Thursday, May 8

Movie Review: The Deer Hunter

Length: 3 hours and 3 minutes
Released: 1978
Genre: Historical Fiction, War, and Drama
Rating: R
Directed By: Michael Cimino

Where I Got It: borrowed from library

SUMMARY:



An in-depth examination of the ways in which the Vietnam War disrupts and impacts the lives of people in a small industrial town in Pennsylvania.







TRAILER:


CAST:

Michael - Robert De Niro
Stan - John Cazale
Nick - Christopher Walken
Steven - John Savage
Linda - Meryl Steep
Axel - Chuck Aspegren
John - George Dzunda
Angela - Rutanya Alda


REVIEW:

OH my goodness....these actors are SO young! It was really weird to see them this young. I've seen in other films during their youths, but it always boggles my mind. Especially De Niro (played Michael). He's good looking now, but in this film he was EXTREMELY good looking. Wow. Even Christopher Walken looked good.

Anyways....

This was certainly a pick at the Vietnam War and all wars in general. They did not sugar coat anything in this film. War is nasty business and it can really destroy someone - even if they don't die or get maimed. It can cripple you or mess up your mind. I'm glad that the writers decided to show each side of the madness of war. One friend gets crippled forever, one snaps mentally. Poor Michael trying to hold everything together before, during, and after the war. He was their leader, their best friend. They guy everyone went to. I loved him, but man, did I feel bad for him.

I'm not going to lie...I usually don't watch many Vietnam War movies and I wasn't too keen on this one. However, Boyfriend REALLY wanted to watch it and so I gave in and watched it with him. Low and behold, I actually liked it. Perhaps it was because of all the actors in it. They are all fantastic! The beginning really was super slow and I nearly gave up. HOWEVER, it picks up after the deer hunt they go on. I get WHY they made the beginning slow. There are a lot of characters they wanted to establish and get you to know and understand. They wanted you to see how life was BEFORE the war. After the movie was done, I really appreciated the beginning, because it allowed me to connect with all the characters.

OH! The ending made me tear up, but it certainly was a good ending. It made me a little mad...but it certainly was good. I shall say no more.

It was a good movie and I recommend anyone who has any interest in history or likes a good movie, should watch this. The acting was wonderful. The story was engaging even though the beginning was a little slow. It was certainly worth the 3 hours. Out of five stars I shall stamp this 5 stars. It's more like 4.5, but I don't give decimals, so I rounded.

Favorite Character(s): Michael, Linda, Axel (I wish he had more camera time), and John.
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Steve, Angela (pull yourself together woman!), and Stan.
RE-WATCH: Sure. 

2 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

Dunno if I have seen it

Carole Rae said...

You should watch it again. ;D