The Deer Hunter

“One of the most important and powerful films of all time!”

8.0

1978

3h 3m

DramaWar

Director: Michael Cimino

Overview

Three steelworkers enlist in the army and are sent to Vietnam, one leaving behind a rushed marriage, the others a shared love. What they encounter during the war changes their lives forever.

Trailer

Official Trailer Official

Cast

Michael Vronsky

Robert De Niro

Michael Vronsky

Nikanor "Nick" Chevotarevich

Christopher Walken

Nikanor "Nick" Chevotarevich

Stan

John Cazale

Stan

Steven Pushkov

John Savage

Steven Pushkov

Linda

Meryl Streep

Linda

John

George Dzundza

John

Angela

Rutanya Alda

Angela

Julien

Pierre Segui

Julien

Bridesmaid

Amy Wright

Bridesmaid

Linda's Father

Richard Kuss

Linda's Father

Bandleader

Joe Grifasi

Bandleader

Cab Driver

Dennis Watlington

Cab Driver

Reviews

Andres Gomez

Slow pace movie which nicely depicts the life of worker class Russian inmigrants in USA and the impact that its young generation receives from Vietnam's war. The actual shock cause being the crazy game of the Russian roulette only helps from the artistic point of view of the film but it is well blended into the actual story.

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talisencrw

With director Cimino's recent death and his reputation in tatters since the debacle of 'Heaven's Gate', I decided to visit 'The Deer Hunter'. Though over three hours long, it's astonishing, paced so achingly right and I can see why he rightfully earned the 'carte blanche' that would unfortunately lead to his downfall (as well as an entire studio's) as soon as he made his next film. But to reach such heights and to have such ambition--as well as undeniable talent--is a victory in and of itself. Just armed with the main five actors alone, at the zenith of their craft, a fine script (really the first interesting and well-deliberated Vietnam film to hit the big screen) and Vilmos Zsigmond behind the camera meant that this would prove something special. Scenes that will haunt you forever. My favourite shot is the incredible 360-degree pan shot around Linda's bedroom when she realizes she's given up on Nick and is going to declare her love to Michael--extraordinary stuff. What's YOURS? Many film lovers who despise Cimino's work instantly clam up when 'The Deer Hunter' is mentioned...and there's a reason for that. It's deservedly considered one of the finest American films of the 70's--a decade that was chock-full of great ones.

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JPV852

The Deer Hunter (1978) — Excellent character war drama that showcases some great performances, mainly De Niro and Walken. Directed by Michael Cimino, this 3-hour film takes its time developing these characters and shows the psychological side of the horrors of Vietnam, and war in general. Probably makes a good companion film with Apocalypse Now, released only seven months later (in the U.S.). **4.5/5**

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