Rescue Dawn | Rotten Tomatoes (original) (raw)

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Critics Consensus

Director Werner Herzog has once again made a compelling tale of man versus nature, and Christian Bale completely immerses himself in the role of fighter pilot (and prisoner of war) Dieter Dengler.

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Hank Sartin Time Out Rated: 3/5 Nov 18, 2011 Full Review Joshua Rothkopf Time Out Rated: 4/5 Nov 17, 2011 Full Review Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard What we miss is the real Herzogian touch that can translate tales of derringdo into something more than mere adventure and stir the soul as well as the heart and mind. Rated: 3/5 Nov 23, 2007 Full Review Ian Buruma The New York Review of Books Somehow his story, reenacted in the feature film, fails to catch fire in the way it does in the documentary. It looks oddly conventional, even flat. Aug 23, 2018 Full Review Brandy McDonnell The Oklahoman While Zahn and Davies offer amazing performances, Bale's starring turn often falls flat. Herzog doesn't give him much to work with: The writer-director is reluctant to allow his hero any flaws, even fear and despair, on his harrowing journey. Rated: 2.5/4 Aug 13, 2018 Full Review Kevin Carr 7M Pictures Unlike a traditional Hollywood movie, Rescue Dawn follows the pacing and irony of real life. It is far from predictable and far from formulaic. Rated: 3/5 Apr 28, 2014 Full Review Read all reviews

Jelisije J A fantastic true story of a fighter pilot being taken as a prisoner of war before the time of the Vietnam War. Its a greatly acted depressing one and done type of film. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/17/24 Full Review Nol P It had been forever since I saw this, (my Blockbuster Video days), and I am glad I finally watched Rescue Dawn again tonight. Both Christian Bale and Steve Zahn were spot on excellent and they made it so very believable in their ultra weakened state of starvation. This is based on a true story too so this is a must see with some nice performances all around and fine directing. 8.5 of 10. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/22/24 Full Review Johannes S The acting is amazing, yet it doesn't spark something within me like other war or survival movies. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/11/24 Full Review Spike G Even tho i rorgot about this it's still good Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/28/24 Full Review David H A true hidden gem. Absolutely fantastic. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/16/24 Full Review John A A gripping tale of survival and perseverance. Great acting. Noteworthy cinematography. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Synopsis During the Vietnam War, Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale), a U.S. fighter pilot, is shot down over Laos and taken captive by enemy soldiers. Interned in a POW camp, Dengler and his fellow prisoners (Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies) endure torture, hunger and illness while they await their chance to escape.

Director

Werner Herzog

Producer

Elton Brand, Steve Marlton, Harry Knapp

Screenwriter

Werner Herzog

Distributor

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Production Co

Gibraltar Entertainment and Production LLC

Rating

PG-13 (Torture|Intense War Violence)

Genre

War, History, Drama

Original Language

English

Release Date (Theaters)

Jul 27, 2007, Limited

Rerelease Date (Theaters)

Jul 4, 2007

Release Date (Streaming)

Jul 3, 2016

Box Office (Gross USA)

$5.5M

Runtime

2h 5m

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