Join us this Saturday, August 9, for a screening of the dystopian war film Red Dawn. The first PG-13 film ever released, it is often remembered for its violence, but it also tells a story of bravery, loyalty, and companionship exhibited by a band of eight teenagers fighting for their lives and their country. Similar to other 1980’s doomsday films, Red Dawn contains themes influenced by the fears and anxieties of the Cold War era.

Loyalties are questioned and courage is tested is this depiction of enemy occupation in America. The Wolverines find themselves behind enemy lines after fleeing from an invasion by Soviet Union paratroopers on the grounds of their high school. Alone and unsure of what’s to come, the group must work together to get information about the occupying forces and figure out a plan to fight back.

The young cast, including Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, and Charlie Sheen in his feature film debut, underwent eight weeks of intensive military training before filming began. Director John Milius wanted the cast to understand the physical and emotional perils of guerrilla warfare. And he succeeded: upon its release, the film earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most acts of violence of any film up to that time at 134 per hour or approximately 2.23 per minute.

Despite its record-breaking portrayal of war, the original script was intended to be less action oriented and more of an introspective look at the aggressive nature of man. It was based on a story called Ten Soldiers (the original title of the script), which emphasized the tensions within the group of Wolverines rather than the conflict between the teens and the Soviet soldiers. However, as the film developed and the focus shifted toward violence and away from the trials of adolescence, the effects of Cold War era anxieties- even on filmmaking- became apparent.

Although the film has received mixed reviews in the thirty years since its release, it was one of the highest grossing films of 1984. It was remade in 2012 into a film starring Chris Hemsworth and with an altered political angle. But try as it might, this newer version was not such a hit at the box office, and served mainly to remind viewers of the intrigue of the original. So bring your blankets and chairs and come join us for the chance to see the original on the big screen once more!

The screening will begin at dark outside or inside the house in the case of inclement weather. Admission is only $5 and children 10 & under get in for free. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more details: https://www.visitlongbranch.org/event/outdoor-historic-movie-series-4/

– Katie Williams, Long Branch Plantation Intern