Based on David Morrell’s 1972 novel of the same name, First Blood stars Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo. The Ted Kotcheff directed film was released in 1982 and immediately became a megahit that generated two sequels in 1985 and 1988, completing a trilogy until the character was brought back by Stallone in 2008 and 2019. The iconic character of Rambo evolved from a persecuted Vietnam veteran in the first film to a reluctant government operative and then a mercenary in Afghanistan in the later installments. 

Jerry Goldsmith wrote a stunning, dark and heavy, almost crushing score for First Blood, although he also composed a memorable melancholy theme (“It’s A Long Road”) that identified Rambo’s loneliness. The series and music turned more towards action and adventure in Rambo: First Blood Part II and Rambo III, including exotic atmospheres and impressive passages of action music, ranking among Goldsmith’s greatest efforts in the genre.