Red Dawn

Red Dawn

Year: 1984

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: John Milius

ActionDrama

When North Korean forces invade and occupy Spokane, Washington, a veteran finds himself joining forces with a group of teenagers. Together, they form an unlikely resistance movement known as the Wolverines and launch a guerrilla war against the invaders. Facing overwhelming odds, the Wolverines must fight for their survival and attempt to liberate their city from oppression, risking everything in a desperate struggle for freedom.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Red Dawn (1984)

Trace every key event in Red Dawn (1984) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Soviet Union's Famine and Invasion

The turmoil starts with a famine in the Soviet Union, which leads to food riots in Poland. This chaos escalates when the USSR invades Poland, marking the beginning of global unrest. Meanwhile, tensions rise in Central America, with Cuba and Nicaragua amassing forces for impending invasions.

Mid-1980s
2

Political Tensions in NATO

Due to increasing political discord, NATO is weakened as member nations dismantle their nuclear arsenals. The dissolution of NATO leaves the United States isolated, without allies or international support amidst the brewing conflicts. This sets the stage for attacks on American soil.

Mid-1980s
3

The Invasion Begins in Calumet

In a small mountain town called Calumet, the invasion starts as Soviet paratroopers land unexpectedly. Jed Eckert notices the chaos from a school, where the history teacher is shot while investigating the disturbances. The students, including Jed's brother Matt, manage to escape the unfolding horror.

September Calumet, Colorado
4

Escape to the Mountains

After witnessing the attack, Jed, Matt, and their friends flee the chaos of Calumet. They head to a gas station owned by Robert's father where they gather supplies and firearms for survival. The group decides to retreat to the mountains to hide from the invading forces.

Calumet, Colorado
5

Life in Hiding

Settling in a mountain camp, tensions rise as Daryl, the class president, argues for returning to town. The group struggles with their situation as they realize they have no contact with the outside world after their radio is destroyed. The need for survival becomes increasingly urgent.

Mountain Camp
6

Return to Calumet

Weeks later, the group returns to Calumet to gather intelligence. They learn from a store owner about their vilification and their father's imprisonment in a re-education camp. This revelation ignites their desire for revenge against the invading forces.

October Calumet, Colorado
7

Re-education Camp Discovery

At the re-education camp, they find their father beaten and imprisoned, who urges them to fight back against their oppressors. This reinforces the warriors' resolve to protect their town and seek vengeance for the oppression of their friends and family.

Calumet, Colorado
8

Formation of the Wolverines

The teens establish their identity as a resistance group, dubbing themselves the 'Wolverines'. They launch a campaign against the occupying forces, utilizing guerrilla warfare tactics to strike back, reclaiming some power amidst the chaos of war.

9

Tactical Support from Air Force Colonel

The Wolverines meet Air Force Colonel Andy Tanner, who provides crucial tactical knowledge about the war and the enemy's movements. This new alliance strengthens their guerrilla efforts and boosts morale as they plan a major strike on the occupying forces.

By late October
10

Tragedy Strikes

During a plan to assault an enemy airbase, tragedy unfolds when Arturo is killed in a firefight, and Tanner is gravely injured. The losses weigh heavily on the group, fueling their determination to continue fighting despite their grief and loss.

11

Betrayal and Consequences

Daryl's betrayal is uncovered when a Soviet tracking device reveals their location. The team is forced to deal with the consequences of his actions, resulting in a grim decision to execute both Daryl and the Soviet soldier captive, symbolizing the loss of their innocence.

By March
12

Final Confrontation

The Wolverines launch a desperate assault on Soviet headquarters, clashing with overwhelming enemy forces. Amidst the chaos, Matt is shot, and in a final confrontation, Jed confronts Colonel Strelnikov, resulting in simultaneous fatalities for both.

Calumet, Colorado
13

Aftermath of the Battle

As the smoke clears from the final battle, Jed mourns over his brother's death while Colonel Bella contemplates his resignation as the fighting wears heavily on both sides. The group is left to grapple with their losses while contemplating their efforts to free America.

Calumet, Colorado
14

Journey to Free America

Ultimately, only Erica and Danny survive from the original group. They make the perilous journey to Free America, with Erica narrating the tale of their fallen friends while reflecting on the impacts of war. Their journey symbolizes hope amid despair.

Great Plains
15

Legacy and Memorial

Erica reflects on the memorial 'Partisan Rock', where the names of their lost friends are etched, a testament to their sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. The words inscribed mirror the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.

Partisan Rock

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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Red Dawn Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Red Dawn

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