It was explained in the very first sequel, Rambo: First Blood Part 2. His freedom for going on a recon mission to Vietnam on behalf of Col. Troutman.

Also the end of Rambo (2008) or Rambo IV (whatever you prefer!) already showed him back home on the old Rambo farm so no explanation required in this film whatever.

@The Midi-chlorian Count said:

Also the end of Rambo (2008) or Rambo IV (whatever you prefer!) already showed him back home on the old Rambo farm so no explanation required in this film whatever.

Really? I thought it had him living in Thailand or some other country in the southeast Asia. Isn't that how he got involved with the missionaries in Burma?

@RodimusConvoy said:

It was explained in the very first sequel, Rambo: First Blood Part 2. His freedom for going on a recon mission to Vietnam on behalf of Col. Troutman.

Yes, but after coming back from that mission and shooting up millions of dollars worth of equipment (love that scene BTW ) , beating up half the staff, you would think that Presidential pardon would be null and void. Also, he chooses at the end of the film to remain in Asia.

@movie_nazi said:

@The Midi-chlorian Count said:

Also the end of Rambo (2008) or Rambo IV (whatever you prefer!) already showed him back home on the old Rambo farm so no explanation required in this film whatever.

Really? I thought it had him living in Thailand or some other country in the southeast Asia. Isn't that how he got involved with the missionaries in Burma?

Yeah it did. But at the end he came back home:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-8vsTw4yQ4

@The Midi-chlorian Count said:

@movie_nazi said:

@The Midi-chlorian Count said:

Also the end of Rambo (2008) or Rambo IV (whatever you prefer!) already showed him back home on the old Rambo farm so no explanation required in this film whatever.

Really? I thought it had him living in Thailand or some other country in the southeast Asia. Isn't that how he got involved with the missionaries in Burma?

Yeah it did. But at the end he came back home:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-8vsTw4yQ4

Oh my goodness, I completely forgot about that closing scene. Thanks!

Off topic, to me, the original First Blood is the best one. Watched it a couple of weeks ago and was still moved by it.

@movie_nazi said:

@RodimusConvoy said:

It was explained in the very first sequel, Rambo: First Blood Part 2. His freedom for going on a recon mission to Vietnam on behalf of Col. Troutman.

Yes, but after coming back from that mission and shooting up millions of dollars worth of equipment (love that scene BTW ) , beating up half the staff, you would think that Presidential pardon would be null and void. Also, he chooses at the end of the film to remain in Asia.

Not sure if serious, but in case you are: since you've seen the movie (Rambo: First Blood part 2) you know the context of him going to Vietnam. He saved POWS. He was due not only a pardon but a medal and probably an apology (for Murdoch's actions). So whether he came back the next day or decades later, he could come back, and with open arms.

@movie_nazi said:

Oh my goodness, I completely forgot about that closing scene. Thanks!

Off topic, to me, the original First Blood is the best one. Watched it a couple of weeks ago and was still moved by it.

Yeah First Blood probably is the finest film but then it and Rambo: First Blood Part 2 are very different beasts. It's like trying to compare The Deer Hunter with Commando. The genres are too far removed even though one is a direct sequel to the other!

Not seen the new one yet but I do hope it's not yet another example of one sequel too far spoiling the series legacy. That ending of Rambo 4 with "It's a Long Road" playing as walked down into the farm was a perfect mirroring of the opening of First Blood. Nothing further was needed in this series...

@RodimusConvoy said:

@movie_nazi said:

@RodimusConvoy said:

It was explained in the very first sequel, Rambo: First Blood Part 2. His freedom for going on a recon mission to Vietnam on behalf of Col. Troutman.

Yes, but after coming back from that mission and shooting up millions of dollars worth of equipment (love that scene BTW ) , beating up half the staff, you would think that Presidential pardon would be null and void. Also, he chooses at the end of the film to remain in Asia.

Not sure if serious, but in case you are: since you've seen the movie (Rambo: First Blood part 2) you know the context of him going to Vietnam. He saved POWS. He was due not only a pardon but a medal and probably an apology (for Murdoch's actions). So whether he came back the next day or decades later, he could come back, and with open arms.

Yeah, you're right. I guess I am thinking in today's political climate mind frame where whistleblowers get sent to prison.

@The Midi-chlorian Count said:

Yeah First Blood probably is the finest film but then it and Rambo: First Blood Part 2 are very different beasts. It's like trying to compare The Deer Hunter with Commando. The genres are too far removed even though one is a direct sequel to the other!

Yes, the first is more drama IMO whereas the second is pure action.