Rambo III (1988)

Rambo III (1988), an American action film directed by Peter MacDonald and co-written by Sylvester Stallone, sees Vietnam War veteran John Rambo reprising his role. After leaving the military, he settles in a Thai Buddhist monastery where he helps with construction work and competes in krabi-krabong matches in Bangkok, donating his winnings. However, his peaceful life is interrupted when his old friend Colonel Sam Trautman visits. Trautman explains that he needs Rambo’s help for a CIA-sponsored mission to supply the Mujahideen and other tribes fighting against the Soviet Army in Afghanistan. Despite being shown photos of civilians suffering under Soviet rule, Rambo declines as he is tired of fighting. However, Trautman proceeds with the plan, only to be ambushed and captured by Soviet forces at the border. He is taken to a mountain base where he will be interrogated by Soviet Colonel Zaysen and his henchman Sergeant Kourov.

Robert Griggs, an embassy official, informs Rambo that Trautman has been captured. However, he is reluctant to approve a rescue mission out of fear of involving the U.S. in the war. Knowing that Trautman’s life is at stake, Rambo is granted permission to attempt a solo rescue. The catch? If he’s caught or killed, the U.S. will disavow him. In Peshawar, Pakistan, Rambo persuades arms dealer Mousa Ghani to take him to Khost – the nearest town to the Soviet base where Trautman is being held captive. Though hesitant at first, Rambo convinces the village leader Masoud and his Mujahideen fighters to help him. But their efforts are short-lived when a Soviet informant working for Ghani tips off the enemy forces. Two attack helicopters are dispatched to attack the village while Rambo takes down one with a DShK heavy machine gun. Despite his bravery, Masoud and his rebels refuse to provide any further assistance.