Rescue Dawn (2006)

A US Fighter pilot's epic struggle of survival after being shot down on a mission over Laos during the Vietnam War.

Director:

Werner Herzog

Writer:

Werner Herzog

Stars:

Zach Grenier, Christian Bale, Steve Zahn

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Zach Grenier	...	Squad Leader
Marshall Bell	...	Admiral
Christian Bale	...	Dieter Dengler
Toby Huss	...	Spook
Pat Healy	...	Norman
GQ	...	Farkas (as Gregory J. Qaiyum)
James Oliver	...	Jet Pilot
Brad Carr	...	U.S. Navy Pilot
Saichia Wongwiroj	...	Pathet Lao Guard
François Chau	...	Province Governor (as Francois Chau)
Teerawat Mulvilai	...	Little Hitler (as Teerawat 'Ka-Ge' Mulvilai)
Yuttana Muenwaja	...	Crazy Horse
Kriangsak Ming-olo	...	Jumbo
Somkuan 'Kuan' Siroon	...	Nook the Rook
Chorn Solyda	...	Walkie Talkie

Storyline

In 1965, while bombing Laos in a classified mission, the propeller plane of the German-American US Navy pilot Dieter Dengler is hit and crashes in the jungle. Dieter is arrested by the peasants, tortured by the Vietcong and sent to a prisoner camp, where he meets five other mentally deranged prisoners and guards. He becomes close to Duane and organizes an escape plan; however, the unstable Gene opposes to Dieter's plan. When they discover that there is no more food due to the constant American bombings in the area and their guards intend to kill them, Dieter sets his plan in motion. However, an unexpected betrayal splits the group and Dieter and Duane find that the jungle is their actual prison.

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Plot Keywords:

pilot | laos | vietnam | jungle | prisoner | 

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Taglines:

This summer experience the incredible true story of one man's fight for freedom

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Genres:

Adventure | Biography | Drama | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense war violence and torture

Details

Official Sites:

Gibraltar Films MGM [United States]

Country:

USA Luxembourg

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 July 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bekstvo u zoru

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£89,988 (UK) (23 November 2007)

Gross:

£89,988 (UK) (23 November 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Top Gun Productions, Thema Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

126 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the POW camp where Dieter Dengler was held, there were altogether 7 POWs. For story-telling purposes, this was cut down to 6. This is explained by Werner Herzog in his commentary.

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Goofs

A Pelican case is visible during the first briefing. Pelican cases were not introduced until 1976.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Title Card: In 1965, few people believed that the still limited conflict in Viet Nam would turn into full scale war. / One of the first signs of what lay ahead was America's bombing of secret targets inside Laos.

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Connections

Spun-off from Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997)

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Soundtracks

"Alleluja"
(from "Three Latin Hymns")
Performed by Frances-Marie Uitti
Composed by Giacinto Scelsi
Published by G. Schirmer, Inc.
Courtesy of ECM Records

User Reviews

Don't Politicize This Film!

I am amazed at how many people are so consumed with Anti-War fever that they can't appreciate a true story about a man who overcomes something that most people couldn't. If it does not reinforce their preconceptions then they consider it propaganda. Yet these same people hale anything, no matter how absurdly ridiculous that reinforces their beliefs. They completely miss the point. Their own prejudices keep them from recognizing and appreciating a work of art when they see it. Many of today's filmmakers seeking to make both fictional films and documentaries about the war in Iraq, as well as wars from the past, are running into a brick wall. Both Hollywood and the Independent Film Industry are refusing to show films that do not take a distinctive anti-war slant. Filmmakers that show an objective view of warfare, neither taking a position for or against the war, are finding it next to impossible to get their films shown. Likewise, if the film is even remotely related to a war and does not blatantly condemn it then it does not get shown. Just ask Nick Bicanic & Jason Bourque how hard it was for them to get their excellent documentary about the modern day use of Private Security Companies seen. As them how many studios offered to purchase the rights to film if they would only change the tone to one of condemnation rather than examination. I get the sense, from the back story about the lack of financing Herzog was able to get for this project that he ran into the same problem. Frankly I am appalled. The industry, both mainstream and independent, are pushing their own agendas over all else. The art form is suffering greatly for it. I congratulate filmmakers like Bicanic and Herzog for refusing to take no for answer. As for this film, it honors a man who risked his life not only for his country but for his fellow POWs. You can hate war and still respect the men and women who were called upon to fight it. You can hate war and still call a POW who escapes capture despite impossible odds a hero. You can hate the war in Iraq and appreciate the sacrifices the men and women who are fighting it are making on your behalf. Don't let your own personal bias lead you to make a mistake you'll regret for the rest of your life. Protest the war all you like, just do it in a way that does not belittle the airmen, soldiers, sailors and marines who are fighting it. Whether you agree with their decision or not, they deserve your understanding and your respect. Just as Dieter Dengler, the POW on whom this film is based, deserves your respect. Don't belittle his sacrifice by politicizing this film. Whether you agree with his decision to become fighter pilot or not, his accomplishments.