Sylvester Stallone says ‘all war is stupid’, calls it a money-making mechanism
Says young soldiers pay the price
Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone has described wars as “foolish”, saying they destroy both sides while creating huge profits for military and weapons companies.
In an interview with The New York Times, the 80-year-old actor was asked whether his iconic 1980s action film Rambo reflected his personal views and beliefs about war.
Stallone said his thinking had changed over the years and he now believed that wars ultimately destroy both sides.
He said young soldiers lose their lives and suffer serious physical injuries, while countries are devastated and long-standing rivalries can continue for generations.
He, however, acknowledged that a country has the right to defend itself if it comes under attack.
“I don't want to get into politics,” Stallone said, while arguing that wars often lead to destruction, changes in borders and painful consequences for ordinary people.
The actor said he had once been a strong supporter of war, but later realised that this view came from his own lack of understanding.
He said there was nothing glorious or heroic about war.
Stallone also criticised the way wounded soldiers are treated after returning from battle, saying young people are sent into wars while military and arms-related institutions make large amounts of money.