best Vietnam film to date

Rating: 9/10 (11 May 2001)

It's not the greatest film of all time, maybe not even the 113th greatest film of all time, but it is the best movie made of the effects of the Vietnam War on average individuals to date. While most Vietnam movies dwell on the absurdness of war and continue to trot out the fact that most, if not all, Vietnam veterans are ticking time bombs ready to explode, director Cimino chose instead to concentrate on the development of three characters (De Niro, Walken, and Savage) before, during, and after the war.
Before: If I got the plot right, I think one of the characters from the Pennsylvania town the movie is set in got drafted. His friends felt bad from him and so a few them decided to enlist, but only two qualified for the army (except the character played by Cazale--in his final role--who is too absorbed in himself to want to go to Vietnam.) In case something does happen in Vietnam, the characters partake in some of life pleasures before they go. The opening hour of the movie consists of Steve's (Savage) wedding and Cimino beautifully shows the traditions of a small Russian community, without making them seem strange to an average viewer (the only other movies with small town traditions seem to be those lame "the town is actually cult" films.) After the wedding all the friends go hunting deer for one last time before the three main characters go off to Vietnam. Everybody has a good time, and they all avoid hurting each others feelings and only playfully tease each other. Mike, Steve, and Nick all think Vietnam will be sort of an exotic "hunt."
During: Mike becomes a killing machine who is just focused on destroying the Viet Cong (or anyone Vietmenese who happens to be in the area.) He doesn't even stop to talk to Steve and Nick in a chance encounter, and when the three end up as POWs he gets upset at Steve reluctance to play Russian Roulete when they are paired against each other. He does have good intentions though and manages to comfort his two friends and orchestrate a breakout from the abysaml prison camp. (Note: there are no documented records of Russian Roulete actually taking place in Vietnam). During the escape everyone gets seperated, Steve becomes paralyzed and Nick (Walken in his Oscar winning role) makes his way through the diplomatic and physical horrors of Vietnam before stumbling into organized Russian Roullette.
After: Mike is the only one who returns home, and everyone treats him as a John Wayne-ish war hero. However, Mike is ashamed that he shot innocent civilians and let military matters interfere with his friendships. He tries to take advantage of Nick's abscence by courting his girlfriend (Streep) but just ends up feeling guilty. He goes hunting with his homelocked buddies but can't bring himself to shoot deer anymore. He wants people to stop congratualting him for his patriotism. Eventually Mike tries to get Steve and Nick back in hopes that he can carry on before like nothing ever happened, but each one doesn't want to leave his own post-war world.
The "God Bless America" ending is kind of disappointing, but the movie is well worth the 3 1/2 spend.