Mike Returns to Vietnam

Rating: 8/10 (26 May 2009)

In The Deer Hunter, Mike returns to Vietnam to find Nike as he promised Nike that he would not leave Vietnam without him. When Mike initially comes home, Nike stays behind in Saigon to play Russian roulette. Mike goes on a hunting trip, yet he does not shoot the deer he finds, because he is a firm believer in doing things to the best of his ability, and he is haunted by his conscience for leaving Nike. He feels as though he has violated this principle by leaving Vietnam without bringing Nike home. Thus he returns to Saigon at a great personal risk and financial cost to find Nike. When Mike finally sees Nike, he finds that Nike has gone insane from the stress of combat and torture. In an effort to bring Nike back to his senses, Mike plays Russian roulette with him, which ultimately culminates with Nike's suicide. Feeling a great debt to his friend, Mike brings Nike's body back home for burial.