20 Secret Movie Sub-Plots You Didn't Notice

18. Post-War Trauma - First Blood (1981)

Yes, the Rambo franchise was never one for subtlety, but it's worth remembering that its first instalment was actually quite a powerful exploration of post-war trauma. 

Rarely is this more affecting - and easy to miss, since it's never spoken - than when it comes to small town sheriff Teasle (Brian Dennehy), who rejects Vietnam war vet Rambo (Sly Stallone) and his attempts to pass through his town.

Though it's easy to see Teasle simply as a villain, an obstacle to Rambo's solitary mission, First Blood sports a sneaky clue about why Teasle carries such animosity for his new foe. In his office, located behind his desk chair, sit three medals Teasle was awarded for serving in the Korean War.

Teasle may be a threat, but his antagonism comes from a place of real hurt, since he dislikes the fact Rambo represents how, to his mind, Vietnam War vets gained more recognition for their service than Korean vets like himself. It's a fascinating extra wrinkle to an already shockingly intelligent film.