RESCUE DAWN (2007)

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"One of the best films i've seen all year. Definately one for the favourites list"

I went into this film thinking it was going to be, for the most part, set in a prisoner of war camp with tons of extras, a lot of action and men trying to outdo each other physically while trying to gain the upper hand, but what I saw was something with a lot more depth. The opening statement sets up the first few scenes of U.S fighter pilots dropping bombs over Laos, and to me stands out in the film because the images are grainy; as if watching a home movie on a projection reel. This gives the impression that we're looking down on history, which is exactly what it is. After the long tracking shot over the Laos jungle another statement which reads something like "....this is based on true events in the life of Dieter Dengler....." is displayed. The first few minutes of the film include all the elements needed for a great set up; there's back-story, time period, conflict and also the introduction of our lead character. By the time Dieter crashes down in the jungle we have already invested our emotions into this character; this is who we're routing for. After Bale's character is established we're introduced to both the camp guards and the rest of the war prisoners. Most notable is that of Steve Zahn's character Duane. His performance is brilliant and at times I found myself losing focus of Dieter to invest in Duane and his survival. This is not to say that Bale's performance was anything less than captivating. His portrayal of Dieter Dengler was very engaging, showing many sides to this lovable character. Most notably he presents a protective side, looking out for Duane and trying to ensure his survival as well as his own. This side of Dieter's character helped keep me emotionally invested in him. I could sympathize with his situation and wanted to see them both survive as much as he did. This is testament to Bale's performance as it takes a strong leading character to bring the viewer along and have them invested in that character throughout.

A great thing about this film was it provoked many emotions; I laughed (Bale's character was humorous, he smiled at unfunny things and seemed almost childish at times; giving him a vulnerable side, also the little guard was entertaining). There was suspense; not a white knuckle ride of oooh's and aahhhhh's but just a slight tension to keep me on the edge of my seat. I was gutted when characters I had invested in where no more, I felt compassion for Duane and Dieter as they traipsed through the jungle, was shocked when things happened unexpectedly and was repulsed by Dieter eating snake and being hung upside down with a dead bird tied to his face. But most of all I was gripped by the whole thing.There isn't one element of this film that i can pick fault with....(with the excludion of the dodgy FX as Dieter's plane crashes to the ground). It's one of the best films i've seen all year and definately one for the favourites list.