Rescue Dawn

“Whoa, thought it was a nightmare
Lo, it’s all so true
They told me, ‘Don’t go walking slow’
Cause devil’s on the loose
Better run through the jungle.”
-Creedence Clearwater Revival “Run Through the Jungle”

Whether it’s a hit (Grizzly Man) or a miss (Wild Blue Yonder), director Werner Herzog never plays it safe. Rescue Dawn, the true story of Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale), a U.S. fighter pilot shot down over Laos and imprisoned, could have been just another Vietnam action flick. But Herzog breaks Dengler’s journey down into its simplest elements—the strength of brotherhood and the inexhaustible will to survive. The film’s simplicity is its power.

When captured, Dengler is hung upside down, dragged by a water buffalo and used for target practice. In spite of the torturous treatment, he is continually optimistic, creating a plan to break out with his fellow prisoners. Duane (Steve Zahn) becomes Dengler’s closest ally, and their relationship is dramatically played out during some unimaginable hardships while their other comrade, Gene (Jeremy Davies), wants to stay and wait for a rescue.

Davies, who was the nerve-rattled corporal in Saving Private Ryan, and more recently played Charles Manson in a TV movie, is wonderfully neurotic as he threatens to ruin the escape. Meanwhile, Zahn’s performance is the best of his career. However, it’s Bale who demands attention with his down-to-earth style and easy-going determination. The ending is a little forced and off-kilter, but the film possesses stunning cinematography and a brilliant score from Klaus Badelt. Chalk up another hit for Herzog.