Red Dawn

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Red Dawn

PG-13

Released Aug 10, 1984

1h 54m

Action

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

48%

Tomatometer

29 Reviews

65%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In an alternate 1980s, the United States stands alone as communism grows stronger. When Soviet soldiers invade a small Colorado town, brothers Jed (Patrick Swayze) and Matt Eckert (Charlie Sheen) escape with friends to the forest. With their father, Tom (Harry Dean Stanton), a prisoner of the invading army, the children decide to fight against the Soviets. As the country comes under increasing attack, the group teams up with Lt. Col. Andrew Tanner (Powers Boothe) to take back their town.

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Critics Consensus

An appealing ensemble of young stars will have some audiences rooting for the Wolverines, but Red Dawn's self-seriousness can never conceal the silliness of its alarmist concept.

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Neil Jillett

The Age (Australia)

The right of people to abuse their freedom by making and showing a film as cynically provocative as Red Dawn is part of the price the rest of us must pay for living in a democracy.

May 3, 2022

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Kirk Ellis

The Hollywood Reporter

It packs plenty of rabble-rousing ammunition, but its sloppy execution is unlikely to win any merit badges for marksmanship.

Aug 14, 2018

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

When it was released in late summer of 1984, it was a big hit, which shouldn't come as a surprise; this was the year when Reagan won the presidency in a landslide, and if nothing else, 'Red Dawn' plays like a Reaganite masturbatory fantasy.

Apr 14, 2017

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Red Dawn‘s grip on the viewer is slowly-but-surely loosened as it progresses into a sluggish and increasingly uninvolving midsection...

Rated: 2/4

Nov 17, 2024

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

No amount of warm and fuzzy ‘80s nostalgia can save this head-smackingly stupid action romp about a bunch of Colorado teens squaring off against Commie invaders.

Rated: 1.5/4

Mar 19, 2024

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

One could regard Milius’ treatment as almost mythic, his manner and characters spare, his ending grim and reflective on the historical pattern of occupying powers and the forces that resist them.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 21, 2022

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Matthew S

Really enjoyed it, taking into account how old it is, it has held up very well. I didn’t even look at my phone which says a lot.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/15/24

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Joseph C

I've watched this movie too many times to count. Is it a masterpiece of acting? No. Its just a fun 80s action movie that alot of us daydreamed about. Look I know its weird, but a ton of people growing up had fantasies about defending the US from foreign invaders. Sure its not realistic, but its just a fun cheesy movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

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Gary S

Ok a great romp somewhat silly,as if the USA could be caught asleep like this,,, oblivious to a threat of such magnitude and get it's ass kicked is hardly believable, sorry what's that somebody in the background Tora Tora Tora.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/11/24

Full Review

Carlos I

Ya know, I grew up with this movie and it always held it's status as a classic. Watching it with fresh eyes, it's a bit silly and drags in places, but it's still a great concept with an awesome cast.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/26/24

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Erin M

Classic 80’s movie with all star cast, and lots of great action and war time drama.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/24/24

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Crazy P

I think this is a really good movie even though it's messed up. Just too much crying. Background view of mountains and snow is pretty. A couple of GD so that's disappointing. Would recommend if you like war movies and revenge.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/17/24

Full Review

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John Milius

Director

Patrick Swayze

Jed Eckert

C. Thomas Howell

Robert Morris

Lea Thompson

Erica

Charlie Sheen

Matt Eckert

Jennifer Grey

Toni

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Red Dawn: Official Clip - Liberating the Prison Camp

2:46

Red Dawn: Official Clip - Guerilla Warfare

3:14

Red Dawn: Official Clip - Paratrooper Invasion

3:18

Red Dawn: Official Clip - Tank Duel

3:02

Red Dawn: Official Clip - God Help Me

3:09

Red Dawn: Official Clip - Helicopter Ambush

2:30

Red Dawn: Official Clip - Avenge Me

3:28

Red Dawn: Official Clip - Vaya Con Dios

2:49

Red Dawn: Official Clip - Robert's Last Stand

1:44

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Synopsis

In an alternate 1980s, the United States stands alone as communism grows stronger. When Soviet soldiers invade a small Colorado town, brothers Jed (Patrick Swayze) and Matt Eckert (Charlie Sheen) escape with friends to the forest. With their father, Tom (Harry Dean Stanton), a prisoner of the invading army, the children decide to fight against the Soviets. As the country comes under increasing attack, the group teams up with Lt. Col. Andrew Tanner (Powers Boothe) to take back their town.

Director: John Milius
Producer: Sidney Beckerman, Buzz Feitshans
Screenwriter: John Milius, Kevin Reynolds
Distributor: MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 10, 1984, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 19, 2017
Runtime: 1h 54m
Sound Mix: Surround

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