The Deer Hunter

Name: The Deer Hunter
Genre: Drama, War
Released: December 8, 1978
Duration: 182 min
Rating: 90
Cast: Christopher Walken, Robert De Niro

1978

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 18 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 254 Ratings

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7.7

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7.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 254 Ratings

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The Deer Hunter

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: December 8, 1978 | R

Starring: Christopher Walken, Robert De Niro

Summary: The Deer Hunter tracks a group of steelworker pals from a Pennsylvania blast furnace to the cool hunting grounds of the Alleghenies to the lethal cauldron of Vietnam. Robert De Niro gives an outstanding performance as Michael, the natural leader of the group. The Deer Hunter is a searing drama of friendship and courage - and what happens toThe Deer Hunter tracks a group of steelworker pals from a Pennsylvania blast furnace to the cool hunting grounds of the Alleghenies to the lethal cauldron of Vietnam. Robert De Niro gives an outstanding performance as Michael, the natural leader of the group. The Deer Hunter is a searing drama of friendship and courage - and what happens to these qualities under hardship. [Universal]… Expand

Director: Michael Cimino

Genre(s): Drama, War

Rating: R

Runtime: 182 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

The Guardian Peter Bradshaw

The idea of sacrifice permeates everything, along with the cruelty and horror. This is Cimino's masterpiece. Read full review

100

Staff (Not Credited)

Ideally, though, it should prove as gruelling a test of its audience's moral and political conscience as it seems to have been for its makers. Read full review

100

Roger Ebert

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. Read full review

100

Andrew Ryan

Stark and haunting, and still unbearable to watch at times, The Deer Hunter remains a powerful movie experience. Unlike the broad strokes of Apocalypse Now and Full Metal Jacket, the 1979 best-picture Oscar-winner provides a more personal take on the human casualties of the Vietnam War. Read full review

100

D.W. Mault

Cimino’s drama does far more than simply function; it’s an awkward, uneasy paean to a dying class that will soon be destroyed by the oncoming march of globalisation Read full review

The Observer (UK) Philip French

The Deer Hunter is a rich and powerful picture that without a trace of patronisation or the slightest touch of cultural superiority, speaks eloquently for the inarticulate. Read full review

Pauline Kael

A romantic adolescent boy’s view of friendship.

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User Reviews

MoneyMaker101

Jan 31, 2015

One of the greatest movies I have ever seen.The plot is interesting and characters are really emotional and this movie shows all problems of war and how war meaningless is.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

ScottB

Dec 4, 2010

My favorite movie of all time. This movie will take grasp of you and show you what a real friend is for. however it is long and somewhat slow, their is a story behind it that is dark and makes you feel like the characters are "true". i challenge to any contender. A true film!!

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

jeannie

Feb 15, 2012

The Deer Hunter is a masterpiece. It is the most powerful film to ever be created, PERIOD.
The acting of DeNiro and Walken, and Streep is flawless. I am so grateful this movie was made, and I have it to enjoy throughout my lifetime.

6 of 6 users found this helpful60

D.T.

Sep 20, 2005

This is to Vietnam what "Best Years of Our Lives" was for World War II. An excellent telling of war affecting a small town. Lives are changed for those who go as well for those who stay behind. Acting is at the peak of it's period - along with Dog Day Afternoon, the best of the 70's.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

JJLaw

Oct 22, 2005

Gritty, Vietnam-era movie about the relationship between close friends and how time and war affect their relationships. Excellent cast including Christopher Walken's best performance and Robert DeNiro.

1 of 2 users found this helpful

BlakeJ.

Mar 26, 2007

Ask me: "Blake, does this movie stand the test of time?" And I will be forced to honestly say, "No, in my opinion it does not." The Deer Hunter is a serious movie, filled with serious ideas, and serious actors. In his most endearing performance ever on scree, Christopher Walken molds Nicky Ask me: "Blake, does this movie stand the test of time?" And I will be forced to honestly say, "No, in my opinion it does not." The Deer Hunter is a serious movie, filled with serious ideas, and serious actors. In his most endearing performance ever on scree, Christopher Walken molds Nicky into precisely the desensitized warriror Cimino must have wanted, or at least dream about. The entire supporting cast adds to the movie's sparkle and gleam of greatness. But, it is in it's lack of cohesion, and it's, ultimately, slow pacing. There is a scene that will make your heart explode, but you wont make it to that scene if you have a short attention span.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful

sinadoom

Jun 22, 2013

I am astounded at how a film can be so long yet only have about half an hour's worth of actual professionally directed content. The first hour is completely pointless and bares no relation to the next half an hour. The characters are poorly developed and have no real personality. The filmI am astounded at how a film can be so long yet only have about half an hour's worth of actual professionally directed content. The first hour is completely pointless and bares no relation to the next half an hour. The characters are poorly developed and have no real personality. The film starts with an hour-long (seemingly) unedited wedding video. Then some guy shoots a deer. Then it immediately jumps into a Vietnamese battlefield, with no explanation whatsoever or anything to make a link between the most boring hour in the history of movies and the next half an hour. Even the bit which actually has some action can pretty much be summarised by a one minute cutscene in the game Call of Duty: Black Ops. So the only bit that's actually exciting or eventful in this film features half an hour of Russian Roulette. That's it. So my advice: if you want to watch this film, just find a 20 minute clip of it and there's the entire film for you. There's no story behind it at all.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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