“Rescue Dawn” (MGM)
Escape From A POW Camp
Since we are currently at war, a movie like “Rescue Dawn” has more of an impact than it would if we were at peace. This true story of a Navy pilot and his attempted escape from a POW camp during the Vietnam War is harrowing and intense. Christian Bale gives a vivid portrayal of the man, his mission and his capture.
The film starts with Dieter Dengler (Bale) aboard a Navy ship in the Pacific. Dengler was German born but upon his arrival in America he signed up with the Navy because he wanted to fly. Now he is getting ready for his first mission over Laos.
During that raid his plane is shot down and he is taken prisoner. The rest of the film concerns his life in a POW camp and his plan to escape. His fellow prisoners keep thinking they will be rescued, especially Eugene (Jeremy Davies). Dengler thinks they have to find a way out. He is supported by Duane (Steve Zahn).
The movie is not as intense as you think it would be. Dengler’s personality comes off a little dorky and he never seems to be in fear for his life. When he is asked to sign a paper condemning America’s actions he just says no. After this there are some scenes of torture but nothing extreme.
Bale is fast becoming one of the best actors around. He creates Dengler’s personality and then makes it stick from the first scene to the last one in the movie. It is not the most heroic persona but it is an identifiable one.
Zahn is also good as the slightly bewildered Duane. His suffering is more obvious than Dengler’s, and he bears the emotional scars of having been a prisoner for a longer time. This is a breakout role in Zahn’s career and he gives it his all.
Davies should also be singled out for praise. He looks as though he really suffered for his role as he appears to be emaciated and weak. Eugene is the thorn in Dengler’s side as he is against the escape from the start.
For some strange reason the movie never grips the audience with the intensity that a story of this sort should. Maybe it is the personality Bale gives to Dengler, or maybe it is the lack of excruciating scenes of torture. Whatever the reason the audience is always on the outside looking in, and do not feel like a participant in the story. This limits the impact the film has.
“Rescue Dawn” is a story of hope and heroism, but it is told without the emotional impact it should have had.
I scored “Rescue Dawn” an SOS 5 out of 10.
