Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Christian Bale | ... | Dieter Dengler | |
Zach Grenier | ... | Squad Leader | |
Marshall Bell | ... | Admiral | |
Toby Huss | ... | Spook | |
Pat Healy | ... | Norman | |
GQ | ... | Farkas (as Gregory J. Qaiyum) | |
James Aaron Oliver | ... | Jet Pilot (as James Oliver) | |
Brad Carr | ... | U.S. Navy Pilot | |
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Saichia Wongwiroj | ... | Pathet Lao Guard |
François Chau | ... | Province Governor (as Francois Chau) | |
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Teerawat Mulvilai | ... | Little Hitler (as Teerawat 'Ka-Ge' Mulvilai) |
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Yuttana Muenwaja | ... | Crazy Horse |
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Kriangsak Ming-olo | ... | Jumbo |
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Somkuan 'Kuan' Siroon | ... | Nook the Rook |
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Chorn Solyda | ... | Walkie Talkie |
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. Written by PHD, in CT USA
After getting shot down in Laos, Dieter Dengler is captured, tortured, and eventually transported to a remote POW camp where he is united with fellow American pilots with the same problem. With the arrival of Dengler, a new spirit emerges among the group, and an escape plan soon hatches. RESCUE DAWN is a story of struggle, friendship, keeping one's sanity, and survival amidst a war-brewing Vietnam and its inhospitable jungles. Werner Herzog does a great job with his direction, giving his actors full reign as well as inspiring them to their creative peaks. Each actor in the film does their best with each role; none becoming too hammy or extreme in their techniques; with Bale, Zahn, and Davies all shedding flesh as well as comfort in preparation for their tasking roles. Great cinematography throughout, as the Laotian backdrop is realized vividly; looming stone cliffs and walls of vine add further quality to the prison feel, and empty fields and lush rain forest paints the wild of Vietnam effectively. The music is excellent, and serves the film nobly, never trying too hard for tears or pity. RESCUE DAWN is a feel-good movie without really trying to become one, which is where so many survival and hardship movies fail; but any imperfections this film does have, is certainly overshadowed by its obvious technical genius, excellent acting, and courageous story.