The Deer Hunter Poster
81
metacriticBased on 12 Critics
74
Based on 163 Users

Release Date: 1978

DVD Release Date: March 31st, 1998

R|3 hr 3 min

Plot Summary
In 1968, Michael (Robert De Niro), Nick (Christopher Walken) and Steven (John Savage), lifelong friends from a working-class Pennsylvania steel town, prepare to ship out overseas following Steven's elaborate wedding and one final group hunting trip. In Vietnam, their dreams of military honor are quickly shattered by the inhumanities of war; even those who survive are haunted by the experience, as is Nick's hometown sweetheart, Linda (Meryl Streep).

Cast: Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, John Cazale, Meryl Streep, George Dzundza, Chuck Aspegren, Shirley Stoler

Director: Michael Cimino

Genres: War, Drama

Production Co: Universal Pictures

Keywords: Friend, 1960s, Friendship, Escape, Soldier, Girlfriend, Transformation, 1970s, Wife, Growing up

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Ratings & Reviews

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  • 100
    Gene SiskelChicago Tribune

    What distinguishes The Deer Hunter most is its many rich characters and the size of its vision. This is a big film, dealing with big issues, made on a grand scale. Much of it, including some casting decisions, suggest inspiration by "The Godfather." [9 Mar 1979]

  • 100
    Roger EbertChicago Sun-Times

    It is not an anti-war film. It is not a pro-war film. It is one of the most emotionally shattering films ever made. show more

  • 100
    Colin KennedyEmpire

    A simultaneuosly touching and harrowing experience that puts the audience directly in the shoes of one man's experience of Vietnam. show more

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Awards

Winner Best Director - Motion Picture
Golden Globes (1979)
Nominated Supporting Actor
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (1979)
Winner Cinematography
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (1979)
Nominated Best Performance By an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Golden Globes (1979)
Nominated Screenplay
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (1979)
Nominated Actor
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (1979)
Nominated Direction
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (1979)
Nominated Film
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (1979)
Nominated Best Performance By an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Golden Globes (1979)
Winner Film Editing
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (1979)
Nominated Soundtrack
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (1979)
Nominated Best Performance By an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Golden Globes (1979)
Nominated Actress
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (1979)
Nominated Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
Golden Globes (1979)
Nominated Best Motion Picture - Drama
Golden Globes (1979)
Winner Actor in a Supporting Role
Oscars Academy Awards (1978)
Nominated Actor in a Leading Role
Oscars Academy Awards (1978)
Winner Sound
Oscars Academy Awards (1978)
Winner Directing
Oscars Academy Awards (1978)
Winner Best Picture
Oscars Academy Awards (1978)
Nominated Cinematography
Oscars Academy Awards (1978)
Nominated Actress in a Supporting Role
Oscars Academy Awards (1978)
Winner Film Editing
Oscars Academy Awards (1978)
Nominated Writing (Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen)
Oscars Academy Awards (1978)