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The Deer Hunter (1978)

 -  Drama | War  -  23 February 1979 (USA)
8.2
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Ratings: 8.2/10 from 147,295 users   Metascore: 73/100
Reviews: 906 user | 111 critic | 7 from Metacritic.com

An in-depth examination of the way that the Vietnam war affects the lives of people in a small industrial town in the USA.

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(story), (story), 3 more credits »
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Title: The Deer Hunter (1978)

The Deer Hunter (1978) on IMDb 8.2/10

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Top 250 #132 | Won 5 Oscars. Another 21 wins & 17 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Chuck Aspegren ...
Shirley Stoler ...
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Pierre Segui ...
Mady Kaplan ...
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Mary Ann Haenel ...
Richard Kuss ...
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Storyline

Michael, Steven and Nick are young factory workers from Pennsylvania who enlist into the Army to fight in Vietnam. Before they go, Steven marries the pregnant Angela and their wedding-party is also the men's farewell party. After some time and many horrors the three friends fall in the hands of the Vietcong and are brought to a prison camp in which they are forced to play Russian roulette against each other. Michael makes it possible for them to escape, but they soon get separated again. Written by Leon Wolters <wolters@strw.LeidenUniv.nl>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Winner of 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture 1978 See more »

Genres:

Drama | War

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

| | |

Release Date:

23 February 1979 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Die durch die Hölle gehen  »

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

SEK 10,994,967 (Sweden)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

,  »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(70 mm prints)| (35 mm prints)

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Christopher Walken achieved the withdrawn, hollow look of his character by eating nothing but rice and bananas. See more »

Goofs

When Michael comes back from Vietnam he has a full beard while in uniform. He would not have been able to leave Vietnam in uniform until haircut and facial hair complies with uniform regulation AR 670-1. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Michael: Hey, watch out, Axel. We'll be calling him old fireballs after tonight.
Axel: Fuckin' A.
Michael: Not bad.
See more »

Crazy Credits

We gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of our Thai crew in the production of "The Deer Hunter" See more »

Connections

Referenced in Entourage: The Sundance Kids (2005)
mentioned in dialogue See more »

Soundtracks

"The Stars and Stripes Forever"
(1896) (uncredited)
Music by John Philip Sousa
Played at the wedding reception
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Immense poignancy
18 January 2006 | by (UK) – See all my reviews

I cannot fathom the absolute horror that war brings to a persons life, but never has a film depicted it more harrowing than The Deerhunter. At 182 minutes, it seemed to fly by, leaving me wanting more and wishing this would not end. all facets are explored, all people's emotions are laid bare, not just the combatants. If we obviously did not know better, one would have to say this was a British film, as it has all the best elements that British movie making displays. i can eulogise for hundreds of lines, but this really is the ONLY American movie i can think of (others? apart from taxi driver) that is RAW. A strange word i know but the movie oozes a raw edge to it. Immense performances from all concerned, and if i had to say, i believe i have not seen Christopher Walken in a better role. One of the very few films i deservedly give 10/10. A must for any collection and a stunning example of every aspect of film making coming together, albeit for a sombre depiction of life.


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