Drama,War
United Kingdom,United States of America
The Deer Hunter is a 1978 film directed by Michael Cimino, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep. It follows the lives of three steelworkers from the same small town in Pennsylvania who enlist in the US Army to fight in Vietnam.
The film is divided into three acts: before, during, and after their deployment. In the first act, the three men enjoy their last days at home, hunting deer and celebrating Steven's wedding. Steven marries Angela, who is pregnant with his child, and the friends plan to reunite after the war.
In the second act, the soldiers are captured by the Viet Cong in a brutal game of Russian roulette. Nick is severely traumatized by the experience and forced to compete in more rounds of the game for the entertainment of their captors. Michael and Steven manage to escape and return home, haunted by their experiences in Vietnam.
In the third act, Michael returns to Vietnam to find Nick, who has become a heroin addict and is participating in underground Russian roulette games. Michael convinces Nick to come home with him, but he ultimately takes his own life. Steven, who has lost his legs in the war, is unable to cope with his injuries and kills himself as well.
The Deer Hunter explores the psychological impact of war on individuals and their communities. It received critical acclaim upon its release and was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Picture.
