Based on the true story of German-born Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale), a U.S. fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, Rescue Dawn provides an astonishing story of heroism and bravery. When Dengler's plane crashes over Laos, he is taken captive and sent to a POW camp where he meets fellow prisoners (Steve Zahn, etc.). Enduring unlivable conditions, unbearable hunger, and nonstop illness, Dengler quickly begins planning his escape. Though he has no idea where he is or which direction is safety, he knows he can't stop fighting for his life.
When looking at Bale as an actor, we often get mixed vibes, as he either seems to be on or off his game, canceling any middle ground that should exist. On one side of the equation we are blessed with Batman Begins and The Prestige; while on the other side we have films like Captain Corellie's Mandolin and Harsh Times. Who would have thought that all these films could feature the same person? The same thing goes for Bale's sidekick, Steve Zahn, who is credited with films ranging from Sahara to Employee of the Month. However, with that said, I am pleased to say that in this film, both actors are on top of their game and earn the respect they deserve as notable actors.
The film starts off somewhat slow as Herzog, the director of the film, sticks to the facts and attempts to quickly introduce Dengler. Trying to show off someone's personality and status among his comrades isn't easy to do at all, much less in about 10 minutes. But the film quickly takes off once Bale's character is left stranded in enemy territory after his plane is shot down. Quick capture and incarceration in a POW camp is an intense situation that sends you to the edge of your seat as you watch sanity quickly leave those confined to the prison camp.
It is at the camp that we get to meet Duane (Steve Zahn). To be perfectly honest Zahn is the true spark of the film. Being known as a witty, comedy actor, Zahn has really shied away from the dramas; however, here he plays Duane perfectly, interacting with Bale and proving that he has what it takes to cross genre lines.
The one thing that I didn't really care for about the film was the 'fakeness' persona that it put off. At times the story is so riveting and has you so deep in concentration, but at other times, you could really see that the film was on a low budget and financial corners were tight as death scenes took on the look of an 80s-style war movie. However, this small obstacle is easily overlooked, leaving you with great acting, a great story and great directing. Leaving only one conclusion ... a great movie!
