Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) is the sequel to First Blood (1982) and the second film in the Rambo series. Directed by George P. Cosmatos and co-written by Sylvester Stallone and James Cameron, this film shifts from the more personal, psychological tone of the first movie to a high-octane action-packed adventure, focusing on John Rambo’s return to Vietnam.

In this installment, Rambo (played by Stallone) is serving time in prison after the events of First Blood. He is offered a chance at freedom by his former commander, Colonel Sam Trautman (Richard Crenna), in exchange for undertaking a covert mission. The mission: to return to Vietnam and investigate the possible existence of American prisoners of war (POWs) still held captive.

Rambo is sent on a reconnaissance mission with orders to only take photographs of the POW camp, but when he finds the prisoners, he disobeys the orders and attempts to rescue them. Betrayed by the mission’s overseers, Rambo is left behind to fend for himself against both Vietnamese soldiers and Russian military advisors who support them. What follows is a series of intense action sequences, with Rambo using his survival skills, military expertise, and raw firepower to free the POWs and take revenge on those who left him to die.

Rambo: First Blood Part II is known for its larger-than-life action, featuring explosive set pieces, dramatic helicopter chases, and Stallone’s portrayal of Rambo as a near-superhuman warrior. The film was a major box office success, turning Rambo into an iconic 1980s action hero and solidifying Stallone’s status as one of Hollywood’s top action stars.

Though the movie was criticized for its simplistic plot and over-the-top violence, it resonated with audiences and became a pop culture phenomenon. Its themes of patriotism, the treatment of Vietnam veterans, and America’s unresolved feelings about the Vietnam War struck a chord during the time. The film’s portrayal of a lone soldier taking on a corrupt system and winning became emblematic of the era’s action movies.

Rambo: First Blood Part II remains a defining entry in the Rambo series, remembered for its thrilling action sequences and Stallone’s intense performance as the unstoppable John Rambo.