Rescue Dawn

USA 2006, 126 minutes
Dir. Werner Herzog
Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama / War, Prison

Feat. Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies

Aroview: In dramatizing the unforgettable true story of Dieter Dengler - heroic subject matter of doco LITTLE DIETER NEEDS TO FLY - Werner Herzog strikes a fine balance between exhaustive realism and commercial adventurism, in this gripping prisoner of war excursion starring the ever-durable Christian Bale.

Respectfully literal in transcribing Dengler’s extraordinary survival tale, Herzog revels in the treacherous jungle setting, as well as his protagonist’s overwhelming obsession with flight and escape – an alter-ego, if you will, for the director’s most ambitious films and deluded characters. While not quite the genuine Herzog article due to an overplayed ending, this still offers authentic terror and thrills through its unforgiving environment and grueling POW milieu.

NZ International Film Festival 2007

Member Reviews

Average rating (Very Good). Showing 1-5 of 5 member reviews.

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3 stars (Good Enough) ~normfilmbuff
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3 stars (Good Enough) An engaging war drama centred on the lives of prisoners held in the Vietnamese jungle, and in particular, Dieter Dengler, and his obsession with escape. More of a drama than action film, this (mainly) authentic tale is a fresh take on the Vietnam war. ~Tom H
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4 stars (Very Good) ~atsophie
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4 stars (Very Good) Extraordinary, authentic jungle odyssey by Dengler with worst, horrifying tragedy of the journey moderated for decency. Superb acting by whole cast. Worth having just as a superb film but Dengler an extraordinary man. ~rakau
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4 stars (Very Good) The screenplay was very believable but let down by the commercial homecoming scenes at the end. Bale and Zahn were terrific. ~Tubbs