Where Was Rambo First Blood Filmed? Stallone’s Blockbuster Action Flick From 1982!!

Are you one of those people who can watch Sylvester Stallone starrer flicks, over and again? If you are, then follow this article to know all about the action-packed film, First Blood, starring Sylvester Stallone. And later find out where was Rambo First Blood filmed.

The American iconic film, First Blood, released in 1982 was the first installment of the Rambo film series. I think you’d be amazed to know that, apart from giving a stellar on-screen performance in the lead role, Stallone also contributed to this project as a screenwriter. This action-thriller film was loosely inspired by a novel by David Morell, published in 1972. The basic premise of First Blood covers the heart-wrenching story of a Vietnam war veteran, who was ill-treated by a white-American police officer. Although the situation quickly turns south for the officer when the war hero, chooses to hunt the corrupt officer down.

First Blood was a massive success of the time. This action-drama film went on to gross over $156 million in worldwide collections against a production budget of just $15 million. The makers were pretty impressed with the exponential returns on their investment in the film. The audiences and critics too, highly praised the stellar performance of Stallone and other actors on-screen.

So without further ado, let’s explore where was Rambo First Blood filmed so that you can take a closer look at the awesome filming locations. Plus, as promised I’ll also acquaint you with the plot of First Blood, later in this article.

Where Was Rambo First Blood Filmed? Let’s Know This Action Thriller Flick Closely!

Are you excited to find out where was Rambo First Blood filmed? Well, then hold on to that excitement for just a wee bit, as I walk you through the events that led the makers to choose the beautiful filming locations of First Blood. So, after writing and editing the screenplay. Stallone began looking for producers to back the project. The Hollywood star approached a number of producers, but most of them were reluctant to shell out the kind of money required to film in beautiful locations in America.

Thus, after failing to entice major production companies, Sylvester agreed to the idea of shooting somewhere that would turn out to be, in plain words, cheaper than filming in the USA! Ted Kotcheff, the director of the film, on the other hand, had a few idyllic shooting locations on his mind, that were both beautiful and economically feasible to film in. Soon, after conferring with other creative heads, gorgeous shooting destinations in Canada were finalized, specifically in and around the province of British Columbia. Principal photography began in the first week of November 1981 and was completed within 4 months. The majority of the filming took place in North Vancouver and Port Coquitlam, while the remaining scenes were captured in other parts of British Columbia. Ok, so let us now finally discuss where was Rambo First Blood filmed in-depth, and find out more about the specific shooting sites.

Hope, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia | Canada

The opening scene of the film, depicting the return of the lead character from the battlefields of Vietnam, was captured in the municipality area of Hope in Canada. The census-designated place is located in the eastern part of Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland region. The breathtaking natural setting of Hope was perfect to portray the scenes of a small hill town. Several exterior shots of the Coquihalla River were also filmed after which the crew moved to the city of Port Coquitlam and filmed the remaining establishing scenes.

North Vancouver, Burnaby, British Columbia | Canada

The sequences depicting the encounter of John Rambo, with the corrupt police officer was filmed in North Vancouver. Although while filming here, the production had to face a major challenge with the unpredictable weather. Frequent snowstorms kept the crew from filming outdoor scenes but as soon as the weather was the production members quickly captured the exterior shots.

After completing the majority of the shooting in some other places like Pitt Meadows and Golden Ears Provincial Park, the members arrived in the city of Burnaby. The Bridge Studios located at 2400 Boundary Rd was used to shoot the interior sequences of the film, including the sequences of Rambo inside the jail. Filming lasted for several other weeks, and the members then returned to America and began working on post-production.

So, if you’re planning to witness a snowy Christmas and visit Canada this winter, then you can surely look up Bow Valley, Jasper National Park, Niagara Falls, Rideau Canal and Mt. Edith Cavell. The places are often visited by tourists around the globe, during the winter.

Alrighty, folks, it’s about time for me to discuss the plot of First Blood. So that you can get an idea about the storyline of your favorite Rambo film. Also, you can check out Choose Or Die, Kuroneko and Bird Box later, which are equally intriguing.

Plot Of Rambo First Blood | What’s It About

The basic premise of First Blood revolves around the character of John Rambo, an undisputed ex-special forces officer, who has served America in the Vietnam War. At the very beginning of the movie, Rambo sets foot in a small American town to meet with this long-lost friend. However, a corrupt officer soon spots the war hero and mocks him, but the lead actor denies escalating the matter, initially.

Later as the story progresses, the harassment by the police officer becomes frequent, until he apprehends the male lead, and tortures him inside a holding cell. The super-soldier soon unleashes the beast from within and escapes the confinement. Watch First Blood to witness how John Rambo hunts the corrupt law keeper.

Final Words

Ok guys, so now that you know where was Rambo First Blood filmed, I reckon you’d also go on to watch this exciting action-thriller if you haven’t already. Do let us know if you enjoyed the read, in the comments section below, we’d be absolutely amazed to know your thoughts. And don’t forget to check out other amazing articles on Viebly.