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Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Ron O'Neal, William Smith, Powers Boothe ... see more see more... , Ben Johnson , Lea Thompson , Charlie Sheen , Darren Dalton , Jennifer Grey , Brad Savage , Doug Toby , Harry Dean Stanton , Vladek Sheybal , Frank McRae , Christopher Janczar , Roy Jenson , Zitto Kazann , Lois Kimbrell , Elan Oberon , Judd Omen , Gene Scherer , Ben Schick , Pepe Serna , Lane Smith , Ben Zeller , Waldemar Kalinowski , David Keith , Philip L. Mead , Radames Pera , George Fisher

Set at an indeterminate point in the future, this drama with an overt anti-communist message begins as an ostensible war movie: Russian and Cuban forces have invaded the U.S. and are viciously elimina... read more read more...ting the inhabitants of a small town, when a group of teens escapes and plans a counterattack. Jed (Patrick Swayze), Robert (C. Thomas Howell), and six of their friends watch in amazement as soldiers parachute into their town and start shooting. The teens grab a pickup truck, stock up on supplies at the local store, and head for the hills. Meanwhile, the men in the town -- after a minimal resistance -- are rounded up and held at a drive-in theater converted into a concentration camp. The sadistic Soviet military then make them watch acclaimed Russian director Sergei Eisenstein's 1938 classic Alexander Nevsky, as their punishing rehabilitation begins. Meanwhile, after minimal resistance from the adults, a Cuban, Bella (Ron O'Neal), is put in charge and is not certain how he can really defeat the teen army. The Soviets and Cubans have so far defeated the American Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force, but these teens are really something else. After a successful ambush, the teen guerrillas gear up for future forays, when they are suddenly betrayed by one of their number and by doubts about the morality of what they are doing. Red Dawn is noteworthy for being the first movie released with the PG-13 rating, created by the MPAA after public outcry over violent content in the PG-rated Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Gremlins. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Flixster Users

66% liked it

46,272 ratings

Critics

53% liked it

17 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 54 min.

Directed by: John Milius

Release Date: August 10, 1984

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DVD Release Date: May 15, 2001

Stats: 3,078 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (3,078)

  • spielberg00
    October 1, 2011
    spielberg00
    There were many great, great films made in the '80s, some of them that even trademarked pop culture. Sadly enough, RED DAWN is not one of them.

    RED DAWN starts off with a high school. It looks like FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF, in fact, the way everyone in class is bored, jokes ... read moreare being whispered among the class, etc. Then, out of the blue, a bunch of war vehicles come in and start shooting up the school. This is what Hollywood in 1984 titled "World War III". (?!) From there on, if you've ever read the comics or seen the TV adaptation of THE WALKING DEAD, then you know what I'm talking about when I say the rest of RED DAWN is just like THE WALKING DEAD, except with Spanish-speaking Russian military (?!) instead of zombies. It's just a movie about surviving from apocalyptic havoc.

    Like I said, there are many good '80s films out there. But like I also said, RED DAWN just isn't one of them, mainly because the plot is so superficial that it's silly, and the worst thing filmmakers can do to give film a bad reputation is to put the concept of war in a silly light. Believe it or not, the only real reason this one is remembered is because it was the first film to be released with a U.S. "PG-13" rating. If you're looking for a good film that has Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in a group together, don't waste your time with this. Try DIRTY DANCING instead. It's a lot more even, and it's so much less flawed.
  • Deano78
    April 5, 2011
    Deano78
    An entertaining non-stop action film, but plot wise not a lot happens. A bunch of kids hold up in the mountains when Russia and Cuban forces invade America at the start of World War 3. Over the months the group fight back as much as they can making quite a reputation as the Wolve... read morerines! Starring an 80's star cast including Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze who paired up a few years later in Dirty Dancing. A good action film made at the height of the cold war, but looking dated now. It does still have some dramatic, iconic scenes though.
  • ajv2688
    March 4, 2011
    ajv2688
    This movie is cool for two reasons: the great teen cast and the blending of the teen and war dramas into a timely horror story. I think this movie could have been better in two ways as well: if we could have gotten to know the characters better, and if we could see more of what ... read morethe teens did to prepare themselves to fight the soviets (give us a montage at least!). Overall, it's pretty good, but it could have been better.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    December 5, 2010
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Red Dawn is one of the most over exaggerated war films that I have ever seen. Yet there is something so appealing about it, that you can't dismiss it as crap. Starring Patrick Swayze, Lea Thompson and C Thomas Howell, Red Dawn presents a total extravagant plot, the invasion of th... read moree United States by Soviet Russia. A small group of teens ban together to repel the invaders. The film is preposterous, but it's a film filled with awesome action and is very entertaining. What makes the film work so well is the talented cast. Patrick Swayze delivers a great performance and so does Lea Thompson. The film is non stop entertainment and will definitely thrill you. The film is not for everyone, but to those who enjoy a mindless Cold War Era thriller, then Red Dawn is a must see film. Red Dawn is the type of film that you watch with your friends to have a good time, it's an adrenaline fueled film and the action is over the top. Action film junkies won't be disappointed because Red Dawn delivers insane amounts of action and thrills. The cast that portray the teens are an impressive bunch of talent and they deliver good performances. Red Dawn is simply put a mindless action film thats designed to deliver a great time to the audience, sure the plot is ludicrous, but it's still a wicked plot. Thats what makes this film so good. The film has been described as a Republican wet dream, which is saying a lot. The film presents good ol' fashioned Cold War paranoia and again showcases how evil are the Russians. All that makes Red Dawn an amusing piece of nostalgia from the 80's, flawed, but oh so good. This is a classic even if it looks dated by today's standards. The film is still fun to watch just like it was when it first came out, except now that the Cold War is over. Red Dawn is a pleasant time waster and is not a film to be taken so seriously. I don't understand why this film has gotten so many bad reviews, because at first glance you should know exactly what you're in for before watching it. If you expect a serious, well developed action film, then you will not find it here. Red Dawn is an exaggerated war film that succeeds very well at displaying an unconventional idea on screen, and if this type of film isn't your cup of tea, skip it.But to others who like these types of films, be prepared to have a great time.
  • movieguru12
    December 10, 2009
    movieguru12
    Hmmmm....I wonder what I could do for an 1 hr and 54 min.....I know NOT watch this movie! Please don't!
  • SirPant
    September 24, 2009
    SirPant
    When I was a kid I really wanted to be in Red Dawn. Dated but still worth a watch for prosperity and some good ole fashioned cold war paranoia!
  • LitelBluHli
    June 11, 2009
    LitelBluHli
    LOL...this movie is hilarious now that I watch it again.
  • flixsterman
    January 5, 2009
    flixsterman
    Wolverines!!!
  • puffchunk
    September 3, 2008
    puffchunk
    If your kids are reading Engels, or have crazy notions of sharing, make them watch the documentary Red Dawn! Nothing like the 80's to produce a 'trying to be serious' anti-communist propaganda movie featuring teenagers killing people and being killed. I did really like the stor... read morey, how a bunch of high school kids end up becoming hardened soldiers, and there comes a great satisfaction when they (finally) start getting picked off (cause as we all know, teenagers would kills hundreds of trained soldiers and escape each time). Fun, and would have received more stars if the first half of the movie wasn't so cheesy and poorly acted. It turned around halfway. Go 80's!
  • DragonEyeMorrison
    June 18, 2008
    DragonEyeMorrison
    "Mark my words! Anyday now, you're sitting in school, passing notes, and talking about the prom when suddenly you look out the window and there are Russian paratroopers dropping in to take over. What can you do? Run into the woods with your friends? Call yourselves The Wolver... read moreines? Put twigs in your hair
    and beat back the Russkies?"

    Two stars just for being so hillariously over-the-top. The peak of cold war propaganda, makes Rocky 4 and Top Gun look like serious drama/war flicks.

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Critic Reviews

Charles Cassady
December 15, 2010
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media

Controversial, bloody 1980s WWIII film with teen heroes. Full Review

Walter Chaw
August 7, 2007
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central

The smartest/dumbest movie of 1984. Full Review

Fernando F. Croce
July 22, 2007
Fernando F. Croce, Slant Magazine

Released in the midst of renewed Cold War nuclear dread, Red Dawn doesn't starve for unintended wackiness. Full Review

Scott Weinberg
June 2, 2006
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

C'mon: The Dirty Dozen meets The Breakfast Club? That's just awesome. Full Review

Don Willmott
April 3, 2006
Don Willmott, Filmcritic.com

See Red Dawn only when you're in the mood for a guilty pleasure Full Review

Widgett Walls
November 14, 2005
Widgett Walls, Needcoffee.com

Guilty pleasure film that one day you'll have to explain to your grandkids.

Michael A. Smith
April 22, 2005
Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review

Good action flick and the first PG13 movie.

Steve Crum
October 19, 2004
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan

Commie paranoia rampant!

Jake Euker
March 9, 2004
Jake Euker, F5 (Wichita, KS)

Red-baiting pablum about some Brat Packers, here dubbed the Wolverines, who rescue Colorado from a Soviet occupation. Risibly bad, jingoistic, and often laughable to boot.

Luke Y. Thompson
February 7, 2002
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times

Minus the Cold War paranoia, Red Dawn loses much of its edge.

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