The death of...?

Rating: 9/10 (24 February 2001)

OK, I got that the killing of the deer was supposed to represent "the death of innocence," but it almost seemed more like the death of morons. I mean, before 'nam did these guys do anything but drink beer, p*ss, and repeat the cycle? Beavis and Buttheads of the late '60's. Is this a fair portrayal of the Vietnam generation?
OK, the scenes in Vietnam were great, but the dialog in this film seems muffled and very hard to understand. The movie is overlong, and far too much time is spent on certain scenes (such as the wedding). Pacing is not so great. Cinematography is only average.
Overall, I give "The Deer Hunter" 8/10. It scores (especially in the acting department), but in my opinion doesn't stand up to many later war films. Given a game of russian roulette between "Thin Red Line," "Saving Private Ryan," "Apocalypse Now," "Platoon" and "Full Metal Jacket," this film unfortunately gets one of the full chambers.