MovieChat Forums > Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) Discussion > The theme of 'emasculation' runs through...

The theme of 'emasculation' runs throughout the movie.


I only realized this recently but the theme of emasculation permeates this film.
First of all Rambo is stripped off his ability to be a man at the beginning - he is a prisoner who is released only if he agrees to take orders. His entire journey through the film is him being emasculated, and his frustration is all taken out by him through rage and violence. He doesn't even get to have his girlfriend beyond a kiss.

Trautman is also emasculated - he gets overridden in the pickup chopper. The rest of the film he has no power and is completely stripped off his rank by Murdoch and the others.

Do you think that the filmmakers were sort of making a statement of how being programmed to fight ultimately deprives a person of their ability to love/connect with others, and in-turn makes them internalize this tension until they eventually release it through rage and violence? or do you think this theme is entirely accidental?

I just think its so interesting that both the heroes in this film are emasculated throughout their entire character journey.





Signature: To any BluRay/DVD distribution company: please release No Retreat No Surrender sequels on BluRay!

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