Rescue DawnSynopsis and Overview

Poster art for "Rescue Dawn."

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  • Rescue Dawn
  • Opened July 4, 2007 | Runtime:2 hr. 5 min.
  • PG-13
    some sequences of intense war violence and torture
  • Information for parents: Common Sense Media says Iffy for 14+. Read More
  • During the Vietnam War, German-born Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale), a U.S. fighter pilot, is shot down over Laos and taken captive by enemy soldiers. Interned in a POW camp, he and his fellow prisoners (Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies) endure torture, Read More
  • Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies
  • Director: Werner Herzog
  • Genres: Action/Adventure, Art House/Foreign, Drama

Rescue Dawn Movie Photos & Trailers + Clips

  • A scene from "Rescue Dawn."
  • Christian Bale in "Rescue Dawn."
  • Christian Bale in "Rescue Dawn."
  • A scene from "Rescue Dawn."
  • A scene from "Rescue Dawn."
  • A scene from "Rescue Dawn."
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Rescue Dawn Featured Trailers + Video Clips

Rescue Dawn Recent Fan Reviews

  • Must Go!

    If you don't see this, you are a communist.

    by VC4life

    Ho Chi Minh himself would have worshiped the sexy Christian Bale for contributing to the cinematic perfection that is Rescue Dawn. This work of art was unprecedented in its compelling, yet entertaining examination of the true struggles of a real American hero in a time when the Commies were trying to take over the world. Rich with themes of heroism, determination, and pro-capitalism, Rescue Dawn takes the heroic journey to a WHOLE NOTHA LEVEL. For you traitors who think this movie is just the lame exploitation of some random soldier's military experience in the dense, sultry jungles of Southeast Asia and has no artistic, emotional, or intellectual value, you can march your communist *** up the Ho Chi Minh Trail to North Vietnam and have a bowl of Pho with Jane Fonda. Rescue Dawn is the jewel of all Vietnam related movies, not only because of its complex plot and intriguing themes, but because it didn't dehumanize the audience with outrageous special effects or kinky sex. Simply amazing

  • Must Go!

    INCREDIBLE!!!!!!

    by sam2323

    GO!!! GO!!! GO!!!! Incredible movie. Compelling, and brilliantly acted. it is a must see!!!!

  • Go

    Rescue Dawn - A Powerful Lesson in Survival

    by Phyllis Woods

    Rescue Dawn gives an unflinching look at life in a prison camp during time of war. I personally left the theatre with a new appreciation for the amenities of life that are a part of normal living in the USA.
    The film also provides some insight into the type of attitude needed for survival under horribly difficult circumstances - In Dengler's case it was his feistiness, faith, and sheer desire to make it. Christian Bale does a great job of making the viewer see these qualities in this man. The brutality of life in the prison camp is depicted vividly, as are treacherous aspects of the jungle itself.
    Surviving in this environment would require everything a man had to give.
    The ending was the best part. The viewer can really feel the miracle of the rescue, and can rejoice in the euphoric moment that follows. It makes you grateful such a thing was possible.

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Rescue Dawn Critic Reviews

Go Avg. Critic Score out of 100 Metascore ® based on all critic ratings.

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 100
    San Francisco Chronicle | Walter Addiego

    An old-fashioned prisoner-of-war movie that becomes much more because of...

  • 91
    Entertainment Weekly | Lisa Schwarzbaum

    Out of a harrowing story set in a foreign thicket, Herzog has found American...

  • 90
    Washington Post | Ann Hornaday

    That such a masterful depiction of American heroism and can-do spirit has been...

  • 90
    The Hollywood Reporter | Kirk Honeycutt

    Christian Bale plays Dieter Dengler and this is one of the actor's most complex...

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