The Deer Hunter (1978) - Movie

The Deer Hunter (1978)
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...
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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: Drama , War

Production Co: Universal Pictures

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

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Film Fixation: Deer Hunter

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Ratings & Reviews

100
The Hollywood Reporter
For me, The Deer Hunter is THE great American film of 1978. I realize that we still have a few major releases yet to come, like Superman, but I can't imagine anything more timely, more important, more uncompromising than this Universal-EMI production. show more
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
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]

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com

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