Myanmar expats raise Rambo battle-cry in Singapore

After the crushing of last September's monk-led protests, anti-junta activists see the movie as a rallying cry to a cause that receives little Western backing beyond words of support for detained opposition leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

"We wanted to show our unity," said Edward, a leader of the Overseas Burmese Patriots group which coordinated the movie's screening, complete with red t-shirts reading "We pursue peace, justice and democracy for Burma".

He declined to give his family name, mindful of the dim view Singapore authorities take of any political gathering of more than four people.

"The war is still a reality," Edward said. "Rambo can let the world know the military government is totally cruel."