many know Bale as an undeniable talent but most are skeptical about Steve Zahn who has made a career of playing comedic sidekicks in buddy comedies like Saving Silverman or big actioners like Sahara. In Rescue Dawn Zahn is the true revelation, showing a subdued knack for drama and anguish through a deadpan voice accompanied by an empty face and haunted eyes. His 40 pound weight loss for the film demands admiration on its own terms but his acting is what really looms large, gnawing at our heartstrings and conscience as we can put together the person he used to be and the person the time incarcerated has made him: lifeless and near departed.

Zahn plays well off both Bale and co-star Jeremy Davies as Gene, a country boy from Oregon who has lost near all ambition and sanity in his bout with the prospect of rescues seeming like it will never arrive. The way he attempts to assure the characters of Bale and Zahn that escape is futile because rescue is near serve as the sticking point that the confinement doesn’t nearly change physique, it changes psyche. Davies delivery is a little too soft for its own good and doubt has been raised about the depiction of the real Gene DuBruin, but on the scale of supporting character he does a for the most part formidable job. His gaunt figure, ribs protruding through a constantly unbuttoned shirt, is yet another reminding of the allegiance these actors have given to fleshing out these staggering, true characters and their heartfelt competitions and camaraderie.

As Rescue Dawn trudges on it becomes more and more apparent that it isn’t merely a bundle of filmmaking labor but a film that even if one should feel disenchanted they’d be lying to not commend. As Herzog and crew slog through river, water splashing on the lens we’re again reminded at the adherence in bringing the unbelievable to live action existence. Dieter needed to fly, but when a man has what he loves so dearly savagely removed he will do whatever in his power to survive. Certain parties have voiced disdain at the apparent lack of authenticity in the story presented by Herzog (namely family and friends of Gene DuBruin who dissect the film here and criticizes the romanticizing of Dengler: http://www.smokejumpers.com/nsa_new...nsa_news_id=418) but regardless the story remains riveting and inspirational down the simplest outline. It hits a rough patch or two, but if Rescue Dawn doesn’t restore a certain belief in the instance of miracle you might not have a pulse.

-Andrew Guarini

[darkface]

When is this movie supposed to go wide? I really want to see it, but it looks like I might have to wait till it comes out on DVD. :(

[bigred760]

Christian Bale continues to impress me with his decisions about which roles to take. After Batman Begins, he probably could've taken just about any big studio picture he wanted. Instead, he continues to take on roles in smaller films that seem to challenge him.

His lastest effort is as a real life Vietnam War POW who makes a, dare I say . . . daring, escape from a prison with another prisoner (played by Steve Zahn) in the movie Rescue Dawn. I guess you could call this Werner Herzog movie a war film, though you see very little of any war. Yes, there's a air craft carrier, you see Bale's plane go down, and there's a small shootout in the movie, but no actual battle sequences. We follow Bale's character, Dieter Dengler, as he is captured, tortured, imprisoned, and eventually his escape.

I didn't realize the movie's PG-13 rating until after I saw it, and it was obvious that this movie was not R-rated. There was little detail in any of the scenes: I couldn't tell how Dieter's plane got shot down - was it enemy fire or what? The torture scenes were short and toned down. The scenes at the prison camp seemed a little disjointed and didn't flow very well. I'll give Herzog (and crew) credit for the jungle scenes after a great escape sequence; you really start to root for the characters involved and hope whatever comes next is "good news." Although one death scene was, again, toned down for the sake of the rating. Also the ending was out of place and unnecessary; it kind of dragged on and strayed away from the rest of the movie.

Still, the movie is interesting to say the least. Bale, Zahn, and Jeremy Davies had great chemistry and tension; Bale, being the great actor that he is, delivers a great performance. Zahn continues to impress me in every new movie I see him in, and Davies in a smaller role impresses as well. Herzog's direction was evident in some hand-held camera use and even some times when you feel you're right alongside the characters in the jungle. The second half of the movie, save for the very end, gets the story really moving and takes you into the movie better than the first half.

This movie could've benefited from some more detail in many of its scenes. There were some scenes where I didn't understand what was going on . . . Davies' last scene for example. The torture and death scenes could've been improved upon with a little more blood, gore, and/or violence. These scenes are supposed to induce cringing and what not, but I didn't wince or feel much of anything once. I was shocked to learn of one character's fate, but didn't know what happen to him until it was all said and done, by then the scene was going on to something else. It's an entertaining movie, what with its great performances and second half, but there was room for improvement.

7/10

[ilovemovies]

My local theater is getting this tomorrow. I can't wait. I'll be seeing this along with I Know Who Killed Me and The Simpsons Movie tomorrow.

Tomorrow should kick ass. Should be a good day at the movies.

:)

[darkface]

It's playing in all my local theatres this weekend. I'm so glad to see this and I hope it does well. I'm going to see it Saturday. Movie looks great and I'm a big Bale fan.

[ilovemovies]

My expectations were probably too high. It's not the great movie I was hoping it would. But it is still a pretty incredible story of survival. The scenes in the POW camp were good but it's the scenes when he is trying to survive in the jungle that were absolutely INCREDIBLE. As good as Christian Bale is, I thought it was Steve Zahn who was truly amazing here. Best performance he's ever given and I've liked him in just about everything he's done.

Overall, it's very good.


7/10

[jaw2929]

I saw this one yesterday... Christian Bale has really grown on me, he's quickly becoming one of my favourite Actors out there, to be honest!

Anyway, everyone else who has seen this has pretty much nailed it with their reviews... Bale's dedication to his craft is shown once more, as you can tell from his noticeable weight loss mid-way through the flick...

I'm not much for modern day war flicks, I'm more into the epic swords/sandals movies, but this was less a film about war and more a film about survival.

From here on out, I'll not miss one of Bale's flicks in theatres, I will make it a point to see each and every one, regardless of whether I like/dislike the content/subject. He, Nicolas Cage and Edward Norton are the new Pacino, DeNiro and Brando in terms of being just fucking fantastic actors for the new generation as far as I'm concerned.

[brodeurnumber1]

Originally posted by Trail_Blazer
IHe, Nicolas Cage and Edward Norton are the new Pacino, DeNiro and Brando in terms of being just fucking fantastic actors for the new generation as far as I'm concerned.

Seriously, Nicholas Cage?

I thought this was a solid movie driven by the excellent performances of Bale and Zahn.

[Cronos]

found this rather disappointing, whilst the acting was pretty good i don't especially like Herzog's direction, it just didn't work for me and resulted in scenes being more dull and boring than they could have been.

6/10

[Antarius]

Would be nice for this movie to come around my area, with my luck I'll have to wait for DVD. I'll shit myself if 3:10 to Yuma doesnt come around either that also looks fantastic. Bale has been my fav. actor for awhile now, like most people didnt really discover him till American Psycho, thought Reign of Fire was good, Equilibrium I totally loved, The Machinist, top-notch, Hard times though I hated, but of course Batman Begins reigns above all.

[bowieee]

Great but not fantastic. Still it was a treat watching what I watched years ago in Little Dieter come to life on the big screen. I swear this must have been shot on location all the site looked like I how I remember them from the documentery. Herzog still is king on my list of favorite directors and this is one more jewel in his crown even if it's not as shiny as the others.

[movieme07]

Might actually get to see this in theaters which would be cool. Christian Bale's my favorite actor so this movie screams genius to me.