Rambo: last blood is a dark emotional send-off of the legendary character of John Rambo played by Sylvester Stallone. The movie touches upon the issue of trauma, revenge, and redemption when Rambo has to fight with his past and the cruel violence that still haunts him. Against the backdrop of Arizona and Mexico, the story goes into the inner world of Rambo to show that he has been scarred by war yet still has a fierce desire to defend those that he cares about. The emotional depth of the narrative is magnified through instances of vulnerability particularly in the moment when Rambo is grieving the tragic outcome of Gabriela and that scene adds to the action-filled parts of the movie.
The acting of Stallone is very strong and subtle in its portrayal of the fatigue and remote stoicism of a man burdened by years of violence. The focus is placed on the truth of the matter and sharp cinematography and a haunting score enhances the visceral quality of the film. On the screen the rough surroundings and realistic effects make the environment to be immersive and the orchestrated action sequences provide adrenaline and violence. The pacing of the film balances the reflection with the unstopping violence in such a way that the emotional stakes make it almost tangible, particularly when Gabriela loses her heart and Rambo goes on his mission of revenge afterwards.
Finally, Last blood appealed to me as a touching commentary on loss, sacrifice and the price of revenge. Its unashamed rudeness is shocking, but it reiterates how well Rambo has managed to survive and the destructive effects of violence. The depressing end of the movie, combined with flashbacks of the old fights, created an unforgettable emotional experience of both the resilience of the spirit of the hero and the great cost of a life of fighting. It is an appropriate and yet dramatic end to the mythical series.
