You are here:

First Blood

Name: First Blood
Director: Ted Kotcheff
Released: 1982
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

1982

Director

Ted Kotcheff

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

First Blood is a character study of hyper-masculinity and institutional conflict. While it lacks diversity in gender, race, and LGBTQ+ identities, it offers a sophisticated look at PTSD and social breakdown. The film's strength lies in its critique of authority and realistic portrayal of PTSD, but the absence of diverse representation limits its overall impact.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does First Blood have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships.

How does First Blood portray gender?

Minimal

The story focuses on masculine characters and physical combat, with women having minor roles that don't drive the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is First Blood?

Minimal

The cast is mostly white, with a focus on a white, working-class veteran experience.

How does First Blood represent religion and culture?

Good

The film portrays law enforcement as oppressive and highlights the disconnect between individuals and a failing state structure.

Does First Blood include disability representation?

Fair

The film depicts the protagonist's struggle with PTSD, showing the psychological impact of combat experience.

Present on Screen

Offers a nuanced and powerful look at PTSD and invisible disabilities.
Critiques institutional corruption and systemic state aggression effectively.

Limited or Absent

Focuses almost exclusively on a white demographic, lacking racial and ethnic diversity.
Includes minimal gender diversity, with women in non-essential, peripheral roles.
Does not represent LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.

Official Synopsis

When former Green Beret John Rambo is harassed by local law enforcement and arrested for vagrancy, he is forced to flee into the mountains and wage an escalating one-man war against his pursuers.

How are these scores produced? →